Most likely, many of the things on this literary devices list will already be present in some form or anotheryoull be naturally drawn to them because of the powerful stories youve absorbed over your life. Buzz for the sound of a bee, ruff for the bark of a dog, and plop for the sound of a drop of water are all words that sound like the action theyre describing. Tragedies typically evoke feelings of pity, sorrow, and even fear in the reader or audience, as the characters fate is often seen as inevitable or unavoidable. However, identifying literary devices enables you to reflect on the artistry of a piece of writing and understand the authors motives. It allows users to apply a range of techniques to analyse and break down what they are seeing or hearing. Motifs can add depth, complexity, and unity to a work of literature, and can create a sense of continuity and coherence. By using a double negative or negating the opposite of what is being said, litotes can add nuance, complexity, or irony to a statement. We include a one-stop glossary with literary device meanings, along with examples to illustrate how theyre used. Unlike simile, which uses like or as to make a comparison, a metaphor creates a direct relationship between the two things being compared. This can include changing the order of adjectives, adverbs, or verbs, and can involve splitting a word or phrase between two parts of a sentence. They appear all over different types of media: books, movies . The use of syntax in literature can help to establish a particular style or voice, Read More , Theme refers to the underlying message or meaning of a work of literature. The reader has to start the next chapter to discover the protagonists fate. However, anachronism as a literary device can sometimes be used quite effectively for comedic effect or to create a sense of displacement. An allegory is a type of narrative that uses characters and plot to depict abstract ideas and themes. Alliteration can be found in poetry, song lyrics, and even in everyday speech. Euphemisms like passed away and downsizing are quite common in everyday speech, but a good example in literature comes from. The skilled writer uses them to create a powerful, lasting work of art; without them, a story would be much more basic, less enjoyable, and less memorable. This device is often used to create a sense of mood or atmosphere in a work of literature, and to reflect the emotional state of the characters or events. Shortest word length. The writer accomplishes this by posing one dramatic question after another. Examples of allusion: She had a Read More , Amplification involves expanding upon a word or phrase in order to clarify, emphasize, or add detail. An anagram is a form of wordplay that allows the writer to infuse mystery and a little interactive fun in the writing so that the reader can decipher the actual word on their own and discover a depth of Read More , Analogy involves drawing a comparison between two things in order to clarify or explain something. Closely related to motifs, symbolism is when objects, characters, actions, or other recurring elements in a story take on another, more profound meaning and/or represent an abstract concept. Having a basic understanding of the ideas on this literary devices list, however, will help you see why other storytellers make the choices they do so that you can begin developing a storytelling voice of your own. Literary devices can entail general elements that come back again and again in a work of literature, as well as the specific and precise treatment of words only used once. Its their regional accent, but also their upbringing, their level of education, their mood, the sort of people theyve been exposed to. An authors diction can reflect their purpose, audience, and the message they are trying to convey. They are often used to create a sense of familiarity or resonance with the audience, and can convey complex meanings and emotions in a simple and direct way. By using periphrasis, writers can create a more complex and nuanced meaning, or convey a sense of richness or depth in their writing. The use of themes in literature can serve to provide a Read More , Tone refers to the authors or narrators attitude towards the subject matter or audience. Alliteration is the literary technique of using a sequence of words that begin with the same letter or sound for a poetic or whimsical effect. Youll sometimes hear these terms being used interchangeably, but theyre not quite the same thing. In literature, a character archetype is a standardized pattern that we instantly recognize from generations upon generations of storytelling. B. They can be used to create double entendres, where a phrase can have both a literal and a figurative meaning. Themes can be expressed in a variety of ways, such as through symbolism, imagery, and metaphor, and can explore complex issues such as love, death, power, identity, and morality. As a figure of speech, oxymorons can be used in humour and to convey an aspect of a characters personalitysometimes at the same time. Circumlocution is often used in literature, particularly in dialogue and Read More , Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story, such as characters, ideas, or emotions. Well-placed images can also support foreshadowing in the story, as we saw previously. Its using figurative language to emphatically say, Ive been kept waiting for too long and I am less than pleased about it.. A rhetorical devices finder is a tool used to determine how an artist or speaker is using rhetorical strategies to deliver their work. This device is often used to create a sense of irony or humor, and to emphasize the contrast between two seemingly opposite concepts. Metonymy is often used in literature to create vivid and concise descriptions. