Literary Devices

Alliteration

Andy’s authentic Army artillery.

Peter’s poignant political protests.

Veronika’s vehement viewpoints on vasectomies.

 

Allusion

“Easy Sherlock, stop looking through all of her messages.”

She gave the rawhide Trojan Horse to its salivating recipient. Those pills would quickly find a home in Fido’s stomach.

A great smile was her Achilles’ heel.

 

Amplification

The path was difficult: it was riddled with sharp rocks, treacherous twists, steep inclines, and damp, muddy terrain.

It was a beautiful day: the sun was shining, there wasn’t a cloud in sight, and a cool ocean breeze kept sunbathers comfortable at a perfect 75 degrees.

She was gorgeous: her long brown hair complimented her olive skin and dark eyes, her graceful gate accentuating long legs and a slim, athletic figure.

 

Antithesis

The climb is bitter, but the view from the top is sweet.

Her voice was warm and saccharine, but her message was cold and derisive.

Many will try, but few will succeed.

 

Anthropomorphism

The lions danced in battle, waltzing through the savannah in a violent display of power and beauty.

The wind howled with anger and despair.

The insects conducted an elaborate symphony as they played to the dark summer night sky.

 

Anaphora

I was born here. I was raised here. I will die here.

We laugh together. We cry together. We love together. We fight together. We live together.

Today is the day I begin. Today is the day I start to fight. Today is the day I turn it all around.

Oliver Permut
oliver.permut@gmail.com