Sensory Imagery and Figurative Language Retake 1

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

The wind whispered through the trees.

• hyperbole and tactile imagery

• personification and auditory imagery

• simile and gustatory imagery

Answer explanation

The writer gives the wind a human characteristic. It "whispered." This simultaneously offers imagery related to our sense of hearing.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

I’m feeling electric tonight.

• hyperbole

• simile

• personification

Answer explanation

The writer is not literally charged with electricity. She uses an exaggeration to illustrate how energetic or "hyped up" she feels.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

The city is my church.

• metaphor

• simile

• personification

Answer explanation

Without using "like" or "as," the singer compares his experiences in the city to the experiences one might have in a church. He could go to the city for spiritual healing and growing, just like people go to church for. This could also refer to how he goes to the city routinely, like a sanctuary, where he feels comfortable.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

The soft, velvety petals of the rose glistened with morning dew.

• auditory imagery and olfactory imagery

• olfactory imagery and gustatory imagery

• tactile imagery and visual imagery

Answer explanation

The phrase "soft, velvety petals" provides imagery related to our sense of touch while the words "the rose glistened with morning dew" offers imagery related to our sense of sight.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

The tangy taste of the lemonade danced on his tongue, refreshing and sharp.

• visual imagery, simile, and metaphor

• gustatory imagery, personification, and hyperbole

• auditory imagery, tactile imagery, and simile

Answer explanation

The word "tangy" provides sensory imagery related to our sense of taste. Giving the lemonade the human quality of "dancing" creates personification. The lemonade wasn't really "sharp"; the writer uses a hyperbole to exaggerate the shocking sensation of the sour drink hitting the taste buds on his tongue.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

The golden sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

• metaphor and visual imagery

• simile and tactile imagery

• personification and gustatory imagery

Answer explanation

The sun is metaphorically being compared to an artist who "paints" the sky. The colorful sunset also provides the reader with imagery related to our sense of sight.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

I was choking in the crowd.

• hyperbole

• personification

• simile

Answer explanation

The speaker is not literally choking. He exaggerates the lack of freedom he feels surrounded by the social pressures of mainstream society.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

I’m just like my country. I’m young, scrappy and hungry.

• olfactory imagery

• metaphor

• simile

Answer explanation

The speaker compares himself to his own country using the word "like." His county is a newer nation ("young") filled with determined people ("scrappy") who have a strong desire for power and opportunity ("hungry").

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

The sizzle of bacon frying in the pan mingled with its smoky, savory scent.

• auditory imagery and olfactory imagery

• tactile imagery and olfactory imagery

• gustatory imagery and tactile imagery

Answer explanation

"Sizzle" provides sensory imagery related to hearing while "smoky" and "savory" offers sensory imagery related to smell.

Which literary device does this line demonstrate?

1. Her voice, soft as the summer rain.

• personification

• simile

• visual imagery

Answer explanation

The writer uses "as" to compare the mellow tone of a female's "voice" with a gentle "summer rain."