Literary Devices

Literary DevicesA few of Shakespeare’s all-time favourites…

MetaphorA figure of speech in which two unlike objects are compared directly without using “like” or “as”.

Example: This assignment was a breeze!

PersonificationA figure of speech in which inanimate objects, animals, or ideas are given human qualities or abilities.

Example: The first rays of morning sunshine tiptoed through the meadow.

SimileA figure of speech that compares two different objects using the words “like” or “as”.

Example: Ogres are like onions.

AnalogyAn analogy is a comparison of certain similarities between two things which are otherwise unlike. Analogies are often used to explain something in terms of another, more familiar, example.

Example: Just as the Earth revolves around the Sun, an electron revolves around the nucleus.

AllusionAn allusion is a figure of speech that makes reference to people, places, events, literary works, or myths, either directly or implicitly.

Example: He was a real Romeo with the ladies.

SoliloquyA dramatic speech uttered by one character speaking aloud while alone on the stage. This allows the audience to hear his or her inner thoughts and feelings while the other characters are left unaware.

Example: “To be or not to be”, from Hamlet

ForeshadowingA hint or clue early in a narrative that indicates an event (often bad or unpleasant) that will occur later.

Example: I felt a cold chill as I walked through the doors of the classroom. Something is bound to go wrong…

ImageryFigurative or descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (NOT just sight!!). Imagery is used to create an emotional response in the reader, because the reader is left with an “image” of the thing that the writer is describing.

Example: Grandma's hugs burn my skin, and with all that perfume she wears, sitting next to her is like

OxymoronA figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. The first word usually describes the second, but is also its direct opposite.

Examples: Jumbo shrimp Vegetarian meatballs Awfully nice

AlliterationAlliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in two or more neighbouring words or syllables.

Examples: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?