Figurative Devices

Figurative Devices

Children's Literature

Index

6. Allusion

1. Metaphor/SimilePersonification/Hyperbole

7. Allegory

8. Parody

2. OnomatopoeiaImagery/ Irony

9. Satire

3. Sarcasm

10. Periphrasis

4. Paradox / Oxymoron

11. Metonymy/ Synecdoche

5. Antithesis

Common Figurative devices

Hyperbole

Personification

Simile

Metaphor

it uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis.

the qualities of a person are assigned to something that isn't human

a word or phrase used to compare two unlike objects, ideas, thoughts or feelings to provide a clearer description.

two unlike things are compared using the word "like" or "as"

Common Figurative devices

Irony

Imagery

Onomatopoeia

the meaning is the opposite of their usual meaning or what is expected to happen

language used to create images in the mind of the reader appealing to their senses

the word means nothing more than the sound it makes.

sarcasm

a remark used to say the opposite of what's true to make someone look or feel foolish.

Oxymoron

paradox

a statement that may seem contradictory but can be true (or at least make sense)

a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. The combination of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox, confuse, or give the reader a laugh.

Antithesis

"a contrary or opposite opinion, concept, or characteristic." The sun may be the antithesis to the moon, the devil may be the antithesis to God. In literary analysis, an antithesis is a pair of statements or images in which the one reverses the other.

Allusion

a figure of speech that references a person, place, thing, or event. Each of these concepts can be real or imaginary, referring to anything from fiction, to folklore, to historical events and religious manuscripts.

Allegory

A story within a story. It has a “surface story” and another story hidden underneath. For example, the surface story might be about two neighbors throwing rocks at each other’s homes, but the hidden story would be about war between countries.

Parody

The imitation of an existing original work in order to make fun of or comment on an aspect of the original

satire

the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s foolishness or vices.

periphrasis

an ambiguous or paradoxical way of expressing things, ideas, or views to avoid making a direct reference to the subject in question.

synecdoche

metonymy

the replacement of words with related or associated words

a part stands for a whole or a whole stands for a part.