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Metaphors, also known as direct comparisons, are one of the most common literary devices. A metaphor is a statement in which two objects, often unrelated, are compared to each other.
Example of metaphor: This tree is the god of the forest. |
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Similes, also known as indirect comparisons, are similar in construction to metaphors, but they imply a different meaning. Like metaphors, two unrelated objects are being compared to each other. Unlike a metaphor, the comparison relies on the words “like” or “as.”
Example of simile: This tree is like the god of the forest. |
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Imagery is the use of figurative language to describe something. However, imagery doesn’t just involve visual descriptions; the best writers use imagery to appeal to all five senses.
The tree spread its gigantic, sun-flecked shoulders (sense of sight).
The tree felt smooth as sandstone (sense of touch). |
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Personification is exactly what it sounds like: giving human attributes to nonhuman objects. Also known as anthropomorphism, personification is a powerful way to foster empathy in your readers.
The car ran a marathon down the highway. |
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Hyperbole refers to any sort of exaggerated description or statement.
I’ve been waiting a billion years for this.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
I feel like a million bucks. |
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| Flash! Bang! Wham! An onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like the noise it describes. |
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A pun is a literary device that plays with the sounds and meanings of words to produce new, often humorous ideas.
Crustaceans only think of themselves. They're so shellfish. That was very punny (instead of funny). |
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