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Dec 11, 2025
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Mastering Literary Devices in Literature and Reading
Knowunity Philippines
@knowunityphilippines
1 / 10
What Are Literary Devices?
Think of literary devices as a writer's toolbox - special techniques that make stories, poems, and other texts way more interesting than plain writing. These clever tricks help authors paint vivid pictures in your mind and make you feel connected to what you're reading.
When you learn to spot these devices, reading becomes like solving a fun puzzle. You'll start noticing how authors use literary devices to hide deeper meanings and create emotional impact that goes far beyond the surface story.
Why should you care? These devices appear constantly in your English exams, from GCSE literature to creative writing tasks. Plus, recognizing them makes reading so much more enjoyable!
Quick Tip: Start by looking for comparison words like 'like' and 'as' - they're usually your first clue that a literary device is at work!
Similes vs Metaphors
Similes are comparisons that use 'like' or 'as' to connect two different things. They're like bridges that help you understand something new by comparing it to something familiar. For example: "The jeepney moved through traffic like a colorful butterfly dancing between flowers."
Metaphors are bolder - they skip the comparison words and directly say one thing IS another thing. Instead of saying Manila is like a melting pot, a metaphor declares "Manila is a melting pot of cultures."
The main difference? Similes use 'like' or 'as', while metaphors make direct statements. Both create powerful mental images, but metaphors often feel stronger and more dramatic.
Memory Trick: Similes need Special words (like, as), but metaphors make direct statements!
Understanding Irony
Irony happens when reality doesn't match expectations - it's like life's way of playing tricks on us! There are three main types you need to know for your exams.
Verbal irony is when someone says one thing but means the complete opposite. Picture a student failing a test and sarcastically saying "Great! Just what I wanted!" - that's verbal irony in action.
Situational irony occurs when outcomes are totally opposite to what anyone expected. Imagine a fire station burning down while firefighters are out on a call - that's situational irony being dramatic!
Dramatic irony happens when you (the reader) know something important that the characters don't. It's like watching a horror film where you can see the monster hiding, but the character walks straight toward it.
Exam Alert: Questions about irony often ask you to explain the contrast between expectation and reality - always mention this key difference!
More Essential Literary Devices
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things, making objects come alive in your imagination. When we say "the wind whispered through the trees," we're giving the wind the human ability to whisper.
Alliteration repeats beginning sounds to create rhythm and make phrases memorable. "Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers" uses alliteration to create a fun, musical effect.
Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration that's not meant to be taken literally. When someone says "I've told you a million times," they're using hyperbole for dramatic emphasis.
Symbolism occurs when objects represent deeper meanings beyond their literal sense. A dove doesn't just represent a bird - it symbolizes peace and hope.
Study Smart: Practice identifying these devices in song lyrics - they're packed with literary techniques and much more fun than textbook examples!
Spotting Devices in Filipino Literature
Filipino writers brilliantly use literary devices to express cultural values and explore themes relevant to Filipino experiences. From Rizal's powerful symbolism to Balagtas's rich metaphors, these techniques bring Philippine literature to life.
In "Mi Ultimo Adios," Rizal uses symbolism when calling the Philippines the "pearl of the Orient." Modern Filipino authors like Nick Joaquin continue this tradition, using irony to comment on social issues and metaphors to describe contemporary Filipino life.
Common Filipino symbols include the carabao representing resilience, bamboo symbolizing flexibility and strength, and jeepneys representing creativity and resourcefulness. These symbols connect readers to Filipino cultural identity.
Cultural Connection: Understanding these devices helps you appreciate both the beauty and deeper cultural messages in Filipino literature!
Practice Makes Perfect
Start your practice with obvious devices like similes and metaphors before tackling trickier ones like irony and symbolism. Read each sentence twice - first for understanding, then specifically hunting for literary devices.
Use these key questions: Are two things being compared? Is something given human qualities? Does the outcome match expectations? Is something exaggerated? Does an object represent something deeper?
Try this quick practice: "The classroom was as quiet as a library" (simile), "Her laughter was music" (metaphor), "What beautiful weather!" during a storm (verbal irony). See how different devices create different effects?
Remember, these techniques appear everywhere - from Shakespeare to modern novels to song lyrics. The more you practice spotting them, the easier your literature exams become!
