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Last updated on May 22, 2024

100 Literary Devices With Examples: The Ultimate List

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About Martin Cavannagh

Head of Content at Reedsy, Martin has spent over eight years helping writers turn their ambitions into reality. As a voice in the indie publishing space, he has written for a number of outlets and spoken at conferences, including the 2024 Writers Summit at the London Book Fair.

Literary devices are perhaps the greatest tools that writers have in literature. Just think — Shakespeare could have written: Everyone has a role in life.

Instead, he used a literary device and penned what is likely the most famous metaphor in literature:

All the world’s a stage

And all the men and women merely players

And the rest is history.

What are literary devices?

A literary device is a writing technique that writers use to express ideas, convey meaning, and highlight important themes in a piece of text. A metaphor, like we mentioned earlier, is a famous example of a literary device.

These devices serve a wide range of purposes in literature. Some might work on an intellectual level, while others have a more emotional effect. They may also work subtly to improve the flow  of your writing. No matter what, if you're looking to inject something special into your prose, literary devices are a great place to start.

How to identify literary devices

A writer using a literary device is quite different from a reader identifying it. Often, an author’s use of a literary device is subtle by design —you only feel its effect, and not its presence. 

Therefore, we’ve structured this post for both purposes:    

• If you’re a reader, we’ve included examples for each literary device to make it easier for you to identify them in the wild. 
• If you’re a writer, we’ve included exercises for the literary devices, so that you can practice using them in your works. 

Let’s get to it.

100 common literary devices, with examples

1. alliteration.

Alliteration describes a series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound. It lends a pleasing cadence to prose and Hamlet and the dollar as currency in Macbeth .

Example: “ One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,

And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.” — “Death, Be Not Proud” by John Donne

Exercise: Pick a letter and write a sentence where every word starts with that letter or one that sounds similar. 

2. Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a series of clauses or sentences. It’s often seen in poetry and speeches, intended to provoke an emotional response in its audience.

Example: Martin Luther King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.

"… and I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.

"… I have a dream that little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Exercise: Pick a famous phrase and write a paragraph elaborating on an idea, beginning each sentence with that phrase. 

Related term: repetition

3. Anastrophe

Anastrophe is a figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed. So a typical verb-subject-adjective sentence such as “Are you ready?” becomes a Yoda-esque adjective-verb-subject question: “Ready, are you?” Or a standard adjective-noun pairing like “tall mountain” becomes “mountain tall.”

Example: “Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing.” — “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

Exercise: Write a standard verb-subject-adjective sentence or adjective-noun pairing then flip the order to create an anastrophe. How does it change the meaning or feeling of the sentence?

4. Chiasmus

Chiasmus is when two or more parallel clauses are inverted. “Why would I do that?” you may be wondering. Well, a chiasmus might sound confusing and unnecessary in theory, but it's much more convincing in practice — and in fact, you've likely already come across it before.

Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy

5. Congeries

Congeries is a fancy literary term for creating a list. The items in your list can be words, ideas, or phrases, and by displaying them this way helps prove or emphasize a point — or even create a sense of irony. Occasionally, it’s also called piling as the words are “piling up.”

Example: "Apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order, what have the Romans done for us?" — Monty Python’s Life of Brian

6. Cumulative sentence

A cumulative sentence (or “loose sentence”) is one that starts with an independent clause, but then has additional or modifying clauses. They’re often used for contextual or clarifying details. This may sound complex, but even, “I ran to the store to buy milk, bread, and toilet paper” is a cumulative sentence, because the first clause, “I ran to the store,” is a complete sentence, while the rest tells us extra information about your run to the store.

Example: “It was a large bottle of gin Albert Cousins had brought to the party, yes, but it was in no way large enough to fill all the cups, and in certain cases to fill them many times over, for the more than one hundred guests, some of whom were dancing not four feet in front of him.” – Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

Example: Write three sentences that are related to each other. Can you combine the information into a cumulative sentence? 

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7. Epistrophe

Epistrophe is the opposite of anaphora, with this time a word or phrase being repeated at the end of a sentence. Though its placement in a sentence is different it serves the same purpose—creating emphasis—as an anaphora does. 

Example: “I’ll be ever’where – wherever you look. Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there . If Casy knowed, why, I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad an’ – I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry an’ they know supper’s ready. An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build, why, I’ll be there .” — The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Related terms:  repetition, anaphora

Exercise: Write a paragraph where a phrase or a word is repeated at the end of every sentence, emphasizing the point you’re trying to make. 

8. Erotesis

Erotesis is a close cousin of the rhetorical question. Rather than a question asked without expectation of an answer, this is when the question (and the asker) confidently expects a response that is either negative or affirmative. 

Example: “ Do you then really think that you have committed your follies in order to spare your son them?” — Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Related term:  rhetorical question

9. Hyperbaton

Hyperbaton is the inversion of words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that differs from how they would normally be arranged. It comes from the Greek hyperbatos, which means “transposed” or “inverted.” While it is similar to anastrophe, it doesn’t have the same specific structure and allows you to rearrange your sentences in whatever order you want. 

Example: “Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire.” — “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe

Related terms:  anastrophe, epistrophe

10. Isocolon

If you’re a neat freak who likes things just so , isocolon is the literary device for you. This is when two or more phrases or clauses have similar structure, rhythm, and even length — such that, when stacked up on top of each other, they would line up perfectly. Isocolon often crops up in brand slogans and famous sayings; the quick, balanced rhythm makes the phrase catchier and more memorable.

Example: Veni, vidi, vici (“I came, I saw, I conquered”)

11. Litotes

Litotes (pronounced lie-toe-teez ) is the signature literary device of the double negative. Writers use litotes to express certain sentiments through their opposites, by saying that that opposite is not the case. Don’t worry, it makes more sense with the examples. 😉

Examples: “You won’t be sorry” (meaning you’ll be happy); “you’re not wrong” (meaning you’re right); “I didn’t not like it” (meaning I did)

12. Malapropism

If Shakespeare is the king of metaphors, Michael Scott is the king of malapropisms . A malapropism is when similar-sounding words replace their appropriate counterparts, typically to comic effect — one of the most commonly cited is “dance a flamingo,” rather than a “flamenco.” Malapropisms are often employed in dialogue when a character flubs up their speech.

Example: “I am not to be truffled with.”

Exercise: Choose a famous or common phrase and see if you can replace a word with a similar sounding one that changes the meaning. 

13. Onomatopoeia

Amusingly, onomatopoeia (itself a difficult-to-pronounce word) refers to words that sound like the thing they’re referring to. Well-known instances of onomatopoeia include whiz, buzz, snap, grunt, etc.

Example: The excellent children's book Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type . “Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears: Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Clickety, clack, moo. ”

Exercise: Take some time to listen to the sounds around you and write down what you hear. Now try to use those sounds in a short paragraph or story. 

14. Oxymoron 

An oxymoron comes from two contradictory words that describe one thing. While juxtaposition contrasts two story elements, oxymorons are about the actual words you are using.

Example: "Parting is such sweet sorrow.” — Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. (Find 100 more examples of oxymorons here .)

Related terms: juxtaposition, paradox

Exercise: Choose two words with opposite meanings and see if you can use them in a sentence to create a coherent oxymoron. 

15. Parallelism

Parallelism is all about your sentence structure. It’s when similar ideas, sounds, phrases, or words are arranged in a way that is harmonious or creates a parallel, hence the name. It can add rhythm and meter to any piece of writing and can often be found in poetry. 

Example: “ That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” — Neil Armstrong

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16. Polysyndeton

Instead of using a single conjunction in lengthy statements, polysyndeton uses several in succession for a dramatic effect . This one is definitely for authors looking to add a bit of artistic flair to their writing, or who are hoping to portray a particular (usually naïve) sort of voice.

Example: “Luster came away from the flower tree and we went along the fence and they stopped and we stopped and I looked through the fence while Luster was hunting in the grass.” — The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Exercise: Write three or four independent sentences. Try combining them using conjunctions. What kind of effect does this have on the overall meaning and tone of the piece?

17. Portmanteau

A portmanteau is when two words are combined to form a new word which refers to a single concept that retains the meanings of both the original words. Modern language is full of portmanteaus. In fact, the portmanteau is itself a portmanteau. It’s a combination of the French porter (to carry) and manteau (cloak). 

Example: Brunch (breakfast and lunch); cosplay (costume and roleplay); listicle (list and article); romcom (romance and comedy)

Exercise: Pick two words that are often used together to describe a single concept. See if there’s a way to combine them and create a single word that encompasses the meaning of both.

18. Repetition

Repetition , repetition, repetition… where would we be without it? Though too much repetition is rarely a good thing, occasional repetition can be used quite effectively to drill home a point, or to create a certain atmosphere. For example, horror writers often use repetition to make the reader feel trapped and scared.

Example: In The Shining , Jack Torrance types over and over again on his pages,  “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” In this case, obsessive repetition demonstrates the character’s unraveling mind.

Related term: anaphora

Exercise: Repetition can be used to call attention to an idea or phrase. Pick an idea you want to emphasize and write a few sentences about it. Are there any places where you can add repetition to make it more impactful? 

19. Tautology

A tautology is when a sentence or short paragraph repeats a word or phrase, expressing the same idea twice. Often, this is a sign that you should trim your work to remove the redundancy (such as “frozen ice”) but can also be used for poetic emphasis.

Example: "But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door" – “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

20. Tmesis 

Tmesis is when a word or phrase is broken up by an interjecting word, such as abso-freaking-lutely. It’s used to draw out and emphasize the idea, often with a humorous or sarcastic slant.

Example: "This is not Romeo, he's some-other-where." – Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

21. Allegory

An allegory is a type of narrative that uses characters and plot to depict abstract ideas and themes. In an allegorical story, things represent more than they appear to on the surface. Many children's fables, such as The Tortoise and the Hare , are simple allegories about morality — but allegories can also be dark, complex, and controversial. 

Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell. This dystopian novella is one of modern literature’s best-known allegories. A commentary on the events leading up to Stalin's rise and the formation of the Soviet Union, the pigs at the heart of the novel represent figures such as Stalin, Trotsky, and Molotov.

Exercise: Pick a major trend or problem in the world and consider what defines it. Try and create a story where that trend plays out on a smaller scale. 

For more inspiration for how to use allegories to explore your themes, check out this guide on themes. 

22. Anecdote

An anecdote is like a short story within a story. Sometimes, they are incredibly short—only a line or two—and their purpose is to add a character’s perspective, knowledge, or experience to a situation. They can be inspirational, humorous, or be used to inspire actions in others. Since anecdotes are so short, don’t expect them to be part of a main story. They’re usually told by a character and part of the dialogue. 

Example: Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way , part of his series of novels, In Search of Lost Time, deals with the themes of remembrance and memory. In one section of this book, to illustrate these ideas, the main character recalls an important memory of eating a madeleine cookie. “Many years had elapsed during which nothing of Combray, save what was comprised in the theatre and the drama of my going to bed there, had any existence for me, when one day in winter, as I came home, my mother, seeing that I was cold, offered me some tea, a thing I did not ordinarily take. I declined at first, and then, for no particular reason, changed my mind. She sent out for one of those short, plump little cakes called ‘petites madeleines,’ which look as though they had been moulded in the fluted scallop of a pilgrim’s shell.”

23. Deus Ex Machina

Literally meaning “god in the machine” in Greek, deus ex machina is a plot device where an impossible situation is solved by the appearance of an unexpected or unheard of character, action, object, or event. This brings about a quick and usually happy resolution for a story and can be used to surprise an audience, provide comic relief, or provide a fix for a complicated plot. However, deus ex machinas aren’t always looked upon favorably and can sometimes be seen as lazy writing, so they should be used sparingly and with great thought. 

Example: William Golding’s famous novel of a group of British boys marooned on a desert island is resolved with a deus ex machina. At the climax of The Lord of the Flies, as all threads converge and Ralph is about to be killed by Jack, a naval officer arrives to rescue the boys and bring them back to civilization. It’s an altogether unexpected and bloodless ending for a story about the boys’ descent into savagery. 

Exercise: Consider the ending of your favorite book or movie and then write an alternate ending that uses a deus ex machina to resolve the main conflict. How does this affect the overall story in terms of theme and tone?

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24. Dramatic irony

Dramatic irony is when the readers know more about the situation going on than at least one of the characters involved. This creates a difference between the ways the audience and the characters perceive unfolding events. For instance, if we know that one character is having an affair, when that character speaks to their spouse, we will pick up on the lies and double-meanings of their words, while the spouse may take them at face value.

Example: In Titanic , the audience knows from the beginning of the movie that the boat will sink. This creates wry humor when characters remark on the safety of the ship.

25. Exposition

Exposition is when the narrative provides background information in order to help the reader understand what’s going on. When used in conjunction with description and dialogue, this literary device provides a richer understanding of the characters, setting, and events. Be careful, though — too much exposition will quickly become boring, thus undercutting the emotional impact of your work.

Example: “The Dursley’s had everything they wanted, but they also had a secret, and their greatest fear was that somebody would discover it.” – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Exercise: Pick your favorite story and write a short paragraph introducing it to someone who knows nothing about it. 

26. Flashback

Flashbacks to previous events split up present-day scenes in a story, usually to build suspense toward a big reveal. Flashbacks are also an interesting way to present exposition for your story, gradually revealing to the reader what happened in the past.

Example: Every other chapter in the first part of Gone Girl is a flashback, with Amy’s old diary entries describing her relationship with her husband before she disappeared.

Related term: foreshadowing

27. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is when the author hints at events yet to come in a story. Similar to flashbacks (and often used in conjunction with them), this technique is also used to create tension or suspense — giving readers just enough breadcrumbs to keep them hungry for more.

Example: One popular method of foreshadowing is through partial reveals — the narrator leaves out key facts to prompt readers’ curiosity. Jeffrey Eugenides does this in The Virgin Suicides : “On the morning the last Lisbon daughter took her turn at suicide — it was Mary this time, and sleeping pills, like Therese, the two paramedics arrived at the house knowing exactly where the knife drawer was, and the gas oven, and the beam in the basement from which it was possible to tie a rope.”

Related term: flashback

Exercise: Go back to your favorite book or movie. Can you identify any instances of foreshadowing in the early portions of the story for events that happen in the future? 

28. Frame story

A frame story is any part of the story that "frames" another part of it, such as one character telling another about their past, or someone uncovering a diary or a series of news articles that then tell the readers what happened. Since the frame story supports the rest of the plot, it is mainly used at the beginning and the end of the narrative, or in small interludes between chapters or short stories.

Example: In The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, Kvothe is telling Chronicler the story of his life over the span of three days. Most of the novel is the story he is telling, while the frame is any part that takes place in the inn.

29. In Medias Res

In medias res is a Latin term that means "in the midst of things" and is a way of starting a narrative without exposition or contextual information . It launches straight into a scene or action that is already unfolding. 

