21st Century Literature

1. Literary Techniques:
Identifying Figures of
Speech and Imagery
Types used in a Text

2. 01
define and enumerate the different literary
devices, techniques and figures of speech;
Objectives:
02
identify literary techniques, particularly
imagery types and figures of speech used in a
text.

3. Previously, we have learned the difference between
literal and literary meaning, as well as inferring
literary meaning from literal language based on
usage. We were able use examples on how some
idiomatic expressions are used in a sentence.
Review!

4. Before writers come up with their pieces of
literature, they see to it that they use specific
structures in their work so readers would be
able to both understand and appreciate
them. Writers call these structures, Literary
Devices.

6. Literary Devices are typical structures used
by writers in their works to convey his or her
message. This could be classified into two:
● Literary Elements are fundamental in literary
texts since they are required parts.
● Literary Techniques are the supplementary
parts since they are mostly employed for greater
artistic aspect and appreciation.

7. Common Literary Techniques:
(Figure of Speech)
● Simile –the use of words as and like to show comparison
(Example: My love is like a red rose.)
● Metaphor - direct comparison between two words without the use of any
word clue.
(Example: He is an old fox, very cunning.)
● Hyperbole - the use of highly exaggerated statements, most of the time
not leading to reality
(Example: Your bag weighs a ton!)
● Personification - gives human characteristics to inanimate objects.
(Example: The flowers are dancing beside the lake.)

8. Common Literary Techniques:
(Figure of Speech)
● Alliteration -involves the repetitive occurrence of similar initial consonant
sounds among words in a statement
(Example: Better butter always makes a batter better.)
● Onomatopoeia–– used to mimic sounds of objects or actions referred to when
spoken
(Example: The ticking of the clock woke me up.)
● Irony- the use of literal language to convey its opposite meaning.
(Example: The fitness gym has an elevator.)
● Imagery- making use of particular words to create visual representation of
ideas in our minds.
(Example: The river was roaring in the mountains.)

9. Common Literary Techniques:
(Imagery)
Imagery is the use of figurative language to represent objects, actions,
and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses. The types
of imagery are:
● Visual imagery considers the use of color, shapes, size and patterns.
● Auditory imagery considers clue words for music, silence and noise.
● Olfactory imagery appeals to sense of smell should include nice
fragrances and bad odors.
● Tactile imagery appeals to sense of touch should include clue words
for texture, movement and temperature.
● Gustatory imagery pertains to flavors or the sense of taste.

10. Let us read and examine each poem through identifying
imagery types and figures of speech used by the writer.
My then chaotic mind led me to a rather peaceful place:
Where splashing ocean waves caress my then
exhausted body;
Where the swooshing breeze tries to wipe my almost
dried tears;
And where I can hear neither my murmur, mumble nor
giggle.

11. Let us read and examine each poem through identifying imagery
types and figures of speech used by the writer.
My then chaotic mind led me to a rather peaceful place:
Where splashing ocean waves caress my then exhausted body;
Where the swooshing breeze tries to wipe my almost dried tears;
And where I can hear neither my murmur, mumble nor giggle.
For auditory imagery, onomatopoeia is often used since both
imagery type and figure of speech appeal to sense of hearing.
Apart from this, personification is also present in this poetry since
human characteristics are given to mind, ocean waves and breeze.

12. That sweetest moment when somebody
comes forward in slow-mo;
Too bitter when it’s an instance of you-
and-me against the world;
The salty feeling of being left behind
mountains after hearing tons;
I should not have thought of the spice of
meeting you all along.

13. For the figures of speech, we could see hyperbole in the first three lines.
We have the following: comes forward in slow-mo, you-and-me against the
world and left behind mountains after hearing tons. These words may come
from somebody who just lost his/her special someone.
That sweetest moment when somebody comes forward
in slow-mo;
Too bitter when it’s an instance of you-and-me against
the world;
The salty feeling of being left behind mountains after
hearing tons;
I should not have thought of the spice of meeting you all
along.

14. The world has always been divided to two
opposing forces:
One says poverty is a disease – where kids
lie on rotting trash and stinky slum area;
The other says money is a friend – where
kids are surrounded by blooming flowers
and enticing food and drinks after a fresh
bath.

15. And for this poem, we have metaphor with the examples: poverty is a
disease and money is a friend.
The world has always been divided to two opposing
forces:
One says poverty is a disease – where kids lie on
rotting trash and stinky slum area;
The other says money is a friend – where kids are
surrounded by blooming flowers and enticing food
and drinks after a fresh bath.

16. Be sure to entice your life with your designed
patterns:
May it be zigzag and whirling like the road to your
limitless dreams;
May it be as neon and bright as your extremely
own colorful visions;
May it be as large and high as skyscrapers or as
tiny as pebbles.

17. We could also see samples of simile such as zigzag and whirling like the
road to your limitless dreams, as neon and bright as your extremely
own colorful visions and as large and high as skyscrapers or as tiny
as pebbles.
Be sure to entice your life with your designed patterns:
May it be zigzag and whirling like the road to your
limitless dreams;
May it be as neon and bright as your extremely own
colorful visions;
May it be as large and high as skyscrapers or as tiny as
pebbles.

18. Nothing beats a perfect summer day stroll
along the beach: With scene of the sun
stretching its muscles, burning;
Making flowers and bees rather in cold
waters, swim;
And animals laugh over men’s clothes,
ragged or seamless.

19. We can identify three personification examples from this poem. These are
the following: the sun stretching its muscles, burning; flowers and bees
rather in cold waters, swim, and; animals laugh over men’s clothes, ragged
or seamless.
Nothing beats a perfect summer day stroll along the
beach: With scene of the sun stretching its muscles,
burning;
Making flowers and bees rather in cold waters, swim;
And animals laugh over men’s clothes, ragged or
seamless.

20. Activities

21. Write the type of imagery presented by each item.
1. _________________ - The tequila burned like liquid fire in her mouth as she
swallowed the shot of alcohol.
2. _________________ - She ran her hand across the dark, concrete wall. It was
cold as ice. When she came to the middle of the room, she felt a thick, slimy
substance actively oozing down the wall.
3. _________________ - She couldn't sleep. So, she got out of bed, trailed
through the delicate slips of moonlight twinkling in the frost-covered glass, and
turned on the kettle.
4. _________________ - I was looking for a white rabbit, those with no spots of
other colors to be exact. I also want this supposed pet to be housed in a
rectangular queen-size cage so it could enjoy itself while I’m gone.
5. _________________ - Your fragrance reminds me of the most luxurious
perfume brand in Paris!

22. Read the statements below and identify the imagery
type and figures of speech used by the author.
Statements Imagery Type Figures of Speech
The growling tigers opened its mouth
wide enough to frighten other animals.
He plays his music really well like an
angel descended from heaven.
I see rotting leftovers battling against
stinky rats and faggots.
Your sweetness is overflowing that even
ants could not resist.
Life’s rollercoaster ride is my precious
huge red stuffed toy. I get to hug it
whenever I like.