S.1 Explore similes, metaphors, personification, and more!
What are literary devices?
Literary devices are techniques writers use to make their writing more interesting, vivid, or meaningful. They help readers picture ideas and enjoy reading.
- “The wind whispered through the trees.” → Personification
- “Her smile was as bright as the sun.” → Simile
- “The classroom was a zoo.” → Metaphor
Think of literary devices as “tools” writers use to make stories more fun, clear, and exciting.
Similes
Similes compare two different things using the words like or as to create a clear image.
- “Her hair was as soft as silk.”
- “The clouds looked like cotton candy.”
Look for the words like or as—this is usually a simile.
Metaphors
Metaphors compare two things without using “like” or “as.” They say one thing is another to create a strong image.
- “The classroom was a zoo.”
- “Time is a thief.”
Metaphors give a vivid picture by saying one thing is another.
Personification
Personification gives human traits, feelings, or actions to animals, objects, or ideas.
- “The angry storm pounded on the roof.”
- “The flowers danced in the breeze.”
Personification makes nonhuman things feel alive and relatable.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning sound in nearby words to create rhythm or emphasize ideas.
- “Sally sells seashells by the seashore.”
- “Busy bees buzzed by bright flowers.”
Alliteration makes writing fun to read aloud and easier to remember.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate sounds to help readers “hear” the action.
- “The bees buzzed in the garden.”
- “The door creaked open slowly.”
Onomatopoeia makes writing more lively and helps readers imagine sounds.
Repetition
Repetition repeats words or phrases to emphasize an idea or make it memorable.
- “Run, run, as fast as you can!”
- “Again and again, she tried to solve the puzzle.”
Repetition can create rhythm, emphasize important ideas, and make reading more engaging.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration used to make a point or show strong emotion.
- “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
- “That backpack weighs a ton!”
Hyperbole is not meant to be taken literally. It adds humor or strong feeling.
Idioms
Idioms are phrases that have a meaning different from the literal meanings of the words.
- “It’s raining cats and dogs.” → It means heavy rain.
- “Hit the books.” → It means to study hard.
Idioms cannot be understood word-for-word; learn their meanings as phrases.
Imagery
Imagery uses descriptive language that appeals to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch.
- “The sweet smell of cookies filled the warm kitchen.”
- “The icy wind stung my cheeks as I ran outside.”
Imagery helps readers picture scenes vividly and experience the story more fully.