FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

ALLITERATION The same sound starts a series of words or syllables EXAMPLE: The silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain. (E.A.Poe)

ALLUSION A brief reference to a person, event, or place, real or fictitious, or to a work of art. EXAMPLE: Joe is the Jim Carrey of the 8th grade.

HYPERBOLE An exaggerated statement used for effect and not meant to be taken literally. EXAMPLE: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

ONOMATOPOEIA A word that imitates the sound it represents EXAMPLE: bees buzz, a snake’s hiss

OXYMORON Two contradictory words put together EXAMPLE: wise fool, eloquent silence

PARADOX A statement that is true on its deeper meaning but on the surface may appear contradictory EXAMPLE: Don’t go near the water until you know how to swim!

PUN Use of a word which has two meanings at the same time, which results in humor. EXAMPLE: “I’ve always considered archery as an aimless sport,” he said with a quiver.

METAPHOR A poetic comparison between two unlike things where one thing is said to be another Example: Her teeth were gleaming white pearls. Need movie clip that’s good example of dramatic irony

SIMILE A comparison between two unlike things using words such as like, as, than or resembles Example: My steak was like tough shoe leather. Need movie clip that’s good example of dramatic irony

PERSONIFICATION A literary device where animals or objects take on human characteristics Example: Dew drops danced in the morning light. Need movie clip that’s good example of dramatic irony

FORESHADOWING The use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the plot