Poetic Devices Flashcards
Simile
Comparing two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”.
E.g. Her smile was as bright as the sun
Allusion
Referring to a well-known event or person from history or literature
E.g. Everyone was fighting for the lollies like it was WW1
Alliteration
The repetition of sounds at the beginning of words
E.g. Joe’s giant jelly jiggled
Oxymoron
Use of unexpected, unmatched, or opposite terms.
E.g. He is intelligently dumb
Euphemism
Use of a “gentler” word in place of an offensive or harsh word.
E.g. He passed away
Imagery
Words that appeal to the five senses: taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell.
E.g. The fresh smell of bacon and pancakes entered my nose
Antithesis
Using two opposites to highlight or contrast the features of both.
E.g. She’s nicely rude
Apostrophe
Addressing someone or something that is absent, abstract, or inanimate.
E.g. Y’all should be sorry
Metaphor
A direct comparison using two unlike things without using like or as, using the verb to be (is, were, are)
E.g. My brother is a pig 😝
Personification
Giving human characteristics to something non-human
E.g. The flames in the campfire danced in the moonlight
Hyperbole
Extreme exaggeration used to make a point.
E.g. I am so hungry I could die
Onomatopoeia
Words that mimic a sound.
E.g. “BOOM!” went the car as the car slammed into a tree