Example: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” — The opening line of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Exercise: Pick a story you enjoy and rewrite the opening scene so that it starts in the middle of the story. 

30. Point of view

Point of view is, of course, the mode of narration in a story. There are many POVs an author can choose, and each one will have a different impact on the reading experience.

Example: Second person POV is uncommon because it directly addresses the reader — not an easy narrative style to pull off. One popular novel that manages to employ this perspective successfully is Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney: “You are not the kind of guy who would be at a place like this at this time of the morning. But here you are, and you cannot say that the terrain is entirely unfamiliar, although the details are fuzzy.”

Exercise: Write a short passage in either first, second, or third person. Then rewrite that passage in the other two points of view, only changing the pronouns. How does the change in POV affect the tone and feel of the story? 

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31. Soliloquy 

Soliloquy involves a character speaking their thoughts aloud, usually at length (and often in a Shakespeare play). The character in question may be alone or in the company of others, but they’re not speaking for the benefit of other people; the purpose of a soliloquy is for a character to reflect independently.

Example: Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” speech, in which he ruminates on the nature of life and death, is a classic dramatic soliloquy.

Exercise: Pick a character from your favorite book or movie and write a soliloquy from their point of view where they consider their thoughts and feelings on an important part of their story or character arc. 

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Tone refers to the overall mood and message of your book. It’s established through a variety of means, including voice, characterization, symbolism, and themes. Tone sets the feelings you want your readers to take away from the story.

Example: No matter how serious things get in The Good Place , there is always a chance for a character to redeem themselves by improving their behavior. The tone remains hopeful for the future of humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Exercise: Write a short paragraph in an upbeat tone. Now using the same situation you came up with, rewrite that passage in a darker or sadder tone. 

33. Tragicomedy

Tragicomedy is just what it sounds like: a blend of tragedy and comedy. Tragicomedy helps an audience process darker themes by allowing them to laugh at the situation even when circumstances are bleak.

Example: Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events uses wordplay, absurd situations, and over-the-top characters to provide humor in an otherwise tragic story.

34. Allusion

An allusion is a reference to a person, place, thing, concept, or other literary work that a reader is likely to recognize. A lot of meaning can be packed into an allusion and it’s often used to add depth to a story. Many works of classic Western literature will use allusions to the Bible to expand on or criticize the morals of their time. 

Example: “The two knitting women increase his anxiety by gazing at him and all the other sailors with knowing unconcern. Their eerie looks suggest that they know what will happen (the men dying), yet don’t care.” The two women knitting in this passage from Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness are a reference to the Fates from Greek mythology, who decide the fate of humanity by spinning and cutting the threads of life.

Exercise: In a relatively simple piece of writing, see how many times you can use allusions. Go completely crazy. Once you’re finished, try to cut it down to a more reasonable amount and watch for how it creates deeper meaning in your piece. 

35. Analogy

An analogy connects two seemingly unrelated concepts to show their similarities and expand on a thought or idea. They are similar to metaphors and similes, but usually take the comparison much further than either of these literary devices as they are used to support a claim rather than provide imagery. 

Example: “ It has been well said that an author who expects results from a first novel is in a position similar to that of a man who drops a rose petal down the Grand Canyon of Arizona and listens for the echo.” — P.G. Wodehouse

Exercise: Pick two seemingly unrelated nouns and try to connect them with a verb to create an analogy. 

36. Anthropomorphism

To anthropomorphize is to apply human traits or qualities to a non-human thing such as objects, animals, or the weather. But unlike personification, in which this is done through figurative description, anthropomorphism is literal: a sun with a smiling face, for example, or talking dogs in a cartoon.

Examples: In Disney’s Beauty and the Beast , Mrs. Potts the teapot, Cogsworth the clock, and Lumière the candlestick are all household objects that act and behave like humans (which, of course, they were when they weren’t under a spell).

Related term: personification

Exercise: Pick a non-human object and describe it as if it was human, literally ascribing human thoughts, feelings, and senses to it. 

37. Aphorism

An aphorism is a universally accepted truth stated in a concise, to-the-point way. Aphorisms are typically witty and memorable, often becoming adages or proverbs as people repeat them over and over.

Example: “To err is human, to forgive divine.” — Alexander Pope

38. Archetype

An archetype is a “universal symbol” that brings familiarity and context to a story. It can be a character, a setting, a theme, or an action. Archetypes represent feelings and situations that are shared across cultures and time periods, and are therefore instantly recognizable to any audience — for instance, the innocent child character, or the theme of the inevitability of death.

Example: Superman is a heroic archetype: noble, self-sacrificing, and drawn to righting injustice whenever he sees it.

Exercise: Pick an archetype — either a character or a theme — and use it to write a short piece centered around that idea. 

To learn more about archetypes, check out these 12 common ones that all writers should know.

A cliché is a saying or idea that is used so often it becomes seen as unoriginal. These phrases might become so universal that, despite their once intriguing nature, they're now looked down upon as uninteresting and overused. 

Examples: Some common cliches you might have encountered are phrases like “easy as pie” and “light as a feather.” Some lines from famous books and movies have become so popular that they are now in and of themselves cliches such as Darth Vader’s stunning revelation from The Empire Strikes Back, “Luke, I am your father.” Also, many classic lines of Shakespeare are now considered cliches like, “All that glitters is not gold” from The Merchant of Venice. 

Exercise: Write a short passage using as many cliches as possible. Now try to cut them out and replace them with more original phrasing. See how the two passages compare. 

40. Colloquialism

Colloquialism is the use of casual and informal language in writing, which can also include slang. Writers use colloquialisms to provide context to settings and characters, and to make their writing sound more authentic, especially in spoken form . Imagine reading a YA novel that takes place in modern America, and the characters speak to each other like this:

“Good morning, Sue. I hope that you slept well and are prepared for this morning’s science exam.”

It’s not realistic. Colloquialisms help create believable dialogue:

“Hey Sue, what’d you get up to last night? This science test is gonna suck.”

Example: Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh takes place in Scotland, a fact made undeniably obvious by the dialect: “Thing is, as ye git aulder, this character-deficiency gig becomes mair sapping. Thir wis a time ah used tae say tae aw the teachers, bosses, dole punters, poll-tax guys, magistrates, when they telt me ah was deficient: ’Hi, cool it, gadge, ah’m jist me, jist intae a different sort ay gig fae youse but, ken?’”

Exercise: Write a dialogue between two characters as formally as possible. Now take that conversation and make it more colloquial. Imagine that you’re having this conversation with a friend. Mimic your own speech patterns as you write. 

41. Euphemism

A euphemism is an indirect, “polite” way of describing something too inappropriate or awkward to address directly. However, most people will still understand the truth about what's happening.

Example: When an elderly person is forced to retire, some might say they’re being “put out to pasture.”

Exercise: Write a paragraph where you say things very directly. Now rewrite that paragraph using only euphemisms. 

42. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement that emphasizes the significance of the statement’s actual meaning. When a friend says, "Oh my god, I haven't seen you in a million years," that's hyperbole.

Example: “At that time Bogotá was a remote, lugubrious city where an insomniac rain had been falling since the beginning of the 16th century.” — Living to Tell the Tale by Gabriel García Márquez

Exercise: Tall tales often make use of hyperbole to tell an exaggerated story. Use hyperbole to relate a completely mundane event or experience to turn it into a tall tale. 

43. Hypophora

Hypophora is much like a rhetorical question, wherein someone asks a question that doesn't require an answer. However, in hypophora, the person raises a question and answers it immediately themselves (hence the prefix hypo, meaning 'under' or 'before'). It’s often used when characters are reasoning something aloud.

Example: “Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it.” — Daisy in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

An idiom is a saying that uses figurative language whose meaning differs from what it literally says. These phrases originate from common cultural experiences, even if that experience has long ago been forgotten. Without cultural context, idioms don’t often make sense and can be the toughest part for non-native speakers to understand. 

Example: In everyday use, idioms are fairly common. We say things like, “It’s raining cats and dogs” to say that it’s downpouring. 

Exercise: Idioms are often used in dialogue. Write a conversation between two people where idioms are used to express their main points. 

45. Imagery

Imagery appeals to readers’ senses through highly descriptive language. It’s crucial for any writer hoping to follow the rule of "show, don’t tell," as strong imagery truly paints a picture of the scene at hand.

Example: “In the hard-packed dirt of the midway, after the glaring lights are out and the people have gone to bed, you will find a veritable treasure of popcorn fragments, frozen custard dribblings, candied apples abandoned by tired children, sugar fluff crystals, salted almonds, popsicles, partially gnawed ice cream cones and wooden sticks of lollipops.” — Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Exercise: Choose an object, image, or idea and use the five senses to describe it. 

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Irony creates a contrast between how things seem and how they really are. There are three types of literary irony: dramatic (when readers know what will happen before characters do), situational (when readers expect a certain outcome, only to be surprised by a turn of events), and verbal (when the intended meaning of a statement is the opposite of what was said).

Example: This opening scene from Orson Welles’ A Touch of Evil is a great example of how dramatic irony can create tension.

47. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition places two or more dissimilar characters, themes, concepts, etc. side by side, and the profound contrast highlights their differences. Why is juxtaposition such an effective literary device? Well, because sometimes the best way for us to understand something is by understanding what it’s not .

Example: In the opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities , Charles Dickens uses juxtaposition to emphasize the societal disparity that led to the French Revolution: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…”

Related terms: oxymoron, paradox

Exercise: Pick two ideas, objects, places, or people that seem like complete opposites. Introduce them side by side in the beginning of your piece and highlight their similarities and differences throughout. 

48. Metaphor

A metaphor compares two similar things by saying that one of them is the other. As you'd likely expect, when it comes to literary devices, this one is a heavy hitter. And if a standard metaphor doesn't do the trick, a writer can always try an extended metaphor: a metaphor that expands on the initial comparison through more elaborate parallels .

Example: Metaphors are literature’s bread and butter (metaphor intended) — good luck finding a novel that is free of them. Here’s one from Frances Hardinge’s A Face Like Glass : “Wishes are thorns, he told himself sharply. They do us no good, just stick into our skin and hurt us.”

Related term: simile

Exercise: Write two lists: one with tangible objects and the other concepts. Mixing and matching, try to create metaphors where you describe the concepts using physical objects.

One metaphor example not enough? Check out this post , which has 97 of ‘em!

49. Metonymy

Metonymy is like symbolism, but even more so. A metonym doesn’t just symbolize something else, it comes to serve as a synonym for that thing or things — typically, a single object embodies an entire institution.

Examples: “The crown” representing the monarchy, “Washington” representing the U.S. government.

Related term: synecdoche

Exercise: Create a list of ten common metonymies you might encounter in everyday life and speech.

Whatever form a motif takes, it recurs throughout the novel and helps develop the theme of the narrative . This might be a symbol, concept, or image.

Example: In Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, trains are an omnipresent motif that symbolize transition, derailment, and ultimately violent death and destruction.

Related term: symbol

Exercise: Pick a famous book or movie and see if you can identify any common motifs within it. 

51. Non sequitur

Non sequiturs are statements that don't logically follow what precedes them. They’ll often be quite absurd and can lend humor to a story. But they’re just not good for making jokes. They can highlight missing information or a miscommunication between characters and even be used for dramatic effect. 

Example: “It was a spring day, the sort that gives people hope: all soft winds and delicate smells of warm earth. Suicide weather.” — Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen 

Exercise: Write a conversation that gets entirely derailed by seemingly unrelated non sequiturs. 

52. Paradox

Paradox derives from the Greek word paradoxon , which means “beyond belief.” It’s a statement that asks people to think outside the box by providing seemingly illogical — and yet actually true — premises.

Example: In George Orwell’s 1984 , the slogan of the totalitarian government is built on paradoxes: “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength.” While we might read these statements as obviously contradictory, in the context of Orwell’s novel, these blatantly corrupt sentiments have become an accepted truth.

Related terms: oxymoron, juxtaposition

Exercise: Try writing your own paradox. First, think of two opposing ideas that can be juxtaposed against each other. Then, create a situation where these contradictions coexist with each other. What can you gather from this unique perspective?

53. Personification

Personification uses human traits to describe non-human things. Again, while the aforementioned anthropomorphism actually applies these traits to non-human things, personification means the behavior of the thing does not actually change. It's personhood in figurative language only.

Example: “Just before it was dark, as they passed a great island of Sargasso weed that heaved and swung in the light sea as though the ocean were making love with something under a yellow blanket, his small line was taken by a dolphin.” — The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Related term: anthropomorphism

Exercise: Pick a non-human object and describe it using human traits, this time using similes and metaphors rather than directly ascribing human traits to it. 

54. Rhetorical question

A rhetorical question is asked to create an effect rather than to solicit an answer from the listener or reader. Often it has an obvious answer and the point of asking is to create emphasis. It’s a great way to get an audience to consider the topic at hand and make a statement. 

Example: “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” — The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Writers use satire to make fun of some aspect of human nature or society — usually through exaggeration, ridicule, or irony. There are countless ways to satirize something; most of the time, you know it when you read it.

Example: The famous adventure novel Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift is a classic example of satire, poking fun at “travelers' tales,” the government, and indeed human nature itself.

A simile draws resemblance between two things by saying “Thing A is like Thing B,” or “Thing A is as [adjective] as Thing B.” Unlike a metaphor, a similar does not posit that these things are the same, only that they are alike. As a result, it is probably the most common literary device in writing — you can almost always recognize a simile through the use of “like” or “as.”

Example: There are two similes in this description from Circe by Madeline Miller: “The ships were golden and huge as leviathans, their rails carved from ivory and horn. They were towed by grinning dolphins or else crewed by fifty black-haired nereids, faces silver as moonlight.”

Related term: metaphor

57. Symbolism

Authors turn to tangible symbols to represent abstract concepts and ideas in their stories  Symbols typically derive from objects or non-humans — for instance, a dove might represent peace, or a raven might represent death.

Example: In The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald uses the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg (actually a faded optometrist's billboard) to represent God and his judgment of the Jazz Age.

Related term: motif

Exercise: Choose an object that you want to represent something — like an idea or concept. Now, write a poem or short story centered around that symbol. 

58. Synecdoche

Synecdoche is the usage of a part to represent the whole. That is, rather than an object or title that’s merely associated with the larger concept (as in metonymy), synecdoche must actually be attached in some way: either to the name, or to the larger whole itself.

Examples: “Stanford won the game” ( Stanford referring to the full title of the Stanford football team) or “Nice wheels you got there” ( wheels referring to the entire car)

Related term:  metonymy

Zeugma is when one word is used to ascribe two separate meanings to two other words. This literary device is great for adding humor and figurative flair as it tends to surprise the reader. And it’s just a fun type of wordplay. 

