Poetic Devices

A poetic device is a way of using words to create meaning. Figurative language (see Reading Notes) is a type of poetic device.

A L L I T E R A T I O N

Alliteration happens when words that start with the same sound (not just the same letter) are used repeatedly in a phrase or sentence. The sound is usually a consonant and the words don't have to be right next to one another.

DOWNLOAD these poems and activities

S I M I L E S & M E T A P H O R S

Comparing two unlike things using like or as “Their cheeks are like roses” is a simile. “Their cheeks are roses” is a metaphor.

Why does Shrek describe ogres like onions?

Examples of Similes

“Food?” Chris inquired, popping out of his seat like a toaster strudel.
Grandpa lounged on the raft in the middle of the pool like an old battleship.
If seen from above the factory, the workers would have looked like clock parts.
The truth was like a bad taste on his tongue.
The people who still lived in the town were stuck in place like wax statues.
Cassie talked to her son about girls as though she were giving him tax advice.
Alan’s jokes were like flat soda to the children, surprisingly unpleasant.
My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally we’d pray.
The bottle rolled off the table like a teardrop.
The handshake felt like warm laundry.

PRACTICE: Download this document and practice writing similes.

How is Aladdin a diamond in the rough? What does this metaphor mean?

Examples of Metaphors

The snow is a white blanket.
He is a shining star.
Her long hair was a flowing golden river.
Tom's eyes were ice as he stared at her.

The children were flowers grown in concrete gardens.
Kisses are the flowers of affection.
The falling snowflakes are dancers.
The calm lake was a mirror.

Write a sentence to describe each photo by using a metaphor.

P E R S O N I F I C A T I O N

Personification is when you give an animal or object qualities or abilities that only a human can have. Personification is what writers use to bring non-human things to life.

Lightning danced across the sky.
The wind howled in the night.
The car complained as the key was roughly turned in its ignition.
Rita heard the last piece of pie calling her name.
My alarm clock yells at me to get out of bed every morning.

Personification Using Disney Songs

1. A Whole New World from Aladdin (1992)

In this video, Aladdin says (or sings, rather) "Tell me princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?" This is personification because hearts don't decide anything. ( 0:48)

2. Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas (1995)

In this one, Pocahontas sings about grinning bobcats and the voices of mountains. Everyone knows that mountains can't sing. They don't even have mouths. ( starts at 1:14)

3. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella (1950)

In this one, Cinderella is saying that a dream is a wish your heart makes, but hearts can't wish... or dream. (0:09)

PRACTICE: Watch the video below and describe the scenes by using personification

Consider how you could use the 5 senses to personify nature in this video.

H Y P E R B O L E

Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or humor. This literary tool is often used to make a certain element of a story seem more interesting.

It's literally the most important thing you'll every learn!

POEM: The Armpit of Doom!

Listen to the poem while following along by reading the words. Check out the hyperbole!

Today I walked into my big brother’s room,

and that’s when I saw it: The Armpit of Doom.

I wasn’t expecting The Armpit at all.

I shrieked and fell backward and grabbed for the wall.

The Armpit was smelly. The Armpit was hairy.

The Armpit was truly disgusting and scary.

I wanted to vomit. I wanted to cry.

I wanted to flee from its all-seeing eye.

My skin started crawling with goosebumps and chills.

My brain began screaming to head for the hills.

I tried to escape but I knew I could not.

In horror, I found I was glued to the spot.

“Will somebody help me!?” I started to shout,

till fumes overcame me and made me pass out.

And that’s why I’m here in this hospital room;

it’s all on account of The Armpit of Doom.

I’m still feeling shaken. I’m queasy and pale,

but lucky I lived and can tell you my tale.

So take my advice… If you ever go near

your big brothers room, bring a whole lot of gear:

A gas mask and goggles, a helmet and shield,

or maybe a space suit that’s perfectly sealed.

And then, only then, when you’re fully prepared,

step in very slowly and hope you’ll be spared.

But, if you’re afraid of the Armpit of Doom,

stay far, far away from your big brother’s room.

— Kenn Nesbitt

PRACTICE Using Hyperbole. Download and complete this practice sheet.

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