Figurative Language & Literary Devices

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Figurative language – words are used in an imaginative way to express ideas that are not literally true.

STUDENTS

Simile

imageryirony

oxymoronpun

Symbolism

hyperbole

idiom

alliteration

Personification

Allusionmetaphor

Onomatopoeia

assonance

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things using the words “like” or “as.”

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Metaphor

A comparison of two relatively unlike things usually using a form of “be” – not “like” or “as”

Metaphors be

with you.

Allusion

A reference made to a person, place, or thing, in mythology, literature, or history.

"As the cave's roof collapsed, he was swallowed up in the dust like Jonah, and only his frantic scrabbling behind a wall of rock indicated that there was anyone still alive".

"Christy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities".

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human objects

The tree danced in the

breeze.

The sun smiled down on us at is traveled

throughout the day.

OnomatopoeiaUsing words that mimic sounds

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement used for effect

My feet are killing me!

It’s raining cats and dogs.

I have a splitting headache!

I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!

IdiomAn expression in which the meaning is not predictable simply from

the words it contains

Let the cat out of the bag.

You are the apple of my eye.

Put your money where your mouth is.

AlliterationRepeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Pun

A play on words

Why is 6 afraid of 7?

Because 7 8 9.

Oxymoron

Expression that combines two opposing ideas

Pretty Ugly JUMBO shrimp

Symbolism

One objects stands for something else

Common Symbols in Literature

dove: peaceice: death

spring: youth, birth, lifewater: birth, rebirth

winter: death, dying, old ageeagle: freedom, liberty, strength

skull: deathrose: love, beauty

crown: wealth, royaltywedding ring: love, commitment

cross bones: death, dangersunrise: new start, beginningfull moon: danger, weirdnessautumn: middle age, maturity

Assonance

Having alike sounds in the middle of words

It was a sweet treat for the athlete to meet,

greet, and defeat her opponent.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, or hear

IronyConveying the opposite of the expected or implied

meaning