Example: “ Yet time and her aunt moved slowly — and her patience and her ideas were nearly worn out before the tete-a-tete was over.” — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

60. Zoomorphism 

Zoomorphism is when you take animal traits and assign them to anything that’s not an animal. It’s the opposite of anthropomorphism and personification, and can be either a physical manifestation, such as a god appearing as an animal, or a comparison, like calling someone a busy bee .

Example: When vampires turn into bats, their bat form is an instance of zoomorphism.

Exercise: Describe a human or object by using traits that are usually associated with animals. 

Related terms: anthropomorphism, personification

61. Enjambment

French for “straddle,” enjambment denotes the continuation of a sentence from one poetic line to the next. It’s the opposite of an end-stopped line. 

Example : The first line in T.S. Eilot’s “The Waste Land” is an example of enjambment: 

“April is the cruellest month, breeding

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing.”

Related terms: end-stop

62. Euphony

Euphony is the acoustic effect of a combination of words that’s pleasing to the ear. Indeed, it leads by example: if you say “euphony” out loud, the assonance of the word itself is harmonious.

Example: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”

Related terms: cacophony, alliteration

63. Pathetic fallacy   

Pathetic fallacy is a form of personification, where an author gives human emotions to an inanimate object. 

Example: “The sky wept.”

64. Anagram

If you like puzzles, you might have already heard of an anagram : a new word or phrase a writer can form by re-ordering the letters of another word. Note that an anagram is not the same as a palindrome or a semordnilap, as the letters need to come in a different order, and not simply read back to front.

Example: “brag” is an anagram of “grab,” and vice versa. We can go on. “Night” is an anagram of “thing”!

Related terms: palindrome, semordnilap

65. Antithesis

Made up of two different words (“anti” and “thesis”), antithesis is a literary device that juxtaposes opposing ideas, words, or images. Usually, these two contrasting ideas will be written with similar grammatical structure for dramatic effect.

Example: Neil Armstrong perhaps unintentionally created an example of antithesis when he famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Related terms: juxtaposition

66. Circumlocution

Circumlocution is the opposite of saying something directly: instead, it’s when a writer states something in an ambiguous, unclear, or roundabout way. “Talking in circles” is the end result.

Example: Look to any politicians for examples of circumlocution. The pigs in George Orwell’s Animal Farm , for instance, vaguely say in many words, “For the time being it has been found necessary to make a readjustment of rations,” in order to mask the fact that they’ve simply stolen food from the other animals.

Related terms: periphrasis

67. Epigraph

In literature, an epigraph is the quotation (or sometimes the phrase) at the beginning of a book or chapter. It’s entirely optional on the author’s part, but can offer a thematic direction for the reader.

Example: In The Sun Also Rises , Ernest Hemingway uses Gertrude Stein’s “You are all a lost generation” quote to kick off a chapter.

Related terms: intertextuality

Mood in writing refers to the emotions that the writer makes a reader feel through the text. Many factors contribute to this effect, but the writer’s use of language is perhaps the most primary of them.

Example: When you read an Agatha Christie novel, what do you feel? Happy? Excited? Joyous? Probably not. You’re more likely to be nervous, anxious, and tense because of her stories — and that’s in part due to the suspenseful mood she successfully creates through her language.

Related terms: atmosphere

69. Diction

Diction refers to the words that an author chooses to put in writing. This linguistic choice helps the writer express an idea, or achieve a certain effect. In speech, it also refers to the style of enunciation.

Example: The diction that an author chooses for their characters is important, and can tell you about the characters themselves — whether they’re rich or poor, where they’re from, and how old they are. “

Related terms: tone, dialogue, narrative voice

70. Vignette

As a literary device, a vignette is a short scene without a beginning, middle, or end. Instead, it starts in medias res and captures a certain moment in time or is a character-creating detail.

Example: The cold opens of many sitcoms are great examples of vignettes. They are short scenes unrelated to the main plot of the episode, but set the humorous mood that will follow.

Related terms: in medias res  

A foil character is a supporting character whose main purpose is to provide contrast to the protagonist in some shape or form, whether it’s the protagonist’s traits, dreams, or goals.

Example: In Pride and Prejudice , Mr. Wickham serves as Mr. Darcy’s foil. Without Wickham’s decadent, gold-digging ways, we’d never learn the extent of Darcy’s honesty, or his goodness.

72. Antistrophe

The term antistrophe describes a specific type of repetition — that of a word, or a phrase, repeating at the end of consecutive sentences. You’ll commonly see it used in poetry, although books and speeches will also make use of it.

Example: “Wherever there's a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. […] An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build — why, I’ll be there.” — John Steinbeck, Grapes of Wrath

73. Polyptoton

As you’re reading this post, do you find it readable? Congrats: you just encountered a case of polyptoton , which is otherwise known as the repetition of two words that share the shame root (“reading” and “readable,” for instance, “trick” and “trickery,” or “ignorant” and “ignorance.”)

Example: In the phrase, “Who shall watch the watchmen?”, the repetition of “watch” and “watchmen” is an example of polyptoton.

74. Anthimeria

Anthimeria captures the act of turning a word from one part of speech into another: for instance, when an author uses a word that was originally a noun as a verb.

Example: “Chill” is perhaps a popular example by now. Originally a noun, it’s now used everywhere as a verb that means “to relax.”

75. Double entendre

A double entendre is exactly what it says on the tin: a word with two, or double, meanings. What’s more? Often the second meaning is something a tad risqué.

Example: William Shakespeare was a master when it came to double entendres. Just take Mercutio’s statement: “Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.” Here, the word “grave” pulls double duty, as it means both to be  “serious” and hints at death.

Related terms: pun

76. Paraprosdokian

Paraprosdokian literally means “against expectations” in Greek—so you might be able to guess how it functions as a literary device. Yep, that’s right: it describes a sentence with an unexpected ending.

Example: As Oscar Wilde once said, “Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others, whenever they go.”

Related terms: paradoxical

77. Intertextuality

Whenever a text is referenced, either directly or indirectly, in another text, that’s an instance of intertextuality : the derived relationship between two works. 

Example: Every reference that the musical “Hamilton” makes to another musical is an example of intertextuality. 

78. Palindrome

A palindrome is the easiest literary device on your eyes: it’s a word or phrase that you can read the same either backward or forward.

Example: “Madam, I’m Adam” is exactly the same read backward as it is read forward. “Radar,” meanwhile, is an example of a word that’s a palindrome. Or the famous “Redrum” from The Shining . 

79. Spoonerism

If you’ve ever mispronounced a phrase before, you might’ve accidentally created a spoonerism , which refers to a person swapping the sound of two or more words.

Example: You’d be committing a spoonerism if, instead of “bunny rabbit,” you said “runny babbit.”

80. Ellipsis

As a narrative device, an ellipsis means the omission of certain words or parts of the plot, so as to give the readers an opportunity to fill in the gaps themselves.

Example: In The Great Gatsby , F. Scott Fitzgerald lets the ellipsis form a time lapse that is up to the reader to interpret: “ ... I was standing beside his bed and he was sitting up between the sheets, clad in his underwear, with a great portfolio in his hands.”

81. Parataxi

Literally, a parataxi describes the placing of consecutive words without a connecting word to show the relationship between them. It is different from hypotaxi, as you’ll soon see.

Example: “I came, I saw, I conquered.” — Julius Caesar.

Related terms: hypotaxi

82. Hypotaxi

A hypotaxi is the opposite of a parataxi in that it adds connecting words (or conjunctions) to show readers exactly what the relationship between two clauses is.

Example: In the sentence, “I ate an apple because I was hungry,” the word ‘because’ makes it a hypotaxi.

Related terms: parataxi

Aporia captures the moment when the speaker pretends not to know something, or expresses doubt, in order to prove a point. Often this confusion is completely feigned when used rhetorically, bordering on irony, although sometimes it can be genuine.

Example: As Elizabeth Barrett Browning once asked, “How do I love thee?”. Or, like when someone replies “I don’t know, can you?” when you ask if you can use the bathroom.

Related terms: irony

84. Asyndeton

We’ve covered polysyndetons. Now get ready for its sibling, the asyndeton , which describes the act of intentionally omitting conjunctions in a sentence.

Example: “Live, laugh, love.”

Related terms: polysyndeton, syndeton, parataxi

85. Meiosis

Nope, this isn’t the kind of meiosis you learned about in high school biology! In literature, meiosis is instead a rhetorical device where the speaker understates something to belittle a undermine or situation.

Example: You’d be using meiosis if you said “Oh, it’s only a scratch” to describe a deep, gaping wound that’s bleeding out of the bone.

86. Paralipsis

A paralipsis is what it’s called when you emphasize something about a situation, person, or topic by claiming that you don’t know much about it. Yes, it’s a little passive-aggressive, if that’s what you’re also thinking right now.

Example: “Of course, that’s not to mention my most hated enemy’s billion-dollar debt, nor their complete unwillingness to pay it.”

Related terms: apophasis

87. Overstatement

An overstatement is the best literary device of all time. There’s nothing better in the world than an overstatement (which is when you exaggerate your language to make your point in some shape or form).

Example: “This is officially the worst day of my life,” one says, upon accidentally dropping one’s ice cream cone on the ground with a splat.

Related terms: understatement

88. Apophasis

As another rhetorical device that’s just slightly passive-aggressive, an apophasis does the trick of bringing up a subject by denying that you’re bringing it up.

Example: “We won’t speak of his absolute inability to be a decent human being. Nor will we even begin to speak of his atrocious gambling problem.”

89. Cacophony

The opposite of euphony, cacophony is the term used to describe a combination of discordant tones that do not sound good together.

Example: You’ll see this literary device used a lot in poetry, for instance, in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”:

"With throats unslaked, with black lips baked,

Agape they heard me call:

Related terms: euphony

90. Connotation

Connotation refers to what an author or speaker implies through the use of a particular word. It’s usually non-literal, and up to the reader to interpret.

Example: The connotation of the word “miserly” is quite negative, and evokes the image of a Grinch hoarding money, while “frugal” connotes someone who’s merely thoughtful about saving money.

91. Dysphemism

When you choose to use an offensive or derogatory term in place of a neutral or agreeable one, you’re using a dysphemism .

Example: “He’s a nerd” instead of positively describing that someone is smart or factually stating that someone often studies is an instance of a dysphemism. 

Related terms: euphemism

92. Hyperbaton

Inverting the regular sequence of words is called a hyperbaton . Authors generally do this to call emphasis to a certain phrase, or part of the sentence.

Example: Yoda from Star Wars is a famous abuser of hyperbaton, with his Go you must’s and Miss them, do not’s .

Related terms: anastrophe

93. Metanoia

In literature, metanoia is a self-correction, or when a writer deliberately takes back a statement they just made in order to re-state it.

Example: In the Hippocratic Oath that doctors take before getting their credentials, they promise “To help, or, at least, to do no harm.” The second half of it is the instance of metanoia.

You know them. You love them. Yes, puns , or jokes that are wordplays on the different meanings or sounds of a word, are also literary devices that authors use to add humor to a piece of writing.

Example: “Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.”

95. Parenthesis

Parentheses are a form of punctuation, but when used in literature, they can insert information that authors would like to add for detail.

Example: Author Sarah Vowell once wrote in her book, Take the Cannoli , "I have a similar affection for the parenthesis (but I always take most of my parentheses out, so as not to call undue attention to the glaring fact that I cannot think in complete sentences, that I think only in short fragments or long, run-on thought relays that the literati call stream of consciousness but I still like to think of as disdain for the finality of the period)."

96. Synesthesia

Like its psychological definition, synesthesia in literature describes the conflation of two senses. This might materialize in the author using one sense to describe another, or blend the two altogether.

Example: "The silence that dwells in the forest is not so black." — Oscar Wilde

97. Eutrepismus

Eutrepismus is a long word for a simple concept: stating your points in a numbered list, so as to structure your speech, or dialogue.

Example: “Firstly, you’ll want to read this post. Secondly, you’ll want to memorize every single literary device on it.”

98. Epizeuxis

Epizeuxis is another hard-to-spell-and-pronounce literary device that captures a very simple concept: it’s the repetition of a word to emphasize it.

Example: “Hark, hark! The Lark!” — William Shakespeare

99. Narrative voice

Narrative voice is the voice from which a story in literature is told. It encompasses all of the decisions that an author makes in regards to voice, including tone, word choice, and diction.

Example: First-person books like Catcher in the Rye provide good examples of books written in a strong narrative voice. 

100. Syllepsis

We saved one of the most obscure (and best!) literary devices for last. Syllepsis is another form of wordplay (similar to a pun) where a word, usually a verb, is used in multiple ways.

Example: “She blew my nose, and then she blew my mind.” — The Rolling Stones

Related terms: zeugma, pun

Readers and writers alike can get a lot out of understanding literary devices and how they're used. Readers can use them to gain insight into the author’s intended meaning behind their work, while writers can use literary devices to better connect with readers. But whatever your motivation for learning them, you certainly won't be sorry you did! (Not least because you'll recognize the device I just used in that sentence 😉)

6 responses

Ron B. Saunders says:

16/01/2019 – 19:26

Paraprosdokians are also delightful literary devices for creating surprise or intrigue. They cause a reader to rethink a concept or traditional expectation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraprosdokian)

ManhattanMinx says:

17/01/2019 – 02:07

That's pore, not pour. Shame.....

↪️ Coline Harmon replied:

14/06/2019 – 19:06

It was a Malapropism

↪️ JC JC replied:

23/10/2019 – 00:02

Yeah ManhattanMinx. It's a Malepropism!

↪️ jesus replied:

07/11/2019 – 13:24

Susan McGrath says:

10/03/2020 – 10:56

"But whatever your motivation for learning them, you certainly won't be sorry you did! (Not least because you'll recognize the device I just used in that sentence. 😏)" Litote

Comments are currently closed.

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The 31 Literary Devices You Must Know

General Education

Need to analyze The Scarlet Letter or To Kill a Mockingbird for English class, but fumbling for the right vocabulary and concepts for literary devices? You've come to the right place. To successfully interpret and analyze literary texts, you'll first need to have a solid foundation in literary terms and their definitions.

In this article, we'll help you get familiar with most commonly used literary devices in prose and poetry. We'll give you a clear definition of each of the terms we discuss along with examples of literary elements and the context in which they most often appear (comedic writing, drama, or other).

Before we get to the list of literary devices, however, we have a quick refresher on what literary devices are and how understanding them will help you analyze works of literature.

What Are Literary Devices and Why Should You Know Them?

Literary devices are techniques that writers use to create a special and pointed effect in their writing, to convey information, or to help readers understand their writing on a deeper level.

Often, literary devices are used in writing 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.

So why is it important to know different literary devices and terms? Aside from helping you get good grades on your literary analysis homework, there are several benefits to knowing the techniques authors commonly use.

Being able to identify when different literary techniques are being used helps you understand the motivation behind the author's choices. For example, being able to identify symbols in a story can help you figure out why the author might have chosen to insert these focal points and what these might suggest in regard to her attitude toward certain characters, plot points, and events.

