Literary Devices
5.R.3.3 Students can identify literary
devices within text.
By: Pamela Peterson
Alliteration
Definition:
The repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity,
usually in consecutive words within the same sentence or line.
★ Alliteration is important in tongue twisters.
Examples:
•
•
•
•
Judy joined a juggling club.
How many muffins must you make?
I really like licking lollipops!
Look at the big buzzing bumble bees!
Assonance
Definition: The repetition of the vowel sound in a series of words.
★ Assonance in important when rhyming!
Examples:
I might ride my bike!
Look in the book.
The plane flies high in the sky!
The rain stays mainly in the plains.
Hyperbole
Definition: A description which exaggerates, usually
employing extremes and/or superlatives to convey a
positive or negative attribute.
Purpose: To exaggerate! Instead of saying “It’s hot
outside”, you might say, “It is hotter than the sun
outside!”
Examples:
She is the best teacher in the whole entire world!
“That pizza is bigger than the moon!”
Metaphor
Definition: A direct relationship where one thing or idea substitutes for
another.
★ Unlike Similes, Metaphors do NOT use “like” or “as” when comparing.
★ Saying someone is a walking encyclopedia is actually saying they are
really smart.
Examples:
You are my guardian angel!
Those students are all brains.
Life is a roller coaster.
My friend is a scaredy cat.
Onomatopoeia
Definition: Where sounds are spelled out as words; or, when words
describing sounds actually sound like the sounds they describe.
★ Use this literary device to write out sound effects!
★ Comic books use a lot of onomatopoeia..
Examples:
I bowled a strike, CRASH!
The pin poked the balloon and POP!
The fireworks lit up the sky, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
Personification
Definition: Where human thoughts, actions, perceptions and
emotions are directly attributed to inanimate objects or abstract
ideas.
★ Using this literary device is helpful when writing fictional stories.
Examples:
The ice cream cone shivered in my hand.
My bed was calling my name.
The kitten was happy it was adopted.
The angry clouds were ready to pour rain.
Repetition
Definition: Where a specific word, phrase, or structure is repeated
several times, usually in close proximity, to emphasize a particular idea.
★ Use this literary device to make something important stand out!
Examples:
But, but, but I didn’t know!
That dinner was so good, it was so good!
I want more, more, more!
Simile
Definition: Comparing two things that are not alike using “like” or “as”.
★ Unlike metaphors, Similes DO use “like” or “as” when comparing.
Examples:
The blanket is soft like a kitten.
My mom is as sweet as candy!
The snow is bright like the sun!
Symbolism
Definition: The use of specific objects or images to represent a bigger
idea.
★ ANy image or symbol that represents something is use of symbolism.
Examples:
A wedding ring symbolizes a marriage.
The American flag symbolizes the United States.
The golden arches symbolizes McDonalds.
The fish on cars symbolizes Christianity.
A peace sign symbolizes peace.