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How Does Helen Clarkson Use Literary Devices

Decent Essays

Similes can easily convey a message to readers by comparing and contrasting to relatable themes in everyday life. Imagery is found within the third line of verse 1. The use of this literary device helps to paint a picture in the listener’s head through the use of sensory words. In this case, the lyrics appeal to the audience’s visual senses through the use of the words, “flashing signs.” This helps the listener to distinctly visualize the various bright, dazzling signs the singer is describing, aiding the song in getting its point across. Allusion is utilized twice throughout the song, in both the fourth line of the first verse (Line 9) and in the first bridge (Line 17). The first allusion references a verse from the bible-Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” The second verse is a play on the famous quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” This quote was majorly popularized through Kelly Clarkson’s song, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Allusion helps the song by referencing other messages already popular within literature and media and using them to easily present a message to the audience. …show more content…

The vowel “o” is repeatedly seen in these lyrics, such as in the words “old,” “bold,” “sold” and “told.” Like alliteration, the use of assonance creates a stimulating auditory sense of pleasure that serves to capture the audience’s attention as well. Paradoxes are the most often recurring literary device in “Counting Stars,” being found in lines 14, 15, 17 and

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