Literary Devices

The comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, typically using the words like or as, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allusion

• Allegory

A figure of speech that is used to make a comparison between two things that aren't alike but do have something in common; does not use the words "like" or "as"

• Simile

• Personification

• Imagery

• Metaphor

The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.

• Irony

• Hyperbole

• Personification

• Alliteration

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

• Allusion

• Allegory

• Alliteration

• Assonance

Represents objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

• Personification

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Imagery

The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it

• Onomatopoeia

• Allusion

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

Literary technique in which surface appearances or intentions are radically different (usually the opposite) from the real outcome.

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Irony

• Hyperbole

an implied or indirect reference to a person, event, thing, or another text.

• Irony

• Allusion

• Metaphor

• Simile

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities

• Allegory

• Onomatopoeia

• Irony

• Symbolism

Author's attitude towards the subject

• Tone

• Mood

• Attitude

• Feeling