Question

Cindy is reading a poem. She is surprised by how the poet is able to present new and unexpected comparisons between unlike subjects. 
      Which of the following literary devices is the poet using?


A.allusion B.simile C.imagery D.personification

Answer 1

It is helpful when you know what each of the terms mean.

Allusion - "a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text." Ex., Don't be such a Romeo. -  this would be a reference to Romeo and Juliet in which someone is probably telling someone else t not be so romantic.

Simile - Compares two objects using "like" or "as." Ex., "Rebecca is as fast as a cheetah."

Imagery - basically visually descriptive or figurative language. So basically writing so good that all your senses can know what the writer is writing about. Ex., "The tiny red ant climbed up the broken twig" - imagery appealing to your sight.

Personification - Giving non-living objects human traits. Ex., "The wind howled and cried, warning the earth for the danger to come."

Now that you know what each of these mean, think about which choice it can be. If you need any more help, just let me know. I know there is more than one literary devices in the list that you can use to compare, but which one is able to present new and unexpected comparisons between *unlike* subjects?