1. Poetic Devices & Figurative Language

2. Simile A comparison using “like” or “as”
Example: He is as dumb as an ox.
Example: She smells like a flower in the spring time.

3. Metaphor
A direct comparison where one object or action becomes part of another.
Example: He is an evil snake.
Example: He had a marble brow.

4. Personficiation
A figure of speech where human characteristics are attributed to an idea, animal or object.
Example: The days crept by slowly, sorrowfully.
Example: Death lay his icy hand on kings.

5. Hyperbole Exaggeration used for effect. Example: He weighs a ton.
Example: It is a million degrees out there today!

6. Alliteration Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
Example: She slid slowly and silently by her sister.
Example: The boy bought blueberries because he was bored with broccoli.

7. Onomatopoeia Words that are used to imitate sounds.
Example: The phone buzzed.
Example: She hit her head with a thump on the table.

8. Allusion
A direct or indirect reference to a familiar figure, place or event from history, literature, mythology or the Bible.

9. Practice Now it’s your turn!
Write one example of your own of each poetic device we just covered. Be ready to share with the class!