In addition, being able to identify literary devices can make a written work's overall meaning or purpose clearer to you. For instance, let's say you're planning to read (or re-read) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. By knowing that this particular book is a religious allegory with references to Christ (represented by the character Aslan) and Judas (represented by Edmund), it will be clearer to you why Lewis uses certain language to describe certain characters and why certain events happen the way they do.

Finally, literary techniques are important to know because they make texts more interesting and more fun to read. If you were to read a novel without knowing any literary devices, chances are you wouldn't be able to detect many of the layers of meaning interwoven into the story via different techniques.

Now that we've gone over why you should spend some time learning literary devices, let's take a look at some of the most important literary elements to know.

List of Literary Devices: 31 Literary Terms You Should Know

Below is a list of literary devices, most of which you'll often come across in both prose and poetry. We explain what each literary term is and give you an example of how it's used. This literary elements list is arranged in alphabetical order.

An allegory is a story that is used to represent a more general message about real-life (historical) issues and/or events. It is typically an entire book, novel, play, etc.

Example: George Orwell's dystopian book Animal Farm is an allegory for the events preceding the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist era in early 20th century Russia. In the story, animals on a farm practice animalism, which is essentially communism. Many characters correspond to actual historical figures: Old Major represents both the founder of communism Karl Marx and the Russian communist leader Vladimir Lenin; the farmer, Mr. Jones, is the Russian Czar; the boar Napoleon stands for Joseph Stalin; and the pig Snowball represents Leon Trotsky.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a series of words or phrases that all (or almost all) start with the same sound. These sounds are typically consonants to give more stress to that syllable. You'll often come across alliteration in poetry, titles of books and poems ( Jane Austen is a fan of this device, for example—just look at Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility ), and tongue twisters.

Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." In this tongue twister, the "p" sound is repeated at the beginning of all major words.

Allusion is when an author makes an indirect reference to a figure, place, event, or idea originating from outside the text. Many allusions make reference to previous works of literature or art.

Example: "Stop acting so smart—it's not like you're Einstein or something." This is an allusion to the famous real-life theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.

Anachronism

An anachronism occurs when there is an (intentional) error in the chronology or timeline of a text. This could be a character who appears in a different time period than when he actually lived, or a technology that appears before it was invented. Anachronisms are often used for comedic effect.

Example: A Renaissance king who says, "That's dope, dude!" would be an anachronism, since this type of language is very modern and not actually from the Renaissance period.

Anaphora is when a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of multiple sentences throughout a piece of writing. It's used to emphasize the repeated phrase and evoke strong feelings in the audience.

Example: A famous example of anaphora is Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech. Throughout this speech, he repeats the phrase "we shall fight" while listing numerous places where the British army will continue battling during WWII. He did this to rally both troops and the British people and to give them confidence that they would still win the war.

Anthropomorphism

An anthropomorphism occurs when something nonhuman, such as an animal, place, or inanimate object, behaves in a human-like way.

Example: Children's cartoons have many examples of anthropomorphism. For example, Mickey and Minnie Mouse can speak, wear clothes, sing, dance, drive cars, etc. Real mice can't do any of these things, but the two mouse characters behave much more like humans than mice.

Asyndeton is when the writer leaves out conjunctions (such as "and," "or," "but," and "for") in a group of words or phrases so that the meaning of the phrase or sentence is emphasized. It is often used for speeches since sentences containing asyndeton can have a powerful, memorable rhythm.

Example: Abraham Lincoln ends the Gettysburg Address with the phrase "...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth." By leaving out certain conjunctions, he ends the speech on a more powerful, melodic note.

Colloquialism

Colloquialism is the use of informal language and slang. It's often used by authors to lend a sense of realism to their characters and dialogue. Forms of colloquialism include words, phrases, and contractions that aren't real words (such as "gonna" and "ain't").

Example: "Hey, what's up, man?" This piece of dialogue is an example of a colloquialism, since it uses common everyday words and phrases, namely "what's up" and "man."

An epigraph is when an author inserts a famous quotation, poem, song, or other short passage or text at the beginning of a larger text (e.g., a book, chapter, etc.). An epigraph is typically written by a different writer (with credit given) and used as a way to introduce overarching themes or messages in the work. Some pieces of literature, such as Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick , incorporate multiple epigraphs throughout.

Example: At the beginning of Ernest Hemingway's book The Sun Also Rises is an epigraph that consists of a quotation from poet Gertrude Stein, which reads, "You are all a lost generation," and a passage from the Bible.

Epistrophe is similar to anaphora, but in this case, the repeated word or phrase appears at the end of successive statements. Like anaphora, it is used to evoke an emotional response from the audience.

Example: In Lyndon B. Johnson's speech, "The American Promise," he repeats the word "problem" in a use of epistrophe: "There is no Negro problem. There is no Southern problem. There is no Northern problem. There is only an American problem."

A euphemism is when a more mild or indirect word or expression is used in place of another word or phrase that is considered harsh, blunt, vulgar, or unpleasant.

Example: "I'm so sorry, but he didn't make it." The phrase "didn't make it" is a more polite and less blunt way of saying that someone has died.

A flashback is an interruption in a narrative that depicts events that have already occurred, either before the present time or before the time at which the narration takes place. This device is often used to give the reader more background information and details about specific characters, events, plot points, and so on.

Example: Most of the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a flashback from the point of view of the housekeeper, Nelly Dean, as she engages in a conversation with a visitor named Lockwood. In this story, Nelly narrates Catherine Earnshaw's and Heathcliff's childhoods, the pair's budding romance, and their tragic demise.

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is when an author indirectly hints at—through things such as dialogue, description, or characters' actions—what's to come later on in the story. This device is often used to introduce tension to a narrative.

Example: Say you're reading a fictionalized account of Amelia Earhart. Before she embarks on her (what we know to be unfortunate) plane ride, a friend says to her, "Be safe. Wouldn't want you getting lost—or worse." This line would be an example of foreshadowing because it implies that something bad ("or worse") will happen to Earhart.

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement that's not meant to be taken literally by the reader. It is often used for comedic effect and/or emphasis.

Example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." The speaker will not literally eat an entire horse (and most likely couldn't ), but this hyperbole emphasizes how starved the speaker feels.

Imagery is when an author describes a scene, thing, or idea so that it appeals to our senses (taste, smell, sight, touch, or hearing). This device is often used to help the reader clearly visualize parts of the story by creating a strong mental picture.

Example: Here's an example of imagery taken from William Wordsworth's famous poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud":

When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden Daffodils; Beside the Lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Irony is when a statement is used to express an opposite meaning than the one literally expressed by it. There are three types of irony in literature:

• Verbal irony: When someone says something but means the opposite (similar to sarcasm).
• Situational irony: When something happens that's the opposite of what was expected or intended to happen.
• Dramatic irony: When the audience is aware of the true intentions or outcomes, while the characters are not . As a result, certain actions and/or events take on different meanings for the audience than they do for the characters involved.
• Verbal irony: One example of this type of irony can be found in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado." In this short story, a man named Montresor plans to get revenge on another man named Fortunato. As they toast, Montresor says, "And I, Fortunato—I drink to your long life." This statement is ironic because we the readers already know by this point that Montresor plans to kill Fortunato.
• Situational irony: A girl wakes up late for school and quickly rushes to get there. As soon as she arrives, though, she realizes that it's Saturday and there is no school.
• Dramatic irony: In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Romeo commits suicide in order to be with Juliet; however, the audience (unlike poor Romeo) knows that Juliet is not actually dead—just asleep.

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is the comparing and contrasting of two or more different (usually opposite) ideas, characters, objects, etc. This literary device is often used to help create a clearer picture of the characteristics of one object or idea by comparing it with those of another.

Example: One of the most famous literary examples of juxtaposition is the opening passage from Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities :

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair …"

Malapropism

Malapropism happens when an incorrect word is used in place of a word that has a similar sound. This misuse of the word typically results in a statement that is both nonsensical and humorous; as a result, this device is commonly used in comedic writing.

Example: "I just can't wait to dance the flamingo!" Here, a character has accidentally called the flamenco (a type of dance) the flamingo (an animal).

Metaphor/Simile

Metaphors are when ideas, actions, or objects are described in non-literal terms. In short, it's when an author compares one thing to another. The two things being described usually share something in common but are unalike in all other respects.

A simile is a type of metaphor in which an object, idea, character, action, etc., is compared to another thing using the words "as" or "like."

Both metaphors and similes are often used in writing for clarity or emphasis.

"What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." In this line from Romeo and Juliet , Romeo compares Juliet to the sun. However, because Romeo doesn't use the words "as" or "like," it is not a simile—just a metaphor.

"She is as vicious as a lion." Since this statement uses the word "as" to make a comparison between "she" and "a lion," it is a simile.

A metonym is when a related word or phrase is substituted for the actual thing to which it's referring. This device is usually used for poetic or rhetorical effect .

Example: "The pen is mightier than the sword." This statement, which was coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, contains two examples of metonymy: "the pen" refers to "the written word," and "the sword" refers to "military force/violence."

Mood is the general feeling the writer wants the audience to have. The writer can achieve this through description, setting, dialogue, and word choice .

Example: Here's a passage from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit: "It had a perfectly round door like a porthole, painted green, with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle. The door opened on to a tube-shaped hall like a tunnel: a very comfortable tunnel without smoke, with panelled walls, and floors tiled and carpeted, provided with polished chairs, and lots and lots of pegs for hats and coats -- the hobbit was fond of visitors." In this passage, Tolkien uses detailed description to set create a cozy, comforting mood. From the writing, you can see that the hobbit's home is well-cared for and designed to provide comfort.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a word (or group of words) that represents a sound and actually resembles or imitates the sound it stands for. It is often used for dramatic, realistic, or poetic effect.

Examples: Buzz, boom, chirp, creak, sizzle, zoom, etc.

An oxymoron is a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. This device is often used for emphasis, for humor, to create tension, or to illustrate a paradox (see next entry for more information on paradoxes).

Examples: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc.

A paradox is a statement that appears illogical or self-contradictory but, upon investigation, might actually be true or plausible.

Note that a paradox is different from an oxymoron: a paradox is an entire phrase or sentence, whereas an oxymoron is a combination of just two words.

Example: Here's a famous paradoxical sentence: "This statement is false." If the statement is true, then it isn't actually false (as it suggests). But if it's false, then the statement is true! Thus, this statement is a paradox because it is both true and false at the same time.

Personification

Personification is when a nonhuman figure or other abstract concept or element is described as having human-like qualities or characteristics. (Unlike anthropomorphism where non-human figures become human-like characters, with personification, the object/figure is simply described as being human-like.) Personification is used to help the reader create a clearer mental picture of the scene or object being described.

Example: "The wind moaned, beckoning me to come outside." In this example, the wind—a nonhuman element—is being described as if it is human (it "moans" and "beckons").

Repetition is when a word or phrase is written multiple times, usually for the purpose of emphasis. It is often used in poetry (for purposes of rhythm as well).

Example: When Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the score for the hit musical Hamilton, gave his speech at the 2016 Tony's, he recited a poem he'd written that included the following line:

And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.

Satire is genre of writing that criticizes something , such as a person, behavior, belief, government, or society. Satire often employs irony, humor, and hyperbole to make its point.

Example: The Onion is a satirical newspaper and digital media company. It uses satire to parody common news features such as opinion columns, editorial cartoons, and click bait headlines.

A type of monologue that's often used in dramas, a soliloquy is when a character speaks aloud to himself (and to the audience), thereby revealing his inner thoughts and feelings.

Example: In Romeo and Juliet , Juliet's speech on the balcony that begins with, "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" is a soliloquy, as she is speaking aloud to herself (remember that she doesn't realize Romeo's there listening!).

Symbolism refers to the use of an object, figure, event, situation, or other idea in a written work to represent something else— typically a broader message or deeper meaning that differs from its literal meaning.

The things used for symbolism are called "symbols," and they'll often appear multiple times throughout a text, sometimes changing in meaning as the plot progresses.

Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby , the green light that sits across from Gatsby's mansion symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams .

A synecdoche is a literary device in which part of something is used to represent the whole, or vice versa. It's similar to a metonym (see above); however, a metonym doesn't have to represent the whole—just something associated with the word used.

Example: "Help me out, I need some hands!" In this case, "hands" is being used to refer to people (the whole human, essentially).

While mood is what the audience is supposed to feel, tone is the writer or narrator's attitude towards a subject . A good writer will always want the audience to feel the mood they're trying to evoke, but the audience may not always agree with the narrator's tone, especially if the narrator is an unsympathetic character or has viewpoints that differ from those of the reader.

Example: In an essay disdaining Americans and some of the sites they visit as tourists, Rudyard Kipling begins with the line, "Today I am in the Yellowstone Park, and I wish I were dead." If you enjoy Yellowstone and/or national parks, you may not agree with the author's tone in this piece.

How to Identify and Analyze Literary Devices: 4 Tips

In order to fully interpret pieces of literature, you have to understand a lot about literary devices in the texts you read. Here are our top tips for identifying and analyzing different literary techniques:

Tip 1: Read Closely and Carefully

First off, you'll need to make sure that you're reading very carefully. Resist the temptation to skim or skip any sections of the text. If you do this, you might miss some literary devices being used and, as a result, will be unable to accurately interpret the text.

If there are any passages in the work that make you feel especially emotional, curious, intrigued, or just plain interested, check that area again for any literary devices at play.

It's also a good idea to reread any parts you thought were confusing or that you didn't totally understand on a first read-through. Doing this ensures that you have a solid grasp of the passage (and text as a whole) and will be able to analyze it appropriately.

Tip 2: Memorize Common Literary Terms

You won't be able to identify literary elements in texts if you don't know what they are or how they're used, so spend some time memorizing the literary elements list above. Knowing these (and how they look in writing) will allow you to more easily pinpoint these techniques in various types of written works.

Tip 3: Know the Author's Intended Audience

Knowing what kind of audience an author intended her work to have can help you figure out what types of literary devices might be at play.

For example, if you were trying to analyze a children's book, you'd want to be on the lookout for child-appropriate devices, such as repetition and alliteration.

Tip 4: Take Notes and Bookmark Key Passages and Pages

This is one of the most important tips to know, especially if you're reading and analyzing works for English class. As you read, take notes on the work in a notebook or on a computer. Write down any passages, paragraphs, conversations, descriptions, etc., that jump out at you or that contain a literary device you were able to identify.

You can also take notes directly in the book, if possible (but don't do this if you're borrowing a book from the library!). I recommend circling keywords and important phrases, as well as starring interesting or particularly effective passages and paragraphs.

Lastly, use sticky notes or post-its to bookmark pages that are interesting to you or that have some kind of notable literary device. This will help you go back to them later should you need to revisit some of what you've found for a paper you plan to write.

What's Next?

