2. The moon is faithful, although blind
What technique is being used? Personification
Explain how you figured it out.
The moon is given human qualities of being "faithful" and "blind," which are traits typically associated with people, not celestial bodies.
3. children sleeping softly in their bedroom bunks
What technique is being used? Alliteration
Explain how you figured it out.
The words "sleeping softly" begin with the same consonant sound 's', creating a repeating sound pattern characteristic of alliteration.
4. Time is a green orchard.
What technique is being used? Metaphor
Explain how you figured it out.
Time is directly stated to be a "green orchard," which is not literally true; this is a direct comparison without using "like" or "as," making it a metaphor.
5. At dusk there's a thin haze like cigarette smoke / ribbons
What technique is being used? Simile, Alliteration
Explain how you figured it out.
The phrase uses "like" to compare haze to cigarette smoke, which is a simile. Additionally, "cigarette smoke" and "ribbons" both start with the 's' sound, creating alliteration.
6. They chained themselves to subways for the endless ride from Battery Park to the Bronx
What technique is being used? Hyperbole, Alliteration
Explain how you figured it out.
The phrase "chained themselves to subways" exaggerates the commitment or feeling of being stuck, which is hyperbole. The repetition of the 's' sound in "subways" and "endless" (and "ride" and "Bronx" having similar sounds) contributes to alliteration.
7. A final word: before you start / The convulsions of your art,
What technique is being used? Rhyme
Explain how you figured it out.
The words "start" and "art" at the end of the lines have the same ending sound, creating a rhyme.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of poetic devices worksheet.
