Post #1 Literary Devices

Learning Goal:  Understand the use of imagery, figurative language, and symbolism in fiction.

1.        Identify a literary device used in the novel.  Copy the line and page number.

2.       Explain how the device helped to make meaning clear.

3.       What effect did the device have on the mood, tone, or message?

Refer to pages 538-539 of the blue Holt Elements of Literature textbook for detailed descriptions of literary devices.  The main literary devices include imagery, figurative language, and symbolism. According to our textbook they can be defined as:

Imagery is language that creates pictures.  Imagery can reach our other senses.  It can help us not only to see something but also to smell or taste it, hear it, and feel its texture and temperature. (Example: “The first stroke of the young violinist’s bow produced a piercing whine, so unintended that the artist’s eyes rolled in sympathy with his audience.” )

Figurative language includes similes, metaphors, and personification.

In a simile, a writer compares two unlike things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ or ‘than’ or ‘resembles.’
(Example:  “The sea was as smooth as glass.” )

In a metaphor a writer compares two things directly, without using the words like, as, than, or resembles.  (Example:  “The sea was a sheet of glass.”)

In personification something nonhuman is given human characteristics.  (Example:  “The sea sang a song of peace.”)

In literature a symbol is a person, place, or thing that stands for itself and for something beyond itself as well. For example, a red rose might stand for or symbolize love.