Looking for more in-depth explorations and examples of literary devices? Join us as we delve into imagery , personification , rhetorical devices , tone words and mood , and different points of view in literature, as well as some more poetry-specific terms like assonance and iambic pentameter .

Reading The Great Gatsby for class or even just for fun? Then you'll definitely want to check out our expert guides on the biggest themes in this classic book, from love and relationships to money and materialism .

Got questions about Arthur Miller's The Crucible ? Read our in-depth articles to learn about the most important themes in this play and get a complete rundown of all the characters .

For more information on your favorite works of literature, take a look at our collection of high-quality book guides and our guide to the 9 literary elements that appear in every story !

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Common literary devices, such as metaphors and similes, are the building blocks of literature, and what make literature so enchanting. Language evolves through the literary devices in poetry and prose; the different types of figurative language make literature spark in different ways.

Consider this your crash course in common literary devices. Whether you’re studying for the AP Lit exam or looking to improve your creative writing, this article is crammed with literary devices, examples, and analysis.

What are Literary Devices?

• Personification
• Juxtaposition
• Onomatopoeia
• Common Literary Devices in Poetry
• Common Literary Devices in Prose
• Repetition Literary Devices
• Dialogue Literary Devices
• Word Play Literary Devices
• Parallelism Literary Devices
• Rhetorical Devices

Let’s start with the basics. What are literary devices?

Literary devices take writing beyond its literal meaning. They help guide the reader in how to read the piece.

Literary devices are ways of taking writing beyond its straightforward, literal meaning. In that sense, they are techniques for helping guide the reader in how to read the piece.

Central to all literary devices is a quality of connection : by establishing or examining relationships between things, literary devices encourage the reader to perceive and interpret the world in new ways.

One common form of connection in literary devices is comparison. Metaphors and similes are the most obvious examples of comparison. A metaphor is a direct comparison of two things—“the tree is a giant,” for example. A simile is an in direct comparison—“the tree is like a giant.” In both instances, the tree is compared to—and thus connected with—something (a giant) beyond what it literally is (a tree).

Other literary devices forge connections in different ways. For example, imagery, vivid description, connects writing richly to the worlds of the senses. Alliteration uses the sound of words itself to forge new literary connections (“alligators and apples”).

By enabling new connections that go beyond straightforward details and meanings, literary devices give literature its power.

What all these literary devices have in common is that they create new connections: rich layers of sound, sense, emotion, narrative, and ultimately meaning that surpass the literal details being recounted. They are what sets literature apart, and what makes it uniquely powerful.

Read on for an in-depth look and analysis at 112 common literary devices.

Literary Devices List: 14 Common Literary Devices

In this article, we focus on literary devices that can be found in both poetry and prose.

There are a lot of literary devices to cover, each of which require their own examples and analysis. As such, we will start by focusing on common literary devices for this article: literary devices that can be found in both poetry and prose. With each device, we’ve included examples in literature and exercises you can use in your own creative writing.

Afterwards, we’ve listed other common literary devices you might see in poetry, prose, dialogue, and rhetoric.

Let’s get started!

1. Metaphor

Metaphors, also known as direct comparisons, are one of the most common literary devices. A metaphor is a statement in which two objects, often unrelated, are compared to each other.

Example of metaphor: This tree is the god of the forest.

Obviously, the tree is not a god—it is, in fact, a tree. However, by stating that the tree is the god, the reader is given the image of something strong, large, and immovable. Additionally, using “god” to describe the tree, rather than a word like “giant” or “gargantuan,” makes the tree feel like a spiritual center of the forest.

Metaphors allow the writer to pack multiple descriptions and images into one short sentence. The metaphor has much more weight and value than a direct description. If the writer chose to describe the tree as “the large, spiritual center of the forest,” the reader won’t understand the full importance of the tree’s size and scope.

Similes, also known as indirect comparisons, are similar in construction to metaphors, but they imply a different meaning. Like metaphors, two unrelated objects are being compared to each other. Unlike a metaphor, the comparison relies on the words “like” or “as.”

Example of simile: This tree is like the god of the forest. OR: This tree acts as the god of the forest.

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

The obvious difference between these two common literary devices is that a simile uses “like” or “as,” whereas a metaphor never uses these comparison words.

Additionally, in reference to the above examples, the insertion of “like” or “as” creates a degree of separation between both elements of the device. In a simile, the reader understands that, although the tree is certainly large, it isn’t large enough to be a god; the tree’s “godhood” is simply a description, not a relevant piece of information to the poem or story.

Simply put, metaphors are better to use as a central device within the poem/story, encompassing the core of what you are trying to say. Similes are better as a supporting device.

Does that mean metaphors are better than similes? Absolutely not. Consider Louise Gluck’s poem “ The Past. ” Gluck uses both a simile and a metaphor to describe the sound of the wind: it is like shadows moving, but is her mother’s voice. Both devices are equally haunting, and ending the poem on the mother’s voice tells us the central emotion of the poem.

Learn more about the difference between similes and metaphors here:

Simile vs. Metaphor vs. Analogy: Definitions and Examples

Simile and Metaphor Writing Exercise: Tenors and Vehicles

Most metaphors and similes have two parts: the tenor and the vehicle. The tenor refers to the subject being described, and the vehicle refers to the image that describes the tenor.

So, in the metaphor “the tree is a god of the forest,” the tenor is the tree and the vehicle is “god of the forest.”

To practice writing metaphors and similes, let’s create some literary device lists. grab a sheet of paper and write down two lists. In the first list, write down “concept words”—words that cannot be physically touched. Love, hate, peace, war, happiness, and anger are all concepts because they can all be described but are not physical objects in themselves.

In the second list, write down only concrete objects—trees, clouds, the moon, Jupiter, New York brownstones, uncut sapphires, etc.

Your concepts are your tenors, and your concrete objects are your vehicles. Now, randomly draw a one between each tenor and each vehicle, then write an explanation for your metaphor/simile. You might write, say:

Have fun, write interesting literary devices, and try to incorporate them into a future poem or story!

An analogy is an argumentative comparison: it compares two unalike things to advance an argument. Specifically, it argues that two things have equal weight, whether that weight be emotional, philosophical, or even literal. Because analogical literary devices operate on comparison, it can be considered a form of metaphor.

For example:

Making pasta is as easy as one, two, three.

This analogy argues that making pasta and counting upwards are equally easy things. This format, “A is as B” or “A is to B”, is a common analogy structure.

Another common structure for analogy literary devices is “A is to B as C is to D.” For example:

Gordon Ramsay is to cooking as Meryl Streep is to acting.

The above constructions work best in argumentative works. Lawyers and essayists will often use analogies. In other forms of creative writing, analogies aren’t as formulaic, but can still prove to be powerful literary devices. In fact, you probably know this one:

“That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet” — Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

To put this into the modern language of an analogy, Shakespeare is saying “a rose with no name smells as a rose with a name does.” The name “rose” does not affect whether or not the flower smells good.

Analogy Writing Exercise

Analogies are some of the most common literary devices, alongside similes and metaphors. Here’s an exercise for writing one yourself.

On a blank sheet of paper: write down the first four nouns that come to mind. Try to use concrete, visual nouns. Then, write down a verb. If you struggle to come up with any of these, any old word generator on the internet will help.

The only requirement is that two of your four nouns should be able to perform the verb. A dog can swim, for example, but it can’t fly an airplane.

Your list might look like this:

Verb: Fall Nouns: Rain, dirt, pavement, shadow

An analogy you create from this list might be: “his shadow falls on the pavement how rain falls on the dirt in May.

Your analogy might end up being silly or poetic, strange or evocative. But, by forcing yourself to make connections between seemingly disparate items, you’re using these literary devices to hone the skills of effective, interesting writing.

Is imagery a literary device? Absolutely! Imagery can be both literal and figurative, and it relies on the interplay of language and sensation to create a sharper image in your brain.

Imagery is what it sounds like—the use of figurative language to describe something.

Imagery is what it sounds like—the use of figurative language to describe something. In fact, we’ve already seen imagery in action through the previous literary devices: by describing the tree as a “god”, the tree looks large and sturdy in the reader’s mind.

However, imagery doesn’t just involve visual descriptions; the best writers use imagery to appeal to all five senses. By appealing to the reader’s sense of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, your writing will create a vibrant world for readers to live and breathe in.

The best writers use imagery to appeal to all five senses.

Let’s use imagery to describe that same tree. (I promise I can write about more than just trees, but it’s a very convenient image for these common literary devices, don’t you think?)

Notice how these literary device examples also used metaphors and similes? Literary devices often pile on top of each other, which is why so many great works of literature can be analyzed endlessly. Because imagery depends on the object’s likeness to other objects, imagery upholds the idea that a literary device is synonymous with comparison.

Imagery Writing Exercise

Want to try your hand at imagery? You can practice this concept by describing an object in the same way that this article describes a tree! Choose something to write about—any object, image, or idea—and describe it using the five senses. (“This biscuit has the tidy roundness of a lady’s antique hat.” “The biscuit tastes of brand-new cardboard.” and so on!)

Then, once you’ve written five (or more) lines of imagery, try combining these images until your object is sharp and clear in the reader’s head.

Imagery is one of the most essential common literary devices. To learn more about imagery, or to find more imagery writing exercises, take a look at our article Imagery Definition: 5+ Types of Imagery in Literature .

5. Symbolism

Symbolism combines a lot of the ideas presented in metaphor and imagery. Essentially, a symbol is the use of an object to represent a concept—it’s kind of like a metaphor, except more concise!

Symbols are everywhere in the English language, and we often use these common literary devices in speech and design without realizing it. The following are very common examples of symbolism:

A few very commonly used symbols include:

• “Peace” represented by a white dove
• “Love” represented by a red rose
• “Conformity” represented by sheep
• “Idea” represented by a light bulb switching on

The symbols above are so widely used that they would likely show up as clichés in your own writing. (Would you read a poem, written today, that started with “Let’s release the white dove of peace”?) In that sense, they do their job “too well”—they’re such a good symbol for what they symbolize that they’ve become ubiquitous, and you’ll have to add something new in your own writing.

Symbols are often contextually specific as well. For example, a common practice in Welsh marriage is to give your significant other a lovespoon , which the man has designed and carved to signify the relationship’s unique, everlasting bond. In many Western cultures, this same bond is represented by a diamond ring—which can also be unique and everlasting!

Symbolism makes the core ideas of your writing concrete.

Finally, notice how each of these examples are a concept represented by a concrete object. Symbolism makes the core ideas of your writing concrete, and also allows you to manipulate your ideas. If a rose represents love, what does a wilted rose or a rose on fire represent?

Symbolism Writing Exercise

Often, symbols are commonly understood images—but not always. You can invent your own symbols to capture the reader’s imagination, too!

Try your hand at symbolism by writing a poem or story centered around a symbol. Choose a random object, and make that object represent something. For example, you could try to make a blanket represent the idea of loneliness.

When you’ve paired an object and a concept, write your piece with that symbol at the center:

The down blanket lay crumpled, unused, on the empty side of our bed.

The goal is to make it clear that you’re associating the object with the concept. Make the reader feel the same way about your symbol as you do!

6. Personification

Personification, giving human attributes to nonhuman objects, is a powerful way to foster empathy in your readers.

Personification is exactly what it sounds like: giving human attributes to nonhuman objects. Also known as anthropomorphism, personification is a powerful way to foster empathy in your readers.

Think about personification as if it’s a specific type of imagery. You can describe a nonhuman object through the five senses, and do so by giving it human descriptions. You can even impute thoughts and emotions—mental events—to a nonhuman or even nonliving thing. This time, we’ll give human attributes to a car—see our personification examples below!

Personification (using sight): The car ran a marathon down the highway.

Personification (using sound): The car coughed, hacked, and spluttered.

Personification (using touch): The car was smooth as a baby’s bottom.

Personification (using taste): The car tasted the bitter asphalt.

Personification (using smell): The car needed a cold shower.

Personification (using mental events): The car remembered its first owner fondly.

Notice how we don’t directly say the car is like a human—we merely describe it using human behaviors. Personification exists at a unique intersection of imagery and metaphor, making it a powerful literary device that fosters empathy and generates unique descriptions.

Personification Writing Exercise

Try writing personification yourself! In the above example, we chose a random object and personified it through the five senses. It’s your turn to do the same thing: find a concrete noun and describe it like it’s a human.

Here are two examples:

The ancient, threadbare rug was clearly tired of being stepped on.

My phone issued notifications with the grimly efficient extroversion of a sorority chapter president.

Now start writing your own! Your descriptions can be active or passive, but the goal is to foster empathy in the reader’s mind by giving the object human traits.

7. Hyperbole

You know that one friend who describes things very dramatically? They’re probably speaking in hyperboles. Hyperbole is just a dramatic word for being over-dramatic—which sounds a little hyperbolic, don’t you think?

Basically, hyperbole refers to any sort of exaggerated description or statement. We use hyperbole all the time in the English language, and you’ve probably heard someone say things like:

• I’ve been waiting a billion years for this
• I’m so hungry I could eat a horse
• I feel like a million bucks
• You are the king of the kitchen

None of these examples should be interpreted literally: there are no kings in the kitchen, and I doubt anyone can eat an entire horse in one sitting. This common literary device allows us to compare our emotions to something extreme, giving the reader a sense of how intensely we feel something in the moment.

This is what makes hyperbole so fun! Coming up with crazy, exaggerated statements that convey the intensity of the speaker’s emotions can add a personable element to your writing. After all, we all feel our emotions to a certain intensity, and hyperbole allows us to experience that intensity to its fullest.

Hyperbole Writing Exercise

To master the art of the hyperbole, try expressing your own emotions as extremely as possible. For example, if you’re feeling thirsty, don’t just write that you’re thirsty, write that you could drink the entire ocean. Or, if you’re feeling homesick, don’t write that you’re yearning for home, write that your homeland feels as far as Jupiter.

As a specific exercise, you can try writing a poem or short piece about something mundane, using more and more hyperbolic language with each line or sentence. Here’s an example:

A well-written hyperbole helps focus the reader’s attention on your emotions and allows you to play with new images, making it a fun, chaos-inducing literary device.

Is irony a literary device? Yes—but it’s often used incorrectly. People often describe something as being ironic, when really it’s just a moment of dark humor. So, the colloquial use of the word irony is a bit off from its official definition as a literary device.

Irony is when the writer describes something by using opposite language. As a real-life example, if someone is having a bad day, they might say they’re doing “ greaaaaaat ”, clearly implying that they’re actually doing quite un-greatly. Or a story’s narrator might write:

Like most bureaucrats, she felt a boundless love for her job, and was eager to share that good feeling with others.

In other words, irony highlights the difference between “what seems to be” and “what is.” In literature, irony can describe dialogue, but it also describes ironic situations : situations that proceed in ways that are elaborately contrary to what one would expect. A clear example of this is in The Wizard of Oz . All of the characters already have what they are looking for, so when they go to the wizard and discover that they all have brains, hearts, etc., their petition—making a long, dangerous journey to beg for what they already have—is deeply ironic.

