Literary Devicesby Amber Haller

What is a literary device?

Literary devices help to construct the author’s

meaning.

Literary devices help to define the author’s/reader’s

purpose.

Literary devices are found in all types of

writing:

Fiction

Nonfiction

Poetry

Did you know that…

symbolism is a literary device…

However, a cymbal could be used in symbolism.

…not an addiction to percussive musical instruments?

Symbolism is when an author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to their story.

Examples of symbolism…

Storms often represent conflict or high emotions.

Flowers can symbolize youth or beauty.

Autumn often represents decline or

growing old.

Popular novels/poems that contain symbolism…

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest

Hemingway

Of Mice and Men by John

Steinbeck

The Ravenby Edgar Allan

Poe

What is another popular literary

device?

Imagery

Imagery refers to descriptive language that

evokes sensory experience...

Imagery can be visual:

“a blinding sun.”

Imagery can also be auditory:

“the chiming of the bells.”

Imagery can appeal to taste:

“the bland taste of starchy bananas.”

Imagery can convey a scent:

“the aroma of dirty sweat socks.”

Imagery can arouse the

sense of touch:“snow falling

on your nose.”

Popular literary works that

contain imagery

…

Macbethby William Shakespeare

The Great Gatsbyby F. Scott Fitzgerald

Preludesby T.S. Eliot

Are you aware…

that simile is a literary device and a figure of

speech?

Similes indirectly compare two different

things…

by using the words

“like”, “as”, or “than”.

Examples of similes…

“as proud as a peacock”

“fight like a lion”

“slower than a turtle”

Popular literature that contains similes…

To Kill a Mockingbirdby Harper Lee

The Catcher in the Ryeby J.D. Salinger

Birches by Robert Frost

To wrap things up…

Can you think of an example of

symbolism in literature?

Can you think of a way to use

imagery in writing to evoke the

senses?

Can you think of a simile?

The End