Question

Are sound devices considered to be a figurative language technique or a persuasive language technique?

Answer 1

Short answer: Sound devices are primarily stylistic/poetic (sound) devices, not strictly figurative language — but they are often used as persuasive (rhetorical) techniques.

Explanation:
- Sound devices (alliteration, assonance, consonance, onomatopoeia, rhyme, rhythm) are ways of arranging sound for effect. They’re classed with poetic or stylistic devices because they affect how language sounds and feels.
- Figurative language usually refers to comparisons and imagery (metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole). Sound devices aren’t typically “figurative” in that sense, though they can enhance imagery and mood.
- Persuasive/rhetorical technique: sound devices frequently function persuasively — they make phrases memorable, pleasing, emphatic or emotive (e.g., slogans, political speech, advertising). So in analysis you can legitimately call them rhetorical or persuasive devices when discussing how a writer/speaker influences an audience.

If you need one label for an essay: call them “sound/stylistic devices” and note that they are often used as persuasive techniques.