Define the Device
Define Simile
A simile uses the words “like” or “as” to compare one object or idea with another to suggest they are alike.
(Example: She was as blind as a bat)
(Example: He swam like a fish)
Which of the following sentences best exemplifies imagery?
A) "She was very happy about her test score."
B) "The golden sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and violet."
C) "He quickly ran down the street to catch the bus."
D) "They had a meeting to discuss the project’s progress."
B) "The golden sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and violet."
Which literary device is best shown in the following lyric:
"Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice"
Tupac, Keep Ya Head Up
Metaphor (a direct comparison between two ideas)
This metaphor celebrates Black beauty and strength, flipping a commonly used phrase to uplift Black women and emphasize their value in a society that often overlooks them.
Define Theme
Theme is the message about life, in general, that the author wants readers to walk away learning/ applying to their own.
(Example: Hughes' "Mother to Son" theme; Continue to persevere through life's troubles and tribulations)
Imagine it is your high school graduation, and you would like to invite your best friend, to your graduation party.
Write a brief 2-3 sentence message to them using informal diction.
Responses may vary;
Hey bro! I’m finally graduating, and we’re throwing a party to celebrate! You better be there—it won’t be the same without you!
Which literary device is best shown in the following lyric:
"Southern leaves, southern trees we hung from...
Forgive them Father they know this knot is undone
Tied with the rope that my grandmother died"
Common, Letter to the Free
Allusion (a reference to another text, work of art, event, or person)
This alludes to lynching in the Jim Crow American South, referencing the historical brutality against Black people. It also alludes to Billie Holiday’s song “Strange Fruit”, which describes lynched bodies hanging from trees as "strange fruit.
"Forgive them Father they know this knot is undone" This line alludes to Jesus' words on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Define Symbol
A symbol is an object, color, or tangible thing used to represent an abstract idea.
(Example: Dunbar's "We Wear the Mask" projects)
Imagine it is your high school graduation, and you would like to invite your favorite 10th grade teacher, Ms. Janice, to your graduation party.
Write a brief 2-3 sentence invitation to her using formal diction.
Responses may vary:
Dear Ms. Janice,
I am delighted to invite you to my graduation party as a token of my appreciation for your support and guidance during my time in high school. Your encouragement has meant so much to me, and I would be honored if you could join us in celebrating this special milestone.
Which literary device is best shown in the following lyric:
“For what’s money without happiness?
Or hard times without the people you love?”
J.Cole, Love Yourz
Juxtaposition (when two contrasting ideas are placed next to one another to highlight the differences)
This is juxtaposition because it places wealth vs. happiness and struggle vs. love to show that material wealth is meaningless without emotional fulfillment.
Define Extended Metaphor
An extended metaphor is a metaphor in a literary work, such as a novel or poem, that isn’t just used in one line but is extended over multiple lines or throughout the entire story.
(Example: Hughes' "Mother to Son"; staircase)
Write a 2-3 sentence description of your weekend using a positive tone like cheerful or humorous.
Responses may vary:
This weekend was amazing! I spent Saturday soaking up the sun at the park, eating way too much ice cream, and laughing until my stomach hurt. On Sunday, I finally tackled my laundry pile—turns out, I do own more than three outfits!
Name the one literary device that is best shown in this lyric.
"I love you like a fat kid love cake"
Simile. A simile uses the words “like” or “as” to compare one object or idea with another to suggest they are alike.
Here, the comparison is the speaker's love to a fat kid loving cake, which one can imagine, this means the speaker loves the subject a lot.
Define Irony
Irony in literature is a situation where there is a contrast between reality and expectations. What is expected, goes against what actually occurs.
(Example: Hughes' "Thank You Ma'am" short story)
Write a 2-3 sentence description of your weekend using a negative tone like annoyed or mournful.
Responses may vary;
This weekend was a disaster. The rain ruined my plans, I spent way too much time catching up on boring chores, and somehow my to-do list still isn’t done. To top it off, I barely got any sleep, so now I’m starting the week already exhausted.
Name the two literary devices that are best shown in this lyric.
"I ball, I ball, like Kobe in the fall"
J Cole, Cole World
allusion/ simile
Simile – The phrase "like Kobe in the fall" directly compares the speaker’s success in basketball (or figuratively in life) to Kobe Bryant’s dominance, using "like" to make the comparison.
Allusion – The lyric references Kobe Bryant, a legendary basketball player, specifically evoking his performances during the fall season, which aligns with the start of the NBA season. This alludes to his skill, work ethic, and legacy.