Literary Devices Study Sheet.pdf

### Literary Devices Study Sheet **1. Metaphor** - Definition: A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things or ideas to highlight a similarity in their qualities without using "like" or "as". - Example: "Time is a thief" suggests time steals moments from our lives, just as a thief steals po...

### Literary Devices Study Sheet **1. Metaphor** - Definition: A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things or ideas to highlight a similarity in their qualities without using "like" or "as". - Example: "Time is a thief" suggests time steals moments from our lives, just as a thief steals possessions. **2. Simile** - Definition: A figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as". - Example: "Her smile is like the sun" compares the warmth and brightness of a smile to the sun. **3. Personification** - Definition: Giving human qualities or characteristics to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. - Example: "The wind whispered through the trees" suggests the wind is capable of whispering, a human action. **4. Hyperbole** - Definition: An exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or humorous effect. - Example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" exaggerates hunger. **5. Alliteration** - Definition: The repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close succession. - Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" uses the repetition of the "p" sound. **6. Onomatopoeia** - Definition: A word that imitates the sound it represents. - Example: "The bees buzzed", where "buzzed" imitates the sound bees make. **7. Irony** - Definition: A contrast or incongruity between expectations and reality. It comes in various forms, including verbal irony (saying the opposite of what one means), situational irony (when the opposite of what is expected happens), and dramatic irony (when the audience knows something the characters do not). - Example (Situational Irony): A fire station burns down. **8. Symbolism** - Definition: Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities. - Example: A dove is often used to symbolize peace. **9. Imagery** - Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to create a vivid and detailed picture in the reader's mind. - Example: "The fragrant aroma of spring flowers filled the air" appeals to the sense of smell. **10. Foreshadowing** - Definition: A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. - Example: Clouds gathering on the horizon in a story can foreshadow an upcoming storm or conflict. **11. Allusion** - Definition: A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance without detailed explanation. - Example: Saying someone has a "Midas touch" alludes to the Greek myth of King Midas, who could turn anything he touched into gold, implying they are successful or wealthy. **12. Theme** - Definition: The underlying message, idea, or concept that the writer explores in a work of literature. - Example: The theme of "The Tortoise and the Hare" fable is that slow and steady wins the race, emphasizing perseverance. This study sheet covers basic literary devices with examples to help understand their use in literature. Remember, authors use these tools to enhance their storytelling, convey deeper meanings, and connect with the reader on various levels.