Literary Devices in "Two Wolves"

(Ch 4) “Tension spilled from the gaps... and dripped down the sides...”

• Metaphor / Personification: Uses metaphors ('spilled', 'dripped') to treat abstract 'tension' as a physical substance, vividly conveying how palpable and pervasive the feeling is.

• Simile: Compares tension to a liquid without using 'like' or 'as', suggesting it flows freely.

• Alliteration: Repeats consonant sounds in 'spilled' and 'sides', emphasizing the imagery of tension.

• Hyperbole: Exaggerates the concept of tension to suggest it is overwhelming and all-consuming.

(Ch 18) "His hand ached like when he was forced to write..."

• Simile / Sensory Detail (Tactile/Feeling): Uses a simile comparing the current pain ('ached') to a familiar school experience, making the physical discomfort relatable and understandable for the reader.

• Metaphor: A direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as', suggesting a deeper meaning.

• Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

• Personification: Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, enhancing emotional connection.

(Ch 4) “His body like a gum tree trunk.” (Describing officer)

• Simile: Creates a visual image of the police officer's solid, sturdy physique by comparing his body to a familiar, strong natural object.

• Metaphor: Suggests that the officer is as tough as a tree but does not provide a direct comparison.

• Personification: Implies that the officer has human-like qualities similar to a tree.

• Hyperbole: Exaggerates the officer's strength by comparing him to a giant tree.

(Ch 13) "Like the fire, happiness had flickered and died.”

• A simile comparing happiness to fire and a metaphor for its temporary nature.

• A metaphor comparing happiness to a storm and its destructive power.

• A simile comparing happiness to a flower and its beauty.

• A metaphor comparing happiness to a journey and its challenges.

(Ch 2) “He looked rat-like.” (Describing Dad)

• Simile (Implied 'like') / Visual Imagery: Creates a negative impression of Dad by comparing his appearance to a rat, suggesting unpleasant, untrustworthy characteristics via connotation.

• Metaphor: Directly states that Dad is a rat, implying he is deceitful.

• Personification: Attributes human traits to a rat, suggesting Dad has rat-like qualities.

• Hyperbole: Exaggerates Dad's appearance to emphasize his untrustworthiness.

(Ch 22) "Voices slashed through the darkness. Threats."

• Strong Verb ('slashed') / Metaphor / Fragment ('Threats.'): Uses 'slashed' metaphorically to show how the voices cut sharply through the quiet, and the fragment 'Threats.' adds abrupt emphasis, creating a threatening atmosphere.

• Simile: Compares the voices to a knife cutting through silence.

• Personification: Gives human qualities to the voices in the darkness.

• Imagery: Creates a visual representation of the darkness and threats.

(Ch 2) "Dad spun the car around, laying rubber on the road."

• Strong Verb ('spun') / Idiom ('laying rubber'): Vividly conveys the speed and recklessness of Dad's driving maneuver, creating immediate drama.

• Weak Verb: 'spun' does not effectively describe the action.

• Metaphor: 'laying rubber' suggests a calm and controlled driving style.

• Adverb: 'spun' modifies the action without adding intensity.

(Ch 16) "Dad growled, as if he couldn’t help himself." What literary feature is primarily used in this sentence?

• Strong Verb / Animal Imagery

• Metaphor / Personification

• Simile / Hyperbole

• Alliteration / Assonance

(Ch 11) “Olive prattling happily next to him...

• Strong Verb: Uses 'prattling' to describe Olive's speech, suggesting continuous, light-hearted talking.

• Adjective: Describes Olive's appearance as cheerful and bright.

• Adverb: Modifies the verb 'talking' to indicate speed and urgency.

• Noun: Refers to the act of Olive speaking in a serious manner.

(Ch 18) "Hope had blown in."

• Metaphor / Personification: Personifies 'hope' by giving it the ability to 'blow in', creating a metaphorical sense of relief and positive change entering the cabin atmosphere.

• Simile: Compares 'hope' to a breeze, suggesting it is gentle and fleeting.

• Alliteration: Uses the repetition of the 'b' sound to emphasize the word 'blown'.

• Imagery: Creates a visual representation of 'hope' as a physical entity entering the space.