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl, The Twits. You can use motifs to connect with readers on a subconscious, cultural level and help them immerse themselves even deeper in the story world. This can be a great way to enhance one's understanding of language, rhetoric and communication in general. They are often used to tie up loose ends in the narrative, provide closure for the reader, or offer final thoughts on the themes or messages of the work. Short sentences are more like quick footsteps against a sidewalk. To help you become a pro at identifying literary devices, we provide this guide to some of the most common ones. There are several types of conflict in literature, including internal conflict (a struggle within a characters own mind or emotions), external conflict (a struggle between a character and an outside force), and interpersonal conflict (a struggle between two or more characters). This is what becomes their distinctive storytelling style, or voice. You probably wont use all of the literary devices were going to show you here in your own work. Short sentences will kick up the pace, so lean into them for action scenes. , where the wizarding community refers to the villain Voldemort as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in fear of invoking him. For example, a child waiting for a parent too long after school might say, I was waiting for fifty years! Obviously, no one in this context actually believes they were waiting for fifty yearsthe child hasnt even been alive that long. It was a dark and stormy night is an infamous opening line that immediately sets the tone for the story. This device is commonly used Read More , Periodic structure involves structuring a sentence or paragraph so that the main point or idea is not revealed until the end. Understanding the principle of Chekhovs Gun can help avoid unwanted red herrings in your story. It includes the main events, conflicts, and resolutions that move the story forward and create tension and drama for the reader. A great example is J. R. R. Tolkien, who creates richness in the world of his English-language work by inventing entirely new languages and referencing them just enough to make them seem real. A poem may contain multiple verses, each with its own unique structure and purpose. Other times it simply means dropping your reader in the middle of things that are happening, rather than starting with a lot of flowery description and exposition. A weeping willow is an example of attaching a human action to a non-human thing, and to say the weeping willows boughs were lazily sweeping the dust from the road is another. Literary devices are techniques and structures used by writers to convey a message, create an effect, and evoke emotions in the reader. Example: Told in the first person, J. D. Salingers. We have dedicated lessons on all of these techniques waiting for you in our writing academy. that represent something else entirely, like a historical event or significant ideology, to illustrate a deeper meaning. They Read More , Puns play with words in a humorous or clever way by using a word or phrase that has multiple meanings, or by using words that sound similar but have different meanings. Caged Bird by Maya Angelou. Syntax can be used to create a range of effects, such as emphasizing certain words or ideas, creating rhythm and flow, and conveying tone and mood. If youre confused abouttone vs. mood, tone refers mostly to individual aspects and details, while mood refers to the emotional attitude of the entire piece of work. Writing posted to Scribophile is its author. Pathetic fallacy can also be used to create symbolism and allegory in a work, and to enhance the overall meaning and impact of the writing. Juxtaposition is a useful literary device that deals in contrastin other words, putting two characters, images, or ideas side by side to draw attention to their differences. Time has not stood still. Parallel structure is the repetition of similar grammatical forms or patterns within a sentence or passage, which creates a sense of balance and symmetry. These archetypes can take on many different faces and sometimes a character can embody more than one archetype at the same time. If by Rudyard Kipling. That's what I did just now. A literary technique that involves interruption of the chronological sequence of events by interjection of events or scenes of earlier occurrence : flashback anaphora | see definition Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect This might mean working backwards after your first draft and sneaking in hints of whats to come amidst other worldbuilding details. Symbols are used in literature to create layers of meaning and to convey themes, ideas, or messages to the reader in a more subtle way. In a painting, these devices would be the play of light, shadow, and perspective; the use of contrasting and complimentary colour theory; the cool stuff you do with your