Irony Writing Exercise

For verbal irony, try writing a sentence that gives something the exact opposite qualities that it actually has:

The triple bacon cheeseburger glistened with health and good choices.

For situational irony, try writing an imagined plot for a sitcom, starting with “Ben lost his car keys and can’t find them anywhere.” What would be the most ironic way for that situation to be resolved? (Are they sitting in plain view on Ben’s desk… at the detective agency he runs?) Have fun with it!

9. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition refers to the placement of contrasting ideas next to each other, often to produce an ironic or thought-provoking effect. Writers use juxtaposition in both poetry and prose, though this common literary device looks slightly different within each realm of literature.

In poetry, juxtaposition is used to build tension or highlight an important contrast. Consider the poem “ A Juxtaposition ” by Kenneth Burke, which juxtaposes nation & individual, treble & bass, and loudness & silence. The result is a poem that, although short, condemns the paradox of a citizen trapped in their own nation.

Just a note: these juxtapositions are also examples of antithesis , which is when the writer juxtaposes two completely opposite ideas. Juxtaposition doesn’t have to be completely contrarian, but in this poem, it is.

Juxtaposition accomplishes something similar in prose. A famous example comes from the opening A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of time.” Dickens opens his novel by situating his characters into a world of contrasts, which is apt for the extreme wealth disparities pre-French Revolution.

Juxtaposition Writing Exercise

One great thing about juxtaposition is that it can dismantle something that appears to be a binary. For example, black and white are often assumed to be polar opposites, but when you put them next to each other, you’ll probably get some gray in the middle.

To really master the art of juxtaposition, try finding two things that you think are polar opposites. They can be concepts, such as good & evil, or they can be people, places, objects, etc. Juxtapose your two selected items by starting your writing with both of them—for example:

Across the town from her wedding, the bank robbers were tying up the hostages.

I put the box of chocolates on the coffee table, next to the gas mask.

Then write a poem or short story that explores a “gray area,” relationship, commonality, or resonance between these two objects or events—without stating as much directly. If you can accomplish what Dickens or Burke accomplishes with their juxtapositions, then you, too, are a master!

10. Paradox

A paradox is a juxtaposition of contrasting ideas that, while seemingly impossible, actually reveals a deeper truth. One of the trickier literary devices, paradoxes are powerful tools for deconstructing binaries and challenging the reader’s beliefs.

A simple paradox example comes to us from Ancient Rome.

Catullus 85 ( translated from Latin)

I hate and I love. Why I do this, perhaps you ask. I know not, but I feel it happening and I am tortured.

Often, “hate” and “love” are assumed to be opposing forces. How is it possible for the speaker to both hate and love the object of his affection? The poem doesn’t answer this, merely telling us that the speaker is “tortured,” but the fact that these binary forces coexist in the speaker is a powerful paradox. Catullus 85 asks the reader to consider the absoluteness of feelings like hate and love, since both seem to torment the speaker equally.

Another paradox example comes from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.

“To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.”

Here, “natural” and “pose” are conflicting ideas. Someone who poses assumes an unnatural state of being, whereas a natural poise seems effortless and innate. Despite these contrasting ideas, Wilde is exposing a deeper truth: to seem natural is often to keep up appearances, and seeming natural often requires the same work as assuming any other pose.

Note: paradox should not be confused with oxymoron. An oxymoron is also a statement with contrasting ideas, but a paradox is assumed to be true, whereas an oxymoron is merely a play on words (like the phrase “same difference”).

Paradox Writing Exercise

Paradox operates very similarly to literary devices like juxtaposition and irony. To write a paradox, juxtapose two binary ideas. Try to think outside of the box here: “hate and love” are an easy binary to conjure, so think about something more situational. Wilde’s paradox “natural and pose” is a great one; another idea could be the binaries “awkward and graceful” or “red-handed and innocent.”

Now, situate those binaries into a certain situation, and make it so that they can coexist. Imagine a scenario in which both elements of your binary are true at the same time. How can this be, and what can we learn from this surprising juxtaposition?

11. Allusion

If you haven’t noticed, literary devices are often just fancy words for simple concepts. A metaphor is literally a comparison and hyperbole is just an over-exaggeration. In this same style, allusion is just a fancy word for a literary reference; when a writer alludes to something, they are either directly or indirectly referring to another, commonly-known piece of art or literature.

The most frequently-alluded to work is probably the Bible. Many colloquial phrases and ideas stem from it, since many themes and images from the Bible present themselves in popular works, as well as throughout Western culture. Any of the following ideas, for example, are Biblical allusions:

• Referring to a kind stranger as a Good Samaritan
• Describing an ideal place as Edenic, or the Garden of Eden
• Saying someone “turned the other cheek” when they were passive in the face of adversity
• When something is described as lasting “40 days and 40 nights,” in reference to the flood of Noah’s Ark

Of course, allusion literary devices aren’t just Biblical. You might describe a woman as being as beautiful as the Mona Lisa, or you might call a man as stoic as Hemingway.

Why write allusions? Allusions appeal to common experiences: they are metaphors in their own right, as we understand what it means to describe an ideal place as Edenic.

Like the other common literary devices, allusions are often metaphors, images, and/or hyperboles. And, like other literary devices, allusions also have their own sub-categories.

Allusion Writing Exercise

See how densely you can allude to other works and experiences in writing about something simple. Go completely outside of good taste and name-drop like crazy:

Allusions (way too much version): I wanted Nikes, not Adidas, because I want to be like Mike. But still, “a rose by any other name”—they’re just shoes, and “if the shoe fits, wear it.”

From this frenetic style of writing, trim back to something more tasteful:

Allusions (more tasteful version): I had wanted Nikes, not Adidas—but “if the shoe fits, wear it.”

12. Allegory

An allegory is a story whose sole purpose is to represent an abstract concept or idea. As such, allegories are sometimes extended allusions, but the two common literary devices have their differences.

For example, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory for the deterioration of Communism during the early establishment of the U.S.S.R. The farm was founded on a shared goal of overthrowing the farming elite and establishing an equitable society, but this society soon declines. Animal Farm mirrors the Bolshevik Revolution, the overthrow of the Russian aristocracy, Lenin’s death, Stalin’s execution of Trotsky, and the nation’s dissolution into an amoral, authoritarian police state. Thus, Animal Farm is an allegory/allusion to the U.S.S.R.:

Allusion (excerpt from Animal Farm ):

“There were times when it seemed to the animals that they worked longer hours and fed no better than they had done in [Farmer] Jones’s day.”

However, allegories are not always allusions. Consider Plato’s “ Allegory of the Cave ,” which represents the idea of enlightenment. By representing a complex idea, this allegory could actually be closer to an extended symbol rather than an extended allusion.

Allegory Writing Exercise

Pick a major trend going on in the world. In this example, let’s pick the growing reach of social media as our “major trend.”

Next, what are the primary properties of that major trend? Try to list them out:

• More connectedness
• A loss of privacy
• People carefully massaging their image and sharing that image widely

Next, is there something happening at—or that could happen at—a much smaller scale that has some or all of those primary properties? This is where your creativity comes into play.

Well… what if elementary school children not only started sharing their private diaries, but were now expected to share their diaries? Let’s try writing from inside that reality:

I know Jennifer McMahon made up her diary entry about how much she misses her grandma. The tear smudges were way too neat and perfect. Anyway, everyone loved it. They photocopied it all over the bulletin boards and they even read it over the PA, and Jennifer got two extra brownies at lunch.

Try your own! You may find that you’ve just written your own Black Mirror episode.

13. Ekphrasis

Ekphrasis refers to a poem or story that is directly inspired by another piece of art. Ekphrastic literature often describes another piece of art, such as the classic “ Ode on a Grecian Urn ”:

O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede Of marble men and maidens overwrought, With forest branches and the trodden weed; Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral! When old age shall this generation waste, Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say’st, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”

Ekphrasis can be considered a direct allusion because it borrows language and images from other artwork. For a great example of ekphrasis—as well as a submission opportunity for writers!—check out the monthly ekphrastic challenge that Rattle Poetry runs.

Ekphrasis writing exercise

Try your hand at ekphrasis by picking a piece of art you really enjoy and writing a poem or story based off of it. For example, you could write a story about Mona Lisa having a really bad day, or you could write a black-out poem created from the lyrics of your favorite song.

Or, try Rattle ‘s monthly ekphrastic challenge ! All art inspires other art, and by letting ekphrasis guide your next poem or story, you’re directly participating in a greater artistic and literary conversation.

14. Onomatopoeia

Flash! Bang! Wham! An onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like the noise it describes. Conveying both a playfulness of language and a serious representation of everyday sounds, onomatopoeias draw the reader into the sensations of the story itself.

Onomatopoeia words are most often used in poetry and in comic books, though they certainly show up in works of prose as well. Some onomatopoeias can be found in the dictionary, such as “murmur,” “gargle,” and “rumble,” “click,” and “vroom.” However, writers make up onomatopoeia words all the time, so while the word “ptoo” definitely sounds like a person spitting, you won’t find it in Merriam Webster’s.

Here’s an onomatopoeia example, from the poem “Honky Tonk in Cleveland, Ohio” by Carl Sandburg .

The onomatopoeias have been highlighted in bold. These common literary devices help make your writing fresh, interesting, and vivid, creating a sonic setting that the reader can fall into.

Learn more about onomatopoeias here!

Onomatopoeia Writing Exercise

Onomatopoeias are fun literary devices to use in your work, so have fun experimenting with them. In this exercise, take a moment to listen to the noises around you. Pay close attention to the whir of electronics, the fzzzzzzz of the heater, the rumbling of cars on the street, or the tintintintintin of rain on the roof.

Whatever you hear, convert those sounds into onomatopoeias. Make a list of those sounds. Try to use a mix of real words and made up ones: the way you represent noise in language can have a huge impact on your writing style .

Do this for 5 to 10 minutes, and when you have a comprehensive list of the sounds you hear, write a poem or short story that uses every single word you’ve written down.

If you built your political campaign off of wordplay, would you be punning for president?

A pun is a literary device that plays with the sounds and meanings of words to produce new, often humorous ideas. For example, let’s say you used too much butter in your recipe, and it ruined the dish. You might joke that you were “outside the margarine of error,” which is a play on the words “margin of error.”

Puns have a rich literary history, and famous writers like Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, as well as famous texts like The Bible, have used puns to add depth and gravity to their words.

Pun Writing Exercise

Jot down a word or phrase that you commonly use. If you’re not sure of what to write down, take a look at this list of English idioms . For example, I might borrow the phrase “blow off steam,” which means to let out your anger.

Take any saying, and play around with the sounds and meanings of the words in that saying. Then, incorporate the new phrase you’ve created into a sentence that allows for the double meaning of the phrase. Here’s two examples:

If I play with the sound of the words, I might come up with “blowing off stream.” Then, I would put that into a sentence that plays with the original meaning of the phrase. Like: “Did you hear about the river boat that got angry and went off course? It was blowing off stream.”

Or, I might play with the meanings of words. For example, I might take the word “blowing” literally, and write the following: “someone who cools down their tea when they’re angry is blowing off steam.”

Searching for ways to add double meanings and challenge the sounds of language will help you build fresh, exciting puns. Learn more about these common literary devices in our article on puns in literature .

16–27. Common Literary Devices in Poetry

The following 12 devices apply to both poetry and prose writers, but they appear most often in verse. Learn more about:

• Metonymy/Synecdoche
• Alliteration
• Consonance/Assonance
• Euphony/Cacophony

12 Literary Devices in Poetry: Identifying Poetic Devices

28–37. Common Literary Devices in Prose

The following 10 devices show up in verse, but are far more prevalent in prose. Learn more about:

• Parallel Plot
• Foreshadowing
• In Media Res
• Dramatic Irony

10 Important Literary Devices in Prose: Examples & Analysis

38–48. Repetition Literary Devices

Though they have uncommon names, these common literary devices are all forms of repetition.

• Anadiplosis
• Anaphora (prose)
• Antanaclasis
• Antimetabole
• Antistrophe
• Epanalepsis

Repetition Definition: Types of Repetition in Poetry and Prose

49–57. Dialogue Literary Devices

While these literary elements pertain primarily to dialogue, writers use euphemisms, idioms, and neologisms all the time in their work.

• Colloquialism

How to Write Dialogue in a Story

58–67. Word Play Literary Devices

The following literary devices push language to the limits. Have fun with these!

• Double Entendre
• Malapropism
• Paraprosdokian
• Portmanteau

Word Play: Examples of a Play on Words

68–72. Parallelism Literary Devices

Parallelism is a stylistic device where a sentence is composed of equally weighted items. In essence, parallel structure allows form to echo content. Learn all about this essential stylistic literary device below.

• Grammatical parallelism
• Rhetorical parallelism
• Synthetic parallelism
• Antithetical parallelism
• Synonymous parallelism

Parallelism Definition: Writing With Parallel Structure

73–112. Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are literary devices intended to persuade the reader of something. You might have heard of ethos, pathos, and logos, but do you know your aposiopesis from your hyperbaton?

Many literary devices can also be considered rhetorical devices. After all, a metaphor can convince you of something just as well as a syllogism. Nonetheless, the following 40 rhetorical/literary devices will sharpen your style, argumentation, and writing abilities.

• Anacoluthon
• Polysyndeton
• Procatalepsis
• Reductio ad Absurdum
• Amplification
• Antiphrasis
• Overstatement
• Adnomination
• Aposiopesis
• Circumlocution

Common Rhetorical Devices List: The Art of Argument

Master These Common Literary Devices With Writers.com!

The instructors at Writers.com are masters of literary devices. Through masterful instruction and personal expertise, our instructors can help you add, refine, and improve your literary devices, helping you craft great works of literature. Check out our upcoming courses , and join our writing community on Facebook !

Sean Glatch

101 comments.

Very nice the litrery divices

Brilliant litery devices

Love this article thank you

Good literary devices

My stoonts confess to having trouble with “poultry”.

I love this literary term it help a lot

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Broaden the vucablry it does

Very effectively and simply elaborated

I am trying think of the specific literary structure based on loosely assembled episodes set within the framework of a journey: it is not quixotic, peripatetic, itinerant…always on the tip of my tongue. Help!

enjoyed this (and learned some new things, too). HB

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This was put together profoundly; thank you! As a writer, you can never learn enough. I will begin incorporating these into my stories. Words can’t express how helpful this was, and it was very efficiently put together as well, so kudos to that!

I’m so happy this article helped you, Jalen! Happy writing!

Thank you for this article! It really helped a lot! hands up to the good samaritan of understanding literature :D.

But I would have one last question: Would any sort of intertextuality be considered an Allusion? (Also when you refer to the author for example?)

Great questions! That’s a great way to think about allusion–any sort of intertextuality is indeed allusive. In fact, your use of “Good Samaritan” is an allusion to the Bible, even if you didn’t mean it to be!

