What are the poetic devices of …

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

Simile : When comparison is made between two words using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

• Moth like a fireplace
• Belinda was as brave as a barrel
• Repetition
• And the little
• Suddenly, suddenly they heard
• Belinda paled and she cried Help! Help!

Simile

• Snorting like an engine
• Clashed his tails like irons in a dungeon
• He went at the pirate like a robin at the worm

Alliteration : Repetition of initial consonant sounds in the same line.

And he held in his teeth.

Oxymoron: In this poem, the poet uses the device of an oxymoron when he writes the phrase ‘pet dragon’. We know that dragons are dangerous creatures, and therefore, cannot be kept as pets.

Simile: In this poem, the poet uses the device of simile in the 3rd line of the 2nd stanza when he compares Belinda’s dog with mustard, saying that both are sharp, and also uses the word ‘as’ while making the comparison. The poet also uses this device in the 3rd line of the 3rd stanza when he compares the dragon’s mouth with a fireplace, and also uses the word ‘like’ while making this comparison.

Metaphor: In this poem, the poet uses the device of metaphor in the 3rd line of the 3rd stanza when he compares the dragon’s nose with a chimney.

Personification: In this poem, the poet uses the device of personification with respect to Belinda’s kitten, mouse, and dog. In the 2nd line of the 5th stanza, he gives them all the human ability to speak to and tease another being.