Figurative Language and Literary Devices

Literary Devices

Literary devices are techniques writers use to add meaning and engage the reader. Some common examples are simile, metaphor, personification,

hyperbole, and imagery. These techniques can give the reader a greater understanding and meaning of the writer's intent.

• I have read this.

• I have really read this.

• I have actually, seriously read this.

• Read what?

A mental picture described using sight, smell, taste, hearing, or touch.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Imagery

• Hyperbole

The use of exaggeration to express a strong emotion or create a statement is a...

• Imagery

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

To give human qualities to animals and objects

• Juxtaposition

• Hyperbole

• Personification

• Imagery

Words spelled the way they sound...

• Alliteration

• Personification

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

A comparison of things using "like" or "as"...

• Simile

• Theme

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

A comparison of things without using "like" or "as"...

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

• Theme

• Simile

Literary Devices in context - Read the examples on the next slides and identify the Literary Device.

• Okay

• No

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Simile

• Imagery

Joe’s boots crunched through the hard packed snow and broke the forest’s silence. A full moon peeked out from behind two clouds. Tree shadows illuminated the snow drifts in its shimmering light. Joe shivered as a cold gust of wind blew through his jacket.

• Onomatopoeia

• Imagery

• Metaphor

• Simile