Success Strategy: Create flashcards with device names on one side and examples on the other - perfect for quick revision sessions!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Literature Review
Most popular content in English
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Mastering Literary Devices in Literature and Reading
Knowunity Philippines
@knowunityphilippines
Ever wondered how writers make their words come alive and create powerful emotions? Literary devices are the secret tools authors use to transform ordinary writing into something magical and memorable. Mastering these techniques will help you understand deeper meanings in... Show more
What Are Literary Devices?
Think of literary devices as a writer's toolbox - special techniques that make stories, poems, and other texts way more interesting than plain writing. These clever tricks help authors paint vivid pictures in your mind and make you feel connected to what you're reading.
When you learn to spot these devices, reading becomes like solving a fun puzzle. You'll start noticing how authors use literary devices to hide deeper meanings and create emotional impact that goes far beyond the surface story.
Why should you care? These devices appear constantly in your English exams, from GCSE literature to creative writing tasks. Plus, recognizing them makes reading so much more enjoyable!
Quick Tip: Start by looking for comparison words like 'like' and 'as' - they're usually your first clue that a literary device is at work!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Similes vs Metaphors
Similes are comparisons that use 'like' or 'as' to connect two different things. They're like bridges that help you understand something new by comparing it to something familiar. For example: "The jeepney moved through traffic like a colorful butterfly dancing between flowers."
Metaphors are bolder - they skip the comparison words and directly say one thing IS another thing. Instead of saying Manila is like a melting pot, a metaphor declares "Manila is a melting pot of cultures."
The main difference? Similes use 'like' or 'as', while metaphors make direct statements. Both create powerful mental images, but metaphors often feel stronger and more dramatic.
Memory Trick: Similes need Special words (like, as), but metaphors make direct statements!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Irony
Irony happens when reality doesn't match expectations - it's like life's way of playing tricks on us! There are three main types you need to know for your exams.
Verbal irony is when someone says one thing but means the complete opposite. Picture a student failing a test and sarcastically saying "Great! Just what I wanted!" - that's verbal irony in action.
Situational irony occurs when outcomes are totally opposite to what anyone expected. Imagine a fire station burning down while firefighters are out on a call - that's situational irony being dramatic!
Dramatic irony happens when you (the reader) know something important that the characters don't. It's like watching a horror film where you can see the monster hiding, but the character walks straight toward it.
Exam Alert: Questions about irony often ask you to explain the contrast between expectation and reality - always mention this key difference!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
More Essential Literary Devices
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things, making objects come alive in your imagination. When we say "the wind whispered through the trees," we're giving the wind the human ability to whisper.
Alliteration repeats beginning sounds to create rhythm and make phrases memorable. "Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers" uses alliteration to create a fun, musical effect.
Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration that's not meant to be taken literally. When someone says "I've told you a million times," they're using hyperbole for dramatic emphasis.
Symbolism occurs when objects represent deeper meanings beyond their literal sense. A dove doesn't just represent a bird - it symbolizes peace and hope.
Study Smart: Practice identifying these devices in song lyrics - they're packed with literary techniques and much more fun than textbook examples!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Spotting Devices in Filipino Literature
Filipino writers brilliantly use literary devices to express cultural values and explore themes relevant to Filipino experiences. From Rizal's powerful symbolism to Balagtas's rich metaphors, these techniques bring Philippine literature to life.
In "Mi Ultimo Adios," Rizal uses symbolism when calling the Philippines the "pearl of the Orient." Modern Filipino authors like Nick Joaquin continue this tradition, using irony to comment on social issues and metaphors to describe contemporary Filipino life.
Common Filipino symbols include the carabao representing resilience, bamboo symbolizing flexibility and strength, and jeepneys representing creativity and resourcefulness. These symbols connect readers to Filipino cultural identity.
Cultural Connection: Understanding these devices helps you appreciate both the beauty and deeper cultural messages in Filipino literature!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Practice Makes Perfect
Start your practice with obvious devices like similes and metaphors before tackling trickier ones like irony and symbolism. Read each sentence twice - first for understanding, then specifically hunting for literary devices.
Use these key questions: Are two things being compared? Is something given human qualities? Does the outcome match expectations? Is something exaggerated? Does an object represent something deeper?
Try this quick practice: "The classroom was as quiet as a library" (simile), "Her laughter was music" (metaphor), "What beautiful weather!" during a storm (verbal irony). See how different devices create different effects?
Remember, these techniques appear everywhere - from Shakespeare to modern novels to song lyrics. The more you practice spotting them, the easier your literature exams become!
Success Strategy: Create flashcards with device names on one side and examples on the other - perfect for quick revision sessions!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Literature Review
Most popular content in English
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user