Figurative devices in writing

I’ve really been enjoying delving deeper into some of the conventions of writing – like the punctuation guide and novel dissection. This blog will be no different, leading us into the world of figurative devices such as personification, metaphor and onomatopoeia.

These figurative devices are great ways of adding more flavour to writing, and if used correctly, can also be deft ways of interweaving hidden meaning. Read on to find out more about crying clouds and seashell sellers!

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figurative device where exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. It’s a tool often employed in both literature and everyday language to make a point more extreme and vivid. For example, ‘It’s raining cats and dogs!’ refers to a torrential downpour, not actually sphinxes or pinschers falling from the sky!

Personification

Personification is a literary device where human characteristics, such as emotions or actions, are attributed to objects, animals or other non-human things. By personifying objects or abstract concepts, writers make them more relatable or vivid to the reader. For instance, describing a cloud as crying is a visual way to evoke imagery of rain.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a technique in which consecutive words in a sentence or phrase begin with the same consonant sound. It’s often used to create rhythm, emphasise certain words, or make phrases more memorable, as well as making tongue-twisters to try and get your chops around! A really famous example would be ‘Sally sells seashells by the seashore’, which uses sibilance (repetition of the ‘s’ sound) to create a rhythmic phrase.

Allusion

An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. Allusions can add depth and meaning to a text by evoking emotions or associations related to the thing or person they’re referencing. For instance, referring to someone as a ‘Jack of clubs’ hints at their cunning side, like the playing card.

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things by replacing the descriptor with a tangible object, animal or person. Unlike similes, which use ‘like’ to make comparisons, metaphors imply a direct resemblance. They’re used to convey complex ideas or emotions by drawing parallels between disparate concepts. Describing a room as a pigsty, for example, means it is messy or untidy.

Similie

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things by describing one of them as being similar or alike another. Similes make descriptions more imaginative and engaging by highlighting similarities between unrelated concepts. For example, the sentence ‘reality hit her like a freight train’ conveys the harsh reality coming unsuspected and strongly affecting this girl.

Irony

Irony is a rhetorical device characterised by a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually occurs. It’s often used to convey humour, sarcasm, or deeper meanings in a text. Irony can manifest in various forms, such as situational irony, where the outcome contradicts expectations, or verbal irony, where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal interpretation. Irony would be if a cat lover was allergic to cats, as you would expect them to avoid any mention of them if they suffered from being near to them.

Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms to create a paradoxical effect. Despite appearing contradictory, oxymorons are used to convey complex ideas or evoke vivid imagery. Common examples include the ‘living dead’ (Rob Zombie, anyone?), ‘soft rock’ (while we’re here…) and ‘bittersweet’.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a linguistic device where words imitate the sounds they represent. By using words that mimic natural sounds, writers can create auditory imagery and enhance the sensory experience of the reader. Examples of onomatopoeic words include ‘pop’, ‘hiss’ and ‘bang’ – said with passion!

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a literary technique that involves placing two contrasting elements together to highlight their differences. By juxtaposing disparate concepts, writers can create tension, irony, or emphasise thematic contrasts within a text. For example, very different ideas such as bright and dark, hot and cold or on and off can be juxtaposed to highlight their differences.

Anaphora/Repetition

Anaphora is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, especially present in poetry. Repetition emphasises key ideas, creates rhythm, and reinforces the central theme of a text. I won’t give you an example for this one, as I’m sure you get the idea!

Assonance/Dissonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within a series of words or syllables, while dissonance refers to the juxtaposition of harsh or discordant sounds. Both techniques are used to create auditory effects and evoke specific emotions in the reader. Assonance can create a sense of harmony or unity, while dissonance can convey tension or unease: so make sure you use the right technique for the effect you’re after!

Euphemism

A euphemism is a mild or indirect expression used in place of a harsh or unpleasant one. Euphemisms are often employed to soften the impact of sensitive topics, avoid offence, or make unpleasant truths more palatable. For example, a company referring to their mass layoffs due to budget cuts as ‘downsizing’.

Figuratively…

Now that we’ve covered figurative language like juxtaposition and oxymorons, you should have a better understanding of how powerful language can be when used to convey the author’s point. Using these figurative devices can emphasise key points for the reader, clarifying the situation and allowing for their imagination to stay on the right track.