And yes, because an allusion is anything referential, then a reference to another author also counts as an allusion. Of course, it can’t be directly stated: “She’s reading Shakespeare” doesn’t count, but “She worships the Immortal Bard” would be an allusion. (It’s also an allusion to the story of the same name by Isaac Asimov).

I’m glad to hear our article was helpful. Happy reading!

This will help! Thanks!

There is also Onomatopoeia, you can make the list 45

This article really helped me, the techniques are amazing, and the detail is incredible. Thank you for taking your time to write this!

I’m so glad this was helpful, Gwen! Happy writing!

this was useful 🙂 thanks

I love personification; you can do so much with it.

Hi, I’m really sorry but I am still confused with juxtaposition.

Hi Nate! Juxtaposition simply describes when contrasting ideas are placed next to each other. The effect of juxtaposition depends on the ideas that are being juxtaposed, but the point is to surprise or provoke the reader.

Take, for example, the opening line of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Here, happy and unhappy families are being juxtaposed, and the contrast between the two is meant to provoke the reader and highlight the differences between those families. This juxtaposition sets up the novel as a whole, which often discusses themes of family and happiness (among many other themes).

I hope this helps!

very nice indeed

[…] 33 Common Literary Devices: Definitions, Examples, and Exercises […]

[…] 44 Common Literary Devices: Definitions, Examples, and Exercises […]

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Really helping. It’s a wonderful article

O mother Ghana, teach your children to change their negative attitudes towards you and what you have Please which literary device is this?

The device employed here is called apostrophe, which is when the writer addresses something not actually present for literary effect. Read more about it at this link .

This was very effective towards my writing and my family really enoyed seeing how much I had learnt. Thanks a lot.

so irony is literally sarcasm then

Sometimes! Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony.

Verbal irony occurs when a person intentionally says the opposite of what they mean. For example, you might say “I’m having the best day ever” after getting hit by a car.

Sarcasm is the use of verbal irony with the intent of mocking someone or something. You might say “Good going, genius” to someone who made a silly mistake, implying they’re not a genius at all.

Hope that makes sense!

Love this article! I used to struggle in my literature class, but after reading though this article, I certainly improved! Thanks! However, I have one question I really need your help with- Can I assume that a phrase which is the slightest bit plausible, a hyperbole? For example, a young elementary student who is exceptionally talented in basketball, to such an extent that he was quite famous nation-wide, said that he would be the next Lebron James although he was still very young. Would this be considered as a hyperbole? It would be great if you can help me with this.

That’s a great question! Although that claim is certainly exaggerated, it probably wouldn’t be hyperbole, because the child believes it to be true. A hyperbole occurs when the writer makes an exaggerated statement that they know to be false–e.g. “I’ve been waiting a billion years for this.”

Of course, if the child is self-aware and knows they’re just being cheeky, then it would be hyperbole, but I get the sense that the child genuinely believes they’re the next Lebron. 🙂

I’m glad this article has helped you in your literature class!

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for your reply!

Sorry, I have another question related to hyperbole. This is an extract from Animal Farm:

“Squealer was sent to make the necessary explanation to the others. ‘Comrades!’ he cried. ‘You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well being of a pig. We pigs are brain-workers. The whole management and organisation of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back! Surely, comrades,’ cried Squealer almost pleadingly, skipping from side to side and whisking his tail, ‘surely there is no one among you who wants to see Jones come back?’ Now if there was one thing that the animals were completely certain of, it was that they did not want Jones back. When it was put to them in this light, they had no more to say. The importance of keeping the pigs in good health was all too obvious.”

May I know if the speech made by Squealer in this extract is a hyperbole, gaslight (I’m not sure if this is a literary device), or some other device(s)? I know this is very wordy so you can take your time, no rush.

(I am doing a chapter analysis of chapter 3 in Animal Farm)

By the way, if you have written any other articles, please let me know! I would like to read them, thanks!

Take a look at writers.com/writing-tips for our archive on the craft of writing!

It wouldn’t be hyperbole, as a hyperbole is usually a word or phrase, not an entire passage of text. It’s better to analyze this passage in terms of its rhetorical strategies: Squealer is appealing to nebulous ideas like Science and the return of Jones–appeals to logos and pathos, despite there being a lack of evidence.

These strategies are logical fallacies: arguments that are easily disproven through reasoning, but which often resonate when people don’t employ critical thinking. Some of the fallacies here are “appeal to fear” and the “false dilemma” that Jones will return if the pigs don’t eat apples and milk (this is also a “red herring”).

I can’t provide much more help than this, as I don’t want to write your assignment for you, but I’m happy to point you in this direction, because understanding how logical fallacies are abused is essential to being an informed reader and citizen. 🙂

Ok, thanks for your reply!

Thank you! I am studying for an English final and this was a life saver!

My pleasure, Isla, good luck on your final!

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Hi what is the name of the literary device where you name a character after their personality eg. Mr Knighley, Miss honey or Miss Trunchball? Thank you

That’s called an “aptronym”!

Mind blowing indeed. I had no idea there were so many names for patterns I hear people use with words. This lis is great as is. I am using it to probe further into what they are. I would only suggest that if the time ever allowed for someone to provide a brief detail or definition to each it would save a lot of time for many like me. None the less, I am grateful for the work provided. Thank you.

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It is personification as well as apostrophe, as Sean suggested. Ghana (the nation, I am assuming) is personified as a mother who is able to teach her citizens (children) to change their negative attitudes towards her.

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Thanks so much, I never knew the list to this was as tall as everest, way back in school I didn’t take lit lessons serious and forgot everything til it came to mind to revise these devices And here google landed me, and thanks again so much.

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Can Dystopia be considered a kind of literary device?

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[…] 112 Common Literary Devices: Definitions, Examples, and Exercises […]

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Literary Devices: 30 Elements & Techniques for Writers (With Examples)

Every Author wants to write a good book . That’s a given.

But you don’t need to know the names and definitions of 30 or 40 literary devices to accomplish that goal.

Knowing the difference between alliteration, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole won’t make or break your book.

Literary devices are especially common in novels, where writers need to use flashbacks, foreshadowing, or figurative language to keep the reader enthralled.

But most nonfiction doesn’t need literary devices to be effective.

As an Author, your goal is to explain how your knowledge can solve a reader’s problems in a clear, concise manner. If you can toss in some good storytelling, so much the better.

Remember, being a good writer isn’t about checking off every writing trick on the list. It’s about expressing your information in an authentic, clear way.

This literary device crash course is a helpful tool, but if you want to publish a great book, devices shouldn’t be your primary focus.

What Are Literary Devices?

Literary devices, also known as literary elements, are techniques that writers use to convey their message more powerfully or to enhance their writing.

Many Authors use literary devices without even realizing it. For example, if you exaggerate and say, “This method has the potential to revolutionize the world,” that’s hyperbole. Your method may be impactful, but it probably isn’t really going to upend the way every single country does things.

More complicated literary devices are a common feature in fiction, but most nonfiction books don’t need them. A nonfiction Author’s job is to deliver information in an engaging way. “Engaging” doesn’t necessarily mean “literary.”

Still, literary devices can add a lot to a text when they’re used correctly.

For example, in The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald uses the following metaphor to describe human struggle: “So we beat on, boats against the current…”

The image of boats fighting against the current is a powerful way to express the simple idea that “life is hard.”

Literary devices are especially effective when they’re used sparingly. Don’t overdo it.

If your entire book is written in metaphors, it’s not only going to be an overkill of flowery language, but it’s probably going to be confusing too.

If you can incorporate literary devices in a way that makes sense and adds something to the readers’ experience, great. But don’t force it.

30 Common Literary Devices

1. alliteration.

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds within a group of words. For example, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”

Nonfiction Authors can use alliteration to create catchy chapter or subsection titles. For example, “4 Best Bets for Better Business.”

Alliteration is also particularly effective for highlighting concepts you want your readers to remember. For example, if the takeaway of your chapter is a pithy, one-line sentence, alliteration can really make it stand out. Think, “Clear communication is key.”

Be careful not to overuse alliteration, or your book will start to sound like a nursery rhyme.

2. Onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates, suggests, or resembles the sound it’s describing. Common onomatopoeias include “gurgle,” “hiss,” “boom,” “whir,” and “whizz.”

In storytelling, onomatopoeia is an effective way to draw your reader into the environment. For example, if you’re telling an anecdote about a meeting you had with a client, it’s more vivid to say, “He plopped a sugar cube into his coffee and slurped,” than to say, “He drank his coffee with sugar.”

3. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is an advance warning about something that’s going to happen in the future.

In fiction, foreshadowing can be subtle. For example, something that happens in the first chapter of a murder mystery can come into play at the end of the book.

But in nonfiction, foreshadowing tends to be more obvious. Authors often use it to tell readers what they can expect to learn. For example, an Author might say, “We’re going to talk more about this example later,” or “I’ll discuss this at length in Chapter Three.”

4. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggeration that’s not meant to be taken literally. For example, if my friend surprised me by eating a lot of pizza, I might say, “Hey man, remember that time you ate, like, fifteen pizzas in one night?”

Good nonfiction Authors often use hyperbole to emphasize the power of their statements. For example, “We all know how miserable it can be to work 24/7.” Do we really all know that? And it’s impossible to literally work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nonfiction Authors have to be careful with hyperbole, though. If you’re using data, you want it to seem credible. In nonfiction, readers often want precision, not exaggeration.

5. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech where seemingly contradictory terms appear together. For example, “the dumbest genius I know.”

Oxymorons are useful if you want to create an unexpected contrast. For example, “Your unhappiest customers are often your business’ happiest accident.”

6. Flashback

A flashback is a scene set in an earlier time than the main story. They’re often used to provide important context or backstory for an event you’re discussing.

Because most nonfiction books aren’t chronological ( unless it’s a memoir ), you probably won’t have many opportunities to use flashbacks. But in anecdotes, a touch of flashback can be effective.

For example, “My boss congratulated me for landing the largest account our company had ever seen. It was hard to believe that only seven months earlier, I was struggling to keep the few clients I already had.”

7. Point of View

Point of view is the perspective you use to tell your story.

A lot of nonfiction is written with a first-person point of view, which means writing from an “I” perspective. For example, “I’ve developed the following ten-point system to improve your finances.”

It’s much rarer, although possible, to write nonfiction from the third-person perspective. For example, “They saw how powerful their methods could be.” Sometimes co-authors choose this method to avoid first-person confusion.

Nonfiction writers occasionally use second person (“you”) to directly address their readers. For example, “You know how hard it can be to fire someone.”

8. Euphemism

A euphemism is a polite way of describing something indirectly.

Many Authors use euphemisms to vary their language or soften the blow of a difficult concept. For example, “passed away” is a euphemism for “died.”

Some Authors use euphemisms to keep their texts more palatable for a general audience.

For example, if an Author is writing about sexual harassment in the workplace, they may not want to repeat lewd phrases and could use euphemisms instead. Or, an Author who wants to avoid the political controversy around the term “abortion” might opt for “pregnancy termination.”

9. Colloquialism

A colloquialism is a word or phrase that’s not formal or literary. It tends to be used in ordinary or familiar conversation instead. For example, it’s more colloquial to say, “How’s it going?” instead of “How are you doing?”

Slang is also a form of colloquialism. If you say something was “awesome,” unless you literally mean it inspired awe, you’re being colloquial.

No matter how professional your audience is, some colloquialism can make your book feel more relatable. Readers like to feel as if they’re talking with the Author. Colloquialism can help you create that personal, one-on-one feeling.

10. Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is when you give human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human creatures or things.

If you think of your dog as having a “funny personality,” you’re anthropomorphizing him. The same goes for your “stubborn” toaster or “cranky” computer.

In nonfiction, you generally won’t encounter a lot of opportunities for anthropomorphism, but some Authors may want to humanize their products or services. For example, your software may be “friendly” or “kind” to new users.

11. Anaphora

Anaphora is a rhetorical device where you repeat a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. This is a great way to draw emphasis to a certain portion of text.

For example, Charles Dickens uses anaphora in the opening of A Tale of Two Cities : “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief…”

12. Anachronism

An anachronism is a chronological inconsistency where you juxtapose people, things, or sayings from different time periods. If you were reading a book about colonial America where characters talk about cars, that would be anachronistic.

In nonfiction, you might want to use anachronism to make it easier for a current audience to relate to people in your stories.

For example, if you’re writing about the history of the banking industry, you might refer to certain individuals as “influencers” or talk about ideas that were “trending.”

13. Malapropism

A malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one. This usually creates some kind of humorous effect. Imagine a person saying, “I know how to dance the flamingo,” instead of, “I know how to dance flamenco.”

There aren’t a lot of good reasons to use malapropism in nonfiction, but you could do this if you’re trying to amuse or delight your reader in an unexpected way. It’s a lot like using a pun.

For example, if you’re writing a book about sports, you might say, “The client and I saw things so eye-to-eye, it was almost like we had ESPN” (instead of “ESP”).

14. Figurative Language

Figurative language is language that dresses up your writing in an attempt to engage your readers. Figurative language is often more colorful, evocative, or dramatic.

For example, “She was chained to her desk for sixty hours a week.” Let’s hope not.

Still, it conjures a vivid image that’s more exciting for readers than, “She worked a lot.”

Figurative language is like taking your everyday language and putting it in a tuxedo.

15. Dramatic Irony

Irony is a literary technique where what appears to be the case differs radically from what is actually the case.

Dramatic irony is a type of irony that occurs when an audience understands the context more than the character in a story.

Let’s say you’re telling a story about an interaction with a client that didn’t go the way you expected. You might write, “Things seemed to be going well, but little did I know, she had already hired someone else.”

At the moment you were meeting with the client, you didn’t have that information. But now, the reader does. So, they get to follow along with the rest of the story, knowing more than you did at the time.

16. Verbal Irony

Verbal irony occurs when a person says one thing but means another. Sarcasm is a good example of verbal irony. For example, you might say, “It was a wonderful dinner,” when, in fact, the food was terrible, and your partner showed up an hour late.

Depending on the tone of your book, verbal irony can help create humor or make you more relatable.

17. Figure of Speech

Think of “figure of speech” as a kind of catch-all term for any word or phrase that’s used in a non-literal sense to create a dramatic effect.

For example, it’s a figure of speech to say that it was “raining cats and dogs” or that something stands “an ice cube’s chance in Hell” of happening.

A lot of the devices we’ve already discussed (e.g., alliteration, oxymoron, and metaphors) also fall into the category of figures of speech.

18. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things in an interesting way. It often highlights the similarities between two different ideas.

Take, for example, “The classroom was a zoo.” It wasn’t literally a zoo, but this metaphor expresses the wild energy of a room full of children.

Or, “the curtain of night fell.” Night doesn’t have a curtain, but we can all imagine darkness falling like one.

