Learn the definitions and examples of literary elements and techniques, such as theme, plot, characterization, imagery, and more. This web page provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand and analyze literature.
A comprehensive and detailed guide to various literary devices, their definitions, examples, and effects. Browse the list of terms from accumulation to zeugma and learn how to use them in your writing.
Literary Devices p. 5 of 10 Inference - conclusions which can be drawn by the reader based upon limited clues or facts presented by the author; the reader is encouraged to discover things for him/herself without being directed by the author Example: Mark’s father was surprised the following week when, all of a sudden, Mark quit begging for a dog.
Prose: A literary work that uses the familiar spoken form of language, sentence after sentence. Realistic Fiction: Writing that attempts to show life Science Fiction: Writing based on real or imaginary scientific developments and often set in the future. Short Story: Shorter than a novel, this piece of literature can usually be read in one sitting.
Literary Devices . Metaphor . A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a subject is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable. For example, “She is a rose.” Excluding the possibility that the subject of this sentence is literally a ... In a literary work, a motif can be seen as an image, sound, action, or other figures ...
I.B. English Literature H.L. Literary Devices . 1. Setting – The time and place when and where a story takes place.. 2. Symbolism – The use of symbols that stand for or represent something else.. Characters, objects, events, and settings can all be symbolic. 3. Theme – The theme is the central idea of a story, usually implied rather than directly stated.
event, or literary work that a writer expects the reader to recognize and understand. It may come from history, geography, literature, art, music, or religion. For example: You were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet” “Love Song”, by Taylor Swift
A literary form, sometimes called a genre, is a category of literature. The forms can be defined by their technique, tone, content, or length. The distinctions between genres and forms are flexible. Comedy Writing that deals with life in a humorous way, often making fun of people’s mistakes
AP Glossary of Lit and Rhetorical Terms / 2 Adage – A folk saying with a lesson.“A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Similar to aphorism and colloquialism. Allegory - A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an
When it comes to literary devices, this one is a heavy hitter. Unlike juxtaposition, metaphors help us make sense of things by comparing the common characteristics of two disconnected things. Motif A recurring element that develops the theme of the narrative. This might be a symbol, concept, or image. Example: in Lord of the Flies,
Literary Terms page 4 DICTION a speaker or writer’s choice of words. DIDACTIC form of fiction or nonfiction that teaches a specific lesson or moral or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking. ELEGY a poem of mourning, usually about someone who has died. A Eulogy is great praise or commendation, a laudatory speech, often about someone who has died.
Literary Devices, Techniques, and Elements Mood: The atmosphere or emotional condition created by the piece, within the setting. The mood of Macbeth is dark, murky and mysterious, creating a sense of fear and uncertainty. Motif: A recurring important idea or image.A motif differs from a theme in that it can be expressed as a single word or fragmentary phrase, while a theme usually must be ...
List of literary devices: 31 Literary Terms you should know below is a list of literary devices, most of which often come across prose and poetry. We explain to you what every literary term is and give you an example of how it is used. This list of literary elements is organized in alphabetical order. Allegory A allegory is a story that is used ...
Learn about the techniques and strategies used to enhance writing, especially in literature. This handout provides definitions and examples of common literary elements and techniques, such as allegory, irony, motif, tone, and more.
Literary Devices List Allegory Definition: An allegory is a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, an allegory suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples. Example:
9 catalog "In poetry, a list of things, people, or events. (i.e. See ""I Hear America Singing"" by Walt Whitman)" 9 characterization "The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.(i.e. ""The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.""" 9 characterization - direct
Often, literary devices are used for emphasis or clarity. Authors will also use literary devices to get readers to connect more strongly with either a story as a whole or specific characters or themes. Being able to identify when different literary techniques are being used helps you understand the motivation behind the author's choices. For ...
Literary Devices Study Guide 1. Metaphor A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as. Example: Time is a thief. 2. Simile A comparison using like or as. Example: Brave as a lion. 3. Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds. Example: Peter Piper picked... 4. Irony A contrast between expectation and reality. 5. Symbolism Use of symbols to represent id
emerges from a literary work’s treatment of its subject-matter; or a topic recurring in a number or literary works” (Baldick 258). Themes in literature tend to differ depending on author, time period, genre, style, purpose, etc. Tone: A way of communicating information (in writing, images, or sound) that conveys an attitude.
