Identify and explain Harper’s use of the following literary devices in the three
poems we’re reading (“A Double Standard”, “Learning to Read”, and “A Bible Defense of Slavery”). Your
explanations for each device may be simple and succinct (you certainly don’t need a paragraph for each), so
long as you convey how the device is operating within the poem. Your examples may be from any/all of the
three poems. (If you need a refresher on literary devices, the overview with definitions and examples is located
under Course Materials > Lectures, PowerPoints, etc).
1) Metaphor
2) Hyperbole
3) Oxymoron and/or Juxtaposition
4) Allusion
5) Colloquialism
Sample Solution
