Literary devices commonly used in Paper 1A (Listening comprehension)

CONTRAST

The two widely differing elements are contrasted using a common value to convey further information about one or both elements. The differences between them often intensify either their positive or negative qualities. They frequently will be opposites. E.g the warmth of the Caribbean with the cold of a New York Winter (comparison point temperature). Contrasts also can be metaphorical.

IRONY
Irony is the contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is. For example A clumsy ballet dancer.
Verbal Irony (sarcasm is the tone of voice/writing)
The contrast between what is said and what is actually meant. E.g He did an excellent job of making a mess.
Irony of Situation
This refers to a happening that is the opposite of what is expected or intended. E.g. The wedding of a son causes a marital breakdown for the parents.

DEVICES OF COMPARISON

METAPHOR
Compares by stating the element is the item of comparison e.g. The lawyer’s claws were out and he would not stop until they drew blood,

ANALOGY
Extends a metaphor to compare a situation or particularly to explain a complex item by using a familiar item to structure the explanation. E.g. Exam preparation is like baking a cake all the ingredients must be used and preparations thorough before baking. Firstly the ingredients: study which is lightened with periods of recreation, physical health, managing stress. (The analogy would continue for several paragraphs even)

SIMILE (note spelling well)
Compares using the like, as, resembles, looked as though etc. e.g. His exam worries even after the event were as if a rat was gnawing at his brain.

PERSONIFICATION
Compares non-human, inanimate elements OR abstract concepts to using HUMAN qualities e.g. The building stared down at him daring him to enter OR Justice is never kindly but it is ruthlessly fair. If the qualities are not human then the comparison is a metaphor e.g. A beast of a car.

ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Gives animals human characteristics e.g. The fox spoke to the cubs and then strolled away with a dancing step.

ALLUSION
Uses familiar classical, biblical or other well know cultural references . E.g. Anasi-like cunning


DEVICES OF EMPHASIS

HYPERBOLE
Exaggerates qualities of an element or an overstatement (sometimes for comedic effect). E.g. I could eat my shoes I’m so hungry.


REPETITION
Uses repetition of either words, phrases or even a whole sentence. E.g What if I don’t make it, what if I can’t pass, what if I fail


DEVICES USING SOUND
Alliteration – similar consonant sounds
Assonance – similar vowel sounds
Onomatopoeia - the word sounds like the sound


A search of the internet will bring up many more complex and obscure devices.