Figures of Speech
and
Literary
other
Devices
Figures of Speech
SIMILE
• Compares two unlike things with a
common quality.
• Like, as
• Example, “My love is like a rose.”
METAPHOR
• A comparison that is done by
stating that one thing is another in
order to suggest their similarities
or shared qualities.
• Example, “The clouds are soft
cottons in the sky.”
PERSONIFICATION
• Gives human qualities to
objects and things.
• Example, “The rain gently
kissed my cheeks.”
METONYMY
• Refers to using a thing or idea that
is not referred to by its own name
but by a different one, a name of
something with which it is closely
associated.
• Example, “White House
declared....”
SYNECDOCHE
• Uses a part of something to
represent the whole or the whole
to represent a part.
• Example, “ask for a hand (refer to
asking for a woman to marry)”
HYPERBOLE
• Uses intentional exaggeration to
achieve emphasis or produce a comic
• effect.
Example, “He’s running faster than
the wind.”
OXYMORON
• Is a word or a combination of words
with contradictory meanings, as in
bittersweet and open secret.
• Example, “Durian is disgustingly
delicious.”
PARADOX
• Is a statement that appears to hold
contradictory ideas but may actually
be true.
• Example, “John is normally abnormal,”
ALLITERATION
• Refers to the use of closely spaced
words that have the same initial
sounds.
• Example, “Black bug bit a big black
bear.”
IRONY
• A contrast between what is said and
what is meant or between
expectations and reality.
• Example, “A fire station burns down”
ONOMATOPOEIA
• Is the use of words that imitate the
sound of what they are referring to.
• Example, “Machine noises- honk,
beep, vroom, clang, zap, bang.”
Literary Techniques/Devices
Literary Techniques/ Devices
• refer to specific methods writers employ
in their works to convey messages.
• Readers, on the other hand, look for
several literary techniques when
examining or analyzing a text or simply
evaluating a text’s artistic view.
ANAPHORA
(EPANAPHORA)
• Refers to the repetition of a word or
phrase at the beginning of a sentence.
• To create an artistic or heightened
effect.
• Used for emphasis or to stir emotions
among the audience
ANAPHORA
(EPANAPHORA)
• E.g. You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout....
ANTIHERO
• Is a fictional character who does not
posses the traits, such as pride and
valor, expected of a hero.
• Portrayed as foolish and usually find
themselves in mischief.
SYMBOLISM
• Using symbols to signify ideas and
qualities.
• E.g. A dove symbolizes peace.
CLIFF- HANGER
• Used be the author to arouse
curiosity among readers by ending
a chapter or story abruptly.
• Writers utilize cliff-hangers in their
works to keep the readers focused
and interested as to what will
happen next.
JUXTAPOSITION
• Technique authors use in their
works to compare two different
things, or two contrasting ideas to
be able to emphasize their
differences.
• Used to develop a character,
resolve conflict, or clarify various
concepts.
FORESHADOWING
• Refers to lines or dialogues in a story
which give the reader an idea of
what is about to happen without
spoiling or explicitly stating the
plot’s entirety.
FORESHADOWING
• When writers use this technique,
especially in mystery or thriller
novels, they provide “red herrings”
(misleading or false clues) to divert
the readers’ expectations.
CATHARSIS
• Derived from the Greek word
“katharsis” which means
• “purification” or “purgation.”
Refers to the emotional release or
cleansing of the characters, or
audience or readers, from strong
emotions usually brought by learning
of the truth or when confronted by
difficult situations.
STREAM OF
CONSCIOUSNESS
• Referred to as interior monologue.
• Character’s thoughts, feelings, and
reactions are depicted in a
continuous flow uninterrupted by
objective description or
• conventional dialogue.
usually associated with Modern
writers.
HAMARTIA/ TRAGIC
FLAW
• Used to impart a moral objective
among readers or audience to
improve or change for the better
so as to avoid the tragedy that has
befallen the protagonist.
IMAGERY
• Descriptive language that appeals
to the senses.
• E.g. The scent of jasmine filled the
air as the golden sun dipped below
the horizon.
ALLUSION
• A brief references to a person,
event, or place (real or fictional).
• E.g. He met his Waterloo.
ALLEGORY
• A narrative in which characters or
events represent abstract ideas.
• E.g. George Orwell’s Animal Farm
as a political allegory.
THANK
YOU!!
