Comparison Devices
Master the art of comparing two things to reveal deeper meaning β the foundation of poetic expression.
π‘ Why Comparison Devices Matter for XAT
Comparison devices are the most frequently tested poetic devices in XAT. They take something abstract or complex and make it concrete, relatable, and emotionally powerful.
All comparison devices connect Thing A (abstract) to Thing B (familiar) to transfer qualities and emotions.
Simile
/ΛsΙͺm.Ιͺ.li/ β’ SIM-ih-leeDefinition
A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things using the connecting words “like” or “as”.
The comparison highlights a shared quality between the two things, helping readers understand one thing by relating it to something more familiar.
Etymology: From Latin similis meaning “like” or “similar”
The Simile Formula
Examples with Deep Analysis
“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills”
π¨ Qualities Transferred:
“What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
π¨ Qualities Transferred:
How to Identify a Simile
Look for Signal Words
Search for “like” or “as” in the text.
Other markers: “similar to,” “resembles,” “than”
Check for Unlike Things
Verify that two different categories are compared.
Identify the Shared Quality
Ask: “What quality transfers from B to A?”
Common Traps to Avoid
“I like chocolate”
This “like” = preference, not comparison
“As I walked home…”
This “as” = time, not comparison
“She runs like her mother”
Comparing similar things (both people)
“She runs like the wind”
Comparing unlike things (person vs wind)
XAT Exam Strategy
Focus on ALL qualities of Thing B that could apply β not just the obvious one.
Consider negative aspects too. A rose has thorns!
Similes are easier to spot than metaphors. Use “like/as” as your identifier.
Answers are usually about abstract/emotional qualities, not physical.
Metaphor
/Λmet.Ι.fΙΛr/ β’ MET-uh-forDefinition
A metaphor makes a direct comparison by stating one thing IS another β without “like” or “as”.
More forceful than simile because it asserts identity, not just similarity.
Etymology: From Greek metaphora meaning “transfer”
Simile vs Metaphor
Memory Trick: Simile = Similar (uses comparison words). Metaphor = More direct (A IS B).
Examples with Deep Analysis
“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul”
π¦ Hope = Bird:
XAT Exam Strategy
Most tested device! Metaphors appear in 90% of XAT poems.
Don’t take literally β look for abstract meaning.
Main metaphor often = central theme of the poem.
Extended Metaphor
Also: Conceit, Sustained MetaphorDefinition
An extended metaphor is a metaphor that continues throughout multiple lines, stanzas, or the entire work.
The comparison is developed in depth with multiple related images.
XAT Exam Strategy
When asked “What is the central theme?”, the extended metaphor usually IS the theme.
Extended metaphors create unity β all parts connect to one central idea.
Personification
/pΙrΛsΙn.Ιͺ.fΙͺΛkeΙͺ.ΚΙn/Definition
Personification gives human qualities, emotions, or actions to non-human things β objects, animals, nature, or abstract concepts.
Etymology: Latin persona (person) + facere (to make) = “to make into a person”
What Can Be Personified?
Nature
Wind, sun, moon, trees
“The sun smiled“
Abstract
Time, death, love, hope
“Death knocked“
Objects
Furniture, machines
“The house groaned“
Animals
Given human thoughts
“The dog pondered“
Examples
How to Identify
Find Non-Human Subject
Is it an object, animal, concept, or nature?
Look for Human Verbs
Thinking, feeling, speaking, acting
Ask the Key Question
“Can this really do that?” If no β Personification!
Analogy
/ΙΛnΓ¦l.Ι.dΚi/ β’ uh-NAL-uh-jeeDefinition
An analogy is an extended comparison that explains a complex idea by comparing it to something simpler.
Purpose is to teach or explain, not just create imagery.