sparkly gel pens at the very end that makes the finished piece really jump out. Tragic narratives often involve a central character who possesses admirable qualities but is ultimately undone by their own hubris, ignorance, or circumstance. Flashbacks can take many forms, including memories, dreams, or even historical events. Examples of irony: Oedipus Rex by Read More , Juxtaposition involves placing two contrasting things or ideas side by side to highlight their differences or similarities. Its closely related to. Its different than simply overstating something, where the context teeters on the edge of being a lie. Examples of inversion: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. This Read More , Imagery uses sensory details to create a vivid and concrete description of a scene, object, person, or idea. Literary Elements: What are the 7 Elements of Literature? Plus! Negative capability is a way of thinking that emphasizes the value of imagination and intuition, and allows for multiple interpretations and meanings in a work of literature. Epilogues can take many forms, including letters, diary entries, or prose. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou. Experimenting with sentences of all rhythms will help you find yours. Examples of analogy: Life is like a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs. Similes are often used in poetry, but they can also be found in prose and everyday speech. Once youve formed the bones of your story, you can use these literary devices to add shape and style to your work. Chiasmus can involve a range of linguistic elements, such as words, phrases, clauses, or even entire sentences. Similes are great in descriptive passages because you have a whole world in which to draw inspiration from. For instance in his novel River War, Winston Churchill makes only 1 chiasmus even though the novel is 300 pages (= 150 000 words). They are often used as a form of advice or guidance, and can offer insights into human nature, morality, and the human condition. Carl Sagan compares the universes entire history with a single Earth year to better demonstrate the context of when major events occurred; i.e., the Earth formed on September 9, humans first appeared at 10:30 p.m. on December 31. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned. However,the difference between similes and metaphors is that similes use the words like or as to soften the connection and explicitly show its just a comparison. It is often used for its poetic qualities, to create a sense of harmony or to draw attention to certain words or ideas. This literary device is often used to create tension or suspense in a story, as the doppelganger may be a harbinger of danger or foreshadow a characters downfall. Without these elements theres no physical house. It is often used in poetry and other forms of creative writing to create a sense of musicality and beauty in language. The resulting words or phrases usually have some connection or relevance to the original word or phrase. The human brain is like a computer, processing and storing information. It is a form of figurative language that uses metaphorical language to convey meaning and create vivid imagery. Examples of epithet: Swift-footed Achilles Homer, Read More , Euphemism uses mild or indirect words or expressions to replace ones that are considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive. Example: I had to wait in the station for ten daysan eternity. Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness. Read More , An allusion involves referencing or making a brief, indirect reference to a person, place, event, or thing that is outside the text. You may recognize flashbacks in TV series like crime shows or sitcoms, accompanied by subtitles like earlier that day, three days ago, etc. Examples of periphrasis: The Read More , Personification gives human qualities, characteristics, and emotions to non-human objects, animals, or concepts. Heres a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? A motif is a recurring element in a story that holds some symbolic or conceptual meaning. Literary devices are techniques used by writers to create depth and meaning to the messages they are trying to convey. Idioms can take many forms, including similes, metaphors, and hyperbole. You may already know some of these devices, such as similes and metaphors. To get an idea of what literary devices will work best for you, take a look at the stories that youve written so far. , which often satirizes society by addressing current events. It was very old. Example: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy (adapted from Khalil Gibran). While a metaphor is used to stand in place for something else, a simile is used only in description: he was as brave as a lion, for instance, is a simile, while he had a lions heart is a metaphor. A well-placed simile can give the reader a better sense of a character or place than pages and pages of telling us what it looks like. You could retell of a familiar story, or you could simply use myths and legends as inspiration for the sort of values, strengths, and weaknesses you want to explore in your own characters. And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts. 1. Internal rhyme is often used to create a musical or rhythmic effect in poetry, and can also serve to connect ideas or reinforce themes.