Literary DevicesA student learning tool

What is a literary device?

Literary devices refers to specific aspects of literature, in the sense of its universal function as an art form which expresses ideas through language, which we can recognize, identify, interpret and/or analyze.

Literary devices enhance literature, poetry, music, television, and movies.

Literary devices are very common and found in many day to day things. Next

What are some examples?

MetaphorSimileForeshadowingAlliterationAllusionIronyMood

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Metaphor

A metaphor is a comparison between to like things.

To compare the two things, verbs such as “be” and “are” will be used to make the comparison.

A metaphor will not use words such as “like” or “as” in it’s comparison.

Example: His eating habits resemble those of a pig. Next

Simile

A simile is a comparison of two or more objects to draw attention to their similarities. In English, similes are typically marked by use of "like" or "as" or "than“.

Example: Billy’s big brother punches like a girl.

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ForeshadowingForeshadowing is a literary device in which

an author drops subtle hints about plot developments to come later in the story.

Example: In the movie Jaws, the director uses spooky music to alert when the shark is about to attack. The music is foreshadowing because it gives clues to the audience about what is going to occur.

Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of a leading

vowel or consonant sound in a phrase.

Example: Jack jumped joyfully over the fence. The repetition of the “j” sound makes for alliteration of a consonant.

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Quiz Question 1The rain is so heavy it is like a hurricane.

This statement is which of the following literary devices?

A) MetaphorB) SimileC) Alliteration

Correct Answer: B

The correct answer is B. The phrase makes a comparison between two similar things using the word “like”. The usage of the word “like” constitutes a simile.

Quiz Question 2The sun is a heat source. This statement is

which of the following literary devices?

A) MetaphorB) SimileC) Alliteration

Correct Answer: A

The correct answer is A. The statement is a comparison between two similar things; however, it does not use “like” or “as” in its comparison.

Quiz Question 3Carry carefully carried her cat to the car.

This statement is which of the following literary devices?

MetaphorSimileAlliteration

Correct Answer: C

The correct answer is C. The repeating of the “C” sounds indicates that alliteration has occurred, and it is a repeating consonant sound.