1. Figurative Language & Literary Devices HOME Click here to explore examples of Figurative Language & Literary Devices. Figurative language – words are used in an imaginative way to express ideas that are not literally true. STUDENTS

2. Simile imagery irony oxymoron pun Symbolism hyperbole idiom alliteration Personification Allusion metaphor Onomatopoeia assonance

3. Simile A comparison of two unlike things using the words “like” or “as.” Click arrow to go to next… Click arrow to go back…

4. Metaphor A comparison of two relatively unlike things usually using a form of “be” – not “like” or “as” Metaphors be with you.

5. 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".

6. 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.

7. Onomatopoeia Using words that mimic sounds

8. 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!

9. Idiom An 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.

10. Alliteration Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words

11. Pun A play on words Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 8 9.

12. Oxymoron Expression that combines two opposing ideas

13. Symbolism One objects stands for something else Common Symbols in Literature dove: peace ice: death spring: youth, birth, life water: birth, rebirth winter: death, dying, old age eagle: freedom, liberty, strength skull: death rose: love, beauty crown: wealth, royalty wedding ring: love, commitment cross bones: death, danger sunrise: new start, beginning full moon: danger, weirdness autumn: middle age, maturity

14. Assonance Having alike sounds in the middle of words It was a sweet treat for the athlete to meet, greet, and defeat her opponent.

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

16. Irony Conveying the opposite of the expected or implied meaning