Literary Devices

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What is a simile?

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A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using the words "like" or "as".

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Example of a simile

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"He ran like a cheetah." This compares his running speed to a cheetah, using the word "like".

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What is a metaphor?

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A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things directly, without using "like" or "as." It says one thing is another to show how they are similar in some way.

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Example of a metaphor

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"The classroom was a zoo." This means the classroom was very loud or chaotic, but it doesn’t literally mean there were animals in the classroom.

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What is an allusion?

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An allusion is a reference to something famous, like a person, event, book, movie, or piece of art, without directly mentioning it. It’s like giving a hint or nod to something people might recognize.

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Example of an allusion

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"Don’t be a Hercules and try to lift that heavy box!" This is an allusion to the Greek hero Hercules, known for his incredible strength. It means not to overdo it or try to do something too difficult.

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Alliteration

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The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words.

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What is an alliteration?

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Alliteration is when several words in a sentence or phrase start with the same letter or sound. It’s used to create a fun, catchy, or rhythmic effect.

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Example of alliteration

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"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." The "p" sound is repeated in almost every word.

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Hyperbole

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An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.