Day 14: Finding Literary Devices in Fiction Lesson Plan
Master the art of textual evidence and analysis. In Day 14 of the Grade 9 English course, students transition to the practical application of their glossary terms by finding literary devices in fiction. Using the short story Eleven as a primary text, students analyze how authors use tools like imagery and symbolism to build emotional depth, while a quick grammar quiz keeps capitalization skills sharp.
75 Minutes | Key Concepts: Finding Literary Devices, Simile, Metaphor, Imagery, Symbolism, Hyperbole
Learning Goals and Standards
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify literary devices within authentic fiction texts
- Explain how literary devices shape meaning and reader response
- Support device identification with textual evidence
- Connect literary devices to mood, tone, characterization, and theme
- Apply literary terminology accurately during discussion and written responses
Aligned Global Competencies / Standards / ELA Curriculum
This lesson supports international secondary English expectations such as:
Ontario Curriculum Alignment (ENL1W)
Strand C: Comprehension — Identify and explain how various literary devices, such as simile, metaphor, and imagery, are used to communicate meaning and evoke emotion in a text. (C2.3)
Strand B: Foundations of Language — Explaining how stylistic elements contribute to meaning and effectiveness in texts (B2.2)
Strand A: Literacy Connections and Applications — Applying knowledge of literary devices to interpret increasingly complex texts (A1.2)
Common Core (Grades 9–10 Reading Literature)
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings (RL.9–10.4)
IB Language & Literature (ATL Skills)
Develop interpretive strategies for analyzing how language choices influence meaning and reader response
Cambridge IGCSE English Literature
Recognize writers’ methods and explain how language creates effects in texts
OECD Global Competence Framework
Interpret communication across texts using discipline-specific vocabulary
UNESCO Literacy Framework
Strengthen interpretive reading through recognition of figurative and symbolic language in context
Resources for Finding Literary Devices
- Capitalization Quiz
- Capitalization Quiz Answer Key
- PDF Copy of “Eleven”
- “Eleven” and Literary Devices Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key for “Eleven” and Literary Devices
Bell Ringer For Finding Literary Devices
“Is It Just Description?” (5 minutes)
Write this sentence on the board:
The classroom buzzed like a beehive before the bell.
Ask students:
- What device is being used?
- What does the comparison suggest about the classroom?
- How does the sentence change if we remove the comparison?
Students quickly see that literary devices are not decoration—they shape meaning and atmosphere.
Lesson Flow
1. Silent Reading (15 minutes)
As always, begin class with 15 minutes of silent reading. Encourage students to log their thoughts or track themes, characters, or devices they notice in their independent novels.
2. Quick Quiz on Capitalization
Follow up the reading session with a short quiz on capitalization rules. This reinforces yesterday’s lesson while keeping students accountable for remembering basic grammar conventions.
Review of Key Literary Devices
Together as a class, review the following seven literary devices. Students should add examples from their independent reading or from Eleven when possible:
Simile – A comparison using like or as.
Metaphor – A direct comparison of two unlike things without using like or as.
Imagery – Descriptive language appealing to the senses.
Symbolism – When one thing represents something deeper, such as an idea or theme.
Hyperbole – An exaggerated statement for effect.
Tone – The author’s attitude toward the subject or reader.
Repetition – The intentional reuse of a word, phrase, or structure for emphasis.
| Literary Device | Example from “Eleven” | Analysis (Effect on Reader) |
| Simile | “The way you grow old is like an onion…” | Illustrates that aging is about layers, not just a final destination. |
| Metaphor | “The red sweater’s a mountain.” | Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the conflict for a child. |
| Repetition | “Not mine, not mine, not mine.” | Conveys Rachel’s desperation and internal panic. |
| Imagery | “The sweater smells like cottage cheese.” | Uses sensory details to evoke a strong feeling of disgust. |
4. Finding Literary Devices in Eleven
Students will then work with a Finding Literary Devices in Eleven worksheet. In this activity, students identify examples of the devices discussed and analyze how they contribute to the story’s meaning and emotional impact.
This activity helps students strengthen their ability to find and interpret literary devices in fiction—an essential step in becoming more thoughtful, critical readers.
First-Hand Suggestions
When I teach capitalization alongside a fiction review, I find students take grammar more seriously because it connects directly to the literary work they’re already discussing. Instead of treating capitalization as isolated rules, I ask students to apply conventions while writing about character, plot, and theme, which helps them see grammar as part of communicating ideas clearly rather than just editing mistakes.
Differentiation
For Students with IEPs
- Provide a capitalization checklist (sentence start, names, titles, places, pronoun I)
- Highlight capitalization targets in sample sentences before editing
- Model corrections together before independent work
- Allow verbal explanation of corrections
- Use shorter editing passages when needed
For English Language Learners
Pre-teach core vocabulary:
| Term | Student-Friendly Meaning |
|---|---|
| capital letter | a big letter |
| proper noun | a name of a person, place, or title |
| sentence start | the first word in a sentence |
| title | the name of a book or story |
Strategies:
- Provide side-by-side correct vs incorrect sentences
- Use sentence frames:
- “This word needs a capital because…”
- Allow highlighting instead of rewriting sentences
- Practice with familiar story titles first
Finding Literary Devices FAQ
How do you help students find literary devices in a short story? The best approach is to have students look for ‘patterns’ and sensory language. In Sandra Cisneros’ ‘Eleven,’ we focus on how repetition and imagery make the character’s internal feelings feel physical and real to the reader.
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor? A simile compares two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’ (e.g., ‘like an onion’), while a metaphor makes a direct comparison (e.g., ‘the sweater is a mountain’).
Why is ‘Eleven’ a good text for finding literary devices? It is written from a child’s perspective but uses highly sophisticated figurative language. This allows Grade 9 students to see that even ‘simple’ stories use complex tools to communicate universal truths.
Previous Lesson: Capitalization and Fiction Review
Next Lesson: Commas and Literary Devices
