The repetition of a word or phrase to achieve a particular effect.

A word or phrase used to imply figurative, not literal or 'actual', resemblance; he flew into the room.

The repetition of a word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines to create a sonic effect.

Language that is used in speech with an informal meaning; 'chill', 'out of this world', 'take a rain check'.

The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.

Exaggerating something for literary purposes which is not meant to be taken literally; we gorged on the banquet of beans on toast.

The underlying message or 'big idea.' In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem?

The humorous or sarcastic use of words or ideas, implying the opposite of what they mean.

A device used in poetry where a sentence continues beyond the end of the line or verse. This technique is often used to maintain a sense of continuation from one stanza to another.

The way that words sound the same at the end of lines in poetry. Poems often have a fixed rhyme-scheme (for example, sonnets have 14 lines with fixed rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG).

A word that sounds like the noise it is describing: 'splash', 'bang', 'pop', 'hiss'.

The same vowel sound is repeated but the consonants are different; he passed her a sharp, dark glance, shot a cool, foolish look across the room.

Where two words normally not associated are brought together: 'cold heat' 'bitter sweet'.