UNIT 2.

VARIOUS LITERARY DEVICES

UNIT OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the figures of speech and other literary
techniques in a text
2. Explain the use of language in literature as well
as the formal features and conventions of literature
3. Use different literary devices in your own
writing.
Literary Devices (or Literary Techniques) – are
structures used to add meaning or create a more
captivating story or poem.
Literary Devices
A. Sound Devices
B. Figurative Language
A. SOUND DEVICES – use reinforce the meaning of poetry,
help form visual images and highlight the mood and tone of
poetry.
1. Alliteration – repetition of similar sounds
(consonant or vowels) at the beginning of closely spaced
words.
2. Assonance – repetition of vowel sound that form
internal rhymes.
3. Consonance – repetition of consonant sound at the
end of words.
A. SOUND DEVICES – use reinforce the meaning of poetry,
help form visual images and highlight the mood and tone of
poetry.
4. Cacophony - use of jarring, unpleasant sounds,
usually harsh because the sounds do not go together; meant to
convey disorder and would sometimes be hard to pronounce.
5. Euphony - use of devices such as alliteration,
rhyme, and assonance; meant to create a pleasant experience
to the ear.
6. Onomatopoeia - use of words that mimic the
A. SOUND DEVICES – use reinforce the meaning of poetry,
help form visual images and highlight the mood and tone of
poetry.
7. Repetition ​- repetition of words or phrases to form
rhythm or to emphasize an idea.
8. Rhyme - repetition of identical (or similar) sounds
in two or more words, most often at the end of lines in a
poem.
B Figurative language or figures of speech is used to deliver
a more effective, persuasive, and impactful message. This
enriches a literary text to further elevate the themes and
concepts presented in it.
1. Hyperbole ​is a gross exaggeration to achieve an
effect, usually for humor or emphasis. I was dying of
boredom while I was waiting in line. The use of the term ​
dying ​is an exaggeration since boredom is not a possible
cause of death
 2. Metaphor compares two seemingly unlike objects
that have similar or common characteristics without the use
of ​like ​or ​as​. The assignment was a breeze.
3. Personification is a statement or statements
wherein an animal, object, or abstract idea is given human
attributes or characteristics. The flowers bathe in sunlight,
and the grass reached out to the sky.
 4. Simile ​compares two seemingly unlike objects by
using the words ​like ​or ​as​. Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
The adjective brave was used to compare lions and soldiers.
The use of the word as makes the statement a simile.
5. Synecdoche is used when a part or portion of
something is used to represent the whole or vice versa. I
brought my wheels. How many heads are coming to the
party?
6. An analogy is a comparison that presents the
similarities between two concepts or ideas.
 7. A cliché is a word, a phrase, a sentence, or a whole
text that used to be perceived as clever but has become
démodé​. One reason may be through frequency of use and
that it no longer provides surprise to the reader nor vivid
imagery. This is something that must be avoided in writing.
8. Connotation is the secondary or suggestive
meaning of the word, one that is not its literal or primary
meaning in the dictionary. To better understand connotation,
it would be helpful to become familiar with denotation as
well.
 9. Denotation is the literal meaning of the word, one
that is usually its primary meaning in the dictionary.
10. Euphemism is used to substitute for a description
that is considered harsh or blunt. This figurative language is
most often used for delicate matters such as sex, death or
violence, and embarrassing topics.
11. Metonymy is a word or phrase that is substituted
for another that is closely associated to it. The Malacañang
Palace released a statement regarding the President’s health.
● 12.​An​oxymoron ​is a combination of two ideas that
appear to be opposite or contradictory. complete break dirty
white tuck​out
● 13. A paradox is an assertion that seems to be
contradictory or silly but actually reveals some truth.
 OTHER LITERARY
DEVICES/TECHNIQUES
● 1. Allusion - passing reference to a literary or historical
person, place, or event, or to another literary work or
passage.
● 2. Allegory - a narrative in which the characters and their
actions, and sometimes the setting are contrived by the
author to represent something happening in the current
situation. It may be historical, political or ideological in
form
 OTHER LITERARY
DEVICES/TECHNIQUES
● 3. Dichotomy - divides a concept, idea, story, or plot into
two equal and contradictory parts; or between two
opposing groups. This is often used for creating conflicts in
stories and plays.
● 4. Juxtaposition - technique wherein two or more ideas,
places, characters, and their actions are placed side by side
to develop comparisons and contrasts.