Literary Devices

1. Literary Devices Definitions and examples of common literary devices. Ms. Meredith Hamilton

2. Types of Literary Devices Hyperbole Simile Metaphor Onomatopoeia Alliteration Personification

3. What is a Simile? • A simile is a comparison between two unlike things, using the words “like” or “as.” Examples

4. Examples of Similes • My neighbor is asmean as a snake. • I slept like a rock last night. • She looked as fresh as a daisy in her dress.

5. What is a Metaphor? • A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things by saying one thing “IS” the other. • Does NOT use the words “like” or “as.” Examples

6. Examples of Metaphors • My fatheris the captain I have to obey. • The streamis a ribbon weaving through the field.

7. What is Personification? • Personification gives an inanimate object or idea human traits and/or qualities. Examples

8. Examples of Personification • The leavesdanced in the breeze. • The cargroaned as I drove up the hill.

9. What is a Hyperbole? • A hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses an exaggeration in order to create an emotional response. Examples

10. Examples of Hyperbole • The box weighs a ton! • I’m so hungry I can eat a horse!

11. What is Onomatopoeia? • Onomatopoeia is a word or phrase that imitates the sound it is describing. • Sound effects Examples

12. Examples of Onomatopoeia • I stood very still as the bee buzzed by my head. • The dishes clattered in the sink as I washed them.

13. What is Alliteration? • Alliteration is the repetition of the first consonant sound in a phrase. • Tongue twisters Examples

14. Examples of Alliteration • Suzy sells sea shells by the sea shore. • My dog, Dino, dug divots in the dirt.