Metaphors form direct comparisons by saying something is something else. (Similes, explained below, form comparisons by saying something is like something else.)

Metaphors are a useful tool for “showing” your reader something instead of just “telling.” They help your reader see and feel the scene, and they paint a vivid picture.

If you use a metaphor, though, make sure it’s intelligible. There are a lot of bad ones out there. The point of a metaphor is to make a scene clearer, not to confuse your reader.

A simile is also a figure of speech that compares two different things in an interesting way. But unlike a metaphor, a simile uses comparison words like “like” or “as.”

“She was as bright as a lightbulb.”

“He was stubborn like a mule.”

Using similes can make your writing more interesting. The comparisons can spark your readers’ imagination while still getting your information across clearly.

20. Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept.

For example, a businessman is sometimes known as “a suit.”

Or, in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar , “lend me your ears,” is a metonymy for “give me your full attention.”

People use metonymy all the time without being conscious of it. For example, if you get in a car wreck, you’re likely to say, “That car hit me,” instead of, “That car hit my car.”

If you’re writing in relatable, colloquial language, your book will probably have metonymy in it.

21. Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something stands in for the whole or vice versa. It’s a subset of metonymy.

For example, if you have “hungry mouths to feed,” you actually need to feed people. Their mouths are just a stand-in for the whole person.

Or, you might say, “All of society was at the gala,” when you really mean, “All of high society was there.”

Typically, synecdoche will come out in your writing naturally. When you force synecdoche, it can sound strange.

For example, what do you think I mean when I say, “I sat on the legs?” I’m guessing a chair didn’t come to mind, even though “legs” is a part of the whole “chair.”

22. Aphorism

An aphorism is a concise statement of a general truth or principle. For example, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Most aphorisms are handed down over time, so chances are, you won’t coin your own. Think of these as the tried-and-true statements people already know.

For example, if you’re describing toxic leadership, you could quickly say, “After all, power corrupts,” and your audience would immediately know what you mean.

Aphorisms are great for emphasis because they’re quick, clear, and to the point. They aren’t flowery, and their simplicity makes them memorable.

23. Rhetorical Question

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, not because you want an answer.

“Do you want to make money? Do you want to sleep better at night? Do you want to run a successful company?”

Who wouldn’t say yes? (See what I did there?)

Be careful not to overuse rhetorical questions because too many can get tedious. But used sparingly, they’re a great way to invite your reader into the conversation and highlight the benefits of your knowledge.

24. Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton comes from the Ancient Greek for “many” and “bound together.” As its name implies, it’s a literary technique in which conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) are used repeatedly in quick succession.

Here it is in action: “I wanted an employee who was self-motivated and enterprising and skilled. I needed someone who could write and talk and network like a pro.”

In most cases, you’ll use a regular list instead of polysyndeton (e.g., “I like cats, dogs, and ferrets.”). But when it’s used correctly, polysyndeton is useful for drawing emphasis to different aspects of a sentence.

One common way to use polysyndeton is, “You’ll find everything in this book, from billing and buying to marketing and sales.”

25. Consonance

Consonance occurs when you repeat consonant sounds throughout a particular word or phrase. Unlike alliteration, the repeated consonant doesn’t have to come at the beginning of the word.

“Do you like blue?” and “I wish I had a cushion to squash” are examples of consonance.

Consonance can help you build sentences and passages that have a nice rhythm. When a text flows smoothly, it can subconsciously propel readers forward and keep them reading.

26. Assonance

Assonance is similar to consonance, except it involves repeating vowel sounds. This is usually a subtler kind of echo. For example, the words “penitence” and “reticence” are assonant.

Like consonance, assonance can help you build compelling, rhythmic language.

27. Chiasmus

Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where grammatical constructions or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

For example, “Never let a kiss fool you or a fool kiss you.” Or, “The happiest and best moments go to the best and happiest employees.”

In nonfiction, chiasmus can be an effective way to make a significant point. It often works because it’s unexpected and punchy.

28. Litotes

Litotes is a figure of speech closely related to verbal irony. With litotes, you use understatement to emphasize your point. They often incorporate double negatives for effect.

For example, “You won’t be sorry” is the litotes way of saying, “You will be glad.”

If I say, “He wasn’t a bad singer,” you can probably assume that he was actually a good singer. But the negative construction conveys a different tone.

If hyperbole lends more force to your claims, litotes diminishes your statement. In nonfiction, there are situations where you might want to downplay your judgment.

Take this statement, for example: “He wasn’t the worst lawyer I had ever seen, but he could have been more organized.” You aren’t completely bashing the lawyer, but you’re still showing there’s room for improvement.

Still, I recommend using litotes sparingly if you don’t want people to think you’re constantly damning with faint praise.

29. Epigraph

An epigraph is a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, intended to suggest its theme.

For example, Mario Puzo’s The Godfather begins with a quotation from the French writer Balzac: “Behind every great fortune, there is a crime.”

An epigraph is a great way to honor a writer or thinker you admire. It also immediately puts your work in conversation with theirs. In nonfiction, an epigraph can be a great way to signal to readers, “Hey, Tim Ferriss’ book has informed mine!”

But don’t rely too heavily on epigraphs. The point of writing a book is to show that you are an expert. You don’t want to constantly defer to other Authors to contextualize your ideas.

Also, epigraphs are only effective when they are truly relevant to your book. Don’t just pick a person that you think readers will recognize. Pick a quotation that really adds something to your book.

30. Epistrophe

Epistrophe is the repetition of the same word or words at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. It’s sometimes called epiphora or antistrophe.

Epistrophe is the cousin of anaphora, where the repetition happens at the beginning of successive phrases.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is a great example of a text that uses epistrophe: “… that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

His repetition of “the people” really drives home the importance of “the people” to American government. They are central, no matter how you slice it.

Epistrophe can be very dramatic, and it’s a great way to draw attention to crucial concepts or words in your book. But because it’s so impactful, it should be used in moderation.

The Scribe Crew

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Literary Devices List: 33 Main Literary Devices with Examples

by Fija Callaghan

If “literary devices” sounds like a throwback to something you slept through in your English Lit 101 class, you’re not alone. Maybe breaking down the finer points of metaphor, perspective, and juxtaposition sounds like a fast track to sucking all the fun out of actually enjoying creative writing.

On the other hand, it might surprise you to learn that these literary devices are present in all stories, from epic poetry to Saturday morning cartoons to those guilty-pleasure paperbacks you pick up at the airport and then “accidentally” leave behind on the plane.

If you’re reading, watching, or listening to a story and find yourself engaged for even a moment… that’s literary devices at work. They’re tools that the writer uses to engage with the reader on a visceral level, to make them look at the story—and the world around them through the story—in a completely different way.

Here we’ll show you multiple literary devices and rhetorical devices, with examples, that you can use to create powerful stories.

What are literary devices?

Literary devices are tools and techniques that a writer can use to elevate their story beyond the literal meaning of the words on the page. These techniques work on an unconscious level to enhance characterization, heighten tension, and help your story’s theme create a more powerful impact on the reader.

There are many types of literary devices that writers can use to create different effects in their work. 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.

In other words, literary devices are the techniques that turn a literal, step-by-step retelling of events into a rich, engaging, and memorable piece of literature.

What’s the difference between literary devices and literary elements?

You’ll sometimes hear these terms being used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. We’ve looked at how literary elements are the structural skeleton of our story ; you can think of them as the blank canvas, the first washes of colour, the rough outlines that help us understand the shapes we’re seeing and what they have the potential to become.

Literary devices are everything that gives these outlines life and form. 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. They’re tools that the writer uses—sometimes bold, masterful turns and sometimes nothing more than small nudges—to guide and engage the reader.

Or, consider a house. Literary elements are the house’s structure: They’re the foundation, the beams, the drywall, the roof. Without these elements there’s no physical house. Literary devices are what you do to a a building to turn it from a house into a home: the wallpaper you select, the style of furniture, the books on the shelf, the comfy couch, the good smells in the kitchen.

You probably won’t use all of the literary devices we’re going to show you here in your own work. Most writers will come back to the same ones again and again, mastering them as they keep using them. This is what becomes their distinctive storytelling style, or voice.

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.

33 literary devices (with examples!) you can use to strengthen your writing

Once you’ve formed the bones of your story, you can use these literary devices to add shape and style to your work. It’s worth exploring all of these literary devices in your practice, though you’ll likely find a handful of them that become your writer’s toolkit—devices that you come back to again and again.

As you grow in your skill, these literary devices will become a part of your storytelling voice.

1. Allegory

Allegory is kind of like a cross between metaphor (which we’ll talk about a little further on) and theme. It’s the practice of telling a real, true, relevant story through the filter of fiction.

Often these stories stand in place for something the author can’t say, due to political or cultural barriers; other times it’s simply a way to get the reader or viewer to consider an issue in a different light.

This doesn’t mean that the story is being told as a direct comparison to a central idea; it means the story on the surface is composed of a complex web of metaphors that tell a second story with a deeper meaning underneath.

An classic example of allegory is Dante’s Divine Comedy , where Dante uses his fictional journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven as an allegory for the journey of a person’s soul to God.

2. Allusion

Allusion is a common literary device that indirectly references a real life person, place, or event.

It invites the reader to meet you, the author, in the middle, piecing together a cultural clue that you’ve left for them. Sometimes this is done because the idea is too sensitive to lay out overtly. Other times allusions can be used for light, comedic effect.

For example, in Eoin Colfer’s The Wish List, several repeated references are made to “the rockstar with the hair.” For a while the author lets the reader hypothesize as to whom he might be referring to, before dropping in a detail where a character begins humming “Blue Suede Shoes.” We talk about the value of repetition a little farther on.

3. Anachronism

Anachronism is a conflict of time within a single work —for example, describing a character as “zipping up her dress” if the story is set at a time before the invention of zippers, or causing national outrage by leaving a plastic water bottle on a 1920s film set .

Generally, anachronism is a negative thing that will cause your readers and viewers to delight in calling you out for it. This is why it’s so important, when writing historical pieces, to thoroughly research all the minute details of your story. However, anachronism as a literary device can sometimes be used quite effectively for comedic effect or to create a sense of displacement.

4. Archetypes

In literature, a character archetype is a standardized pattern that we instantly recognize from generations upon generations of storytelling.

Contrary to stereotypes , which are oversimplifications of an archetype’s most extreme personality traits, archetypes work because they speak to a universal truth. All character archetypes exist and, on some level, exist in us .

Examples of archetypes are the warrior, the mentor, the damsel, the lost child, and, of course, the villain. These archetypes can take on many different faces and sometimes a character can embody more than one archetype at the same time.

In Robert Munsch’s groundbreaking feminist page turner The Paper Bag Princess , the typical damsel-and-dragon story is turned on its head as none of the three central characters fit into the roles they’re expected to. This is an example of using archetypes in an unexpected way, inverting them to delight the reader.

5. Cliffhanger

A cliffhanger is a literary device in which the author ends a segment of the story on a dramatic question. This segment might be smaller, like a chapter, or larger, like the first novel in a continuing series. It holds the reader’s attention and makes them wonder what happens next.

You may recognize cliffhangers from your favourite TV series—they’re one of the most common literary devices in TV storytelling because they’re what gets the show pilot picked up by the network and then, once the show is running, they’re what keeps the viewers engaged and coming back again and again.

An example of a cliffhanger in literature is where the literary device got it’s name: In Thomas Hardy’s A Pair of Blue Eyes , a chapter ends with the main character hanging from a cliff by his fingers. The reader has to start the next chapter to discover the protagonist’s fate.

Cliffhangers are one of the many literary devices that are beloved by filmmakers and creative writers alike.

Dialect is a fantastic literary device to use when crafting strong, distinctive, believable characters. It’s essentially the sound of someone’s voice—not an easy feat to achieve when all you have to work with is paper and ink. It’s their regional accent, but also their upbringing, their level of education, their mood, the sort of people they’ve been exposed to.

When done well, and done sparingly, individual dialects can give your characters more life and lend a wonderful richness to their world.

D. H. Lawrence was famous for his use of dialect in his novels, which preserve the unique vocabulary and pronunciation of Victorian-era coal miners in the north of England.

Diction is related to dialect in that it’s a reflection of the sound of the story’s voice—which, again, you as the writer need to accomplish with nothing more than twenty-six letters. The difference between dialect and diction is that while dialect is a part of characterization, diction is the voice of the narrator.

The author makes choices about how to convey their voice in a story based on the mood and the world they’re trying to create. Very formal language creates distance between the author and the story; more colloquial word choices and regional slang make the story more intimate and immediate.

8. Euphemism

Euphemism is a word or phrase that uses figurative language to reference something that would otherwise be indelicate. “Passed away” is a common euphemism for dying; being “let go” or “made redundant” is a nicer way of saying you’ve been fired. “Cognitively challenged” refers to a stupid person, and “in the family way” is a sensitive way of saying that a woman is pregnant.

These all use informal language to convey something with a different meaning.

Although euphemisms were more commonly used in the eras of banned books, church censorship, and general societal timidity than they are today, they’re still a great way to show characterisation (as an important aspect of dialect, as we discussed above) and the time and place in which your story is happening.

9. Exposition

Exposition is the act of working relevant information into the events of your story —whether that’s through dialogue, observation, narrative detail, or flashbacks .

Exposition can be a tricky literary device to master, but it’s important in helping your readers understand your world, your characters, and what drives your characters to make the choices they do. Too much of this can bog down the reader and take them away from the present action, but just enough will give them a fuller understanding of the world you’re trying to create.

10. Flashback

Flashbacks are interruptions in the narrative that bring the reader to a past point in time in order to create tension and arm them with important information.

You may recognize flashbacks in TV series like crime shows or sitcoms, accompanied by subtitles like “earlier that day,” “three days ago,” etc. This is a way to communicate with the viewer that they’re being taken out of the present moment and redirected to another time.

Sometimes flashbacks are used as dramatic devices, like when the opening shows something horrible or unexpected, and then the flashback shows us what brought our characters to that moment.

11. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a wonderful literary device that gives the reader hints of what is to come later in the story , either through subtle clues based on narrative events or by simply using thematic elements like symbolism and tone. It can help build suspense and keep the reader engaged by making them guess what’s going to happen.

You might foreshadow a turn of events in your story by placing symbolic images and colours through your story. For example, in her fairytale retelling The Bloody Chamber , Angela Carter uses a ruby choker to suggest a cut throat and give hints of what might come later on.

Don’t confuse foreshadowing with the rule of Chekhov’s Gun ; the two are very different concepts! But you can use both literary techniques to give depth to your story.

12. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for emphatic effect. It’s different than simply overstating something, where the context teeters on the edge of being a lie. Hyperbole isn’t meant to be taken literally.

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 years—the child hasn’t even been alive that long. It’s using figurative language to emphatically say, “I’ve been kept waiting for too long and I am less than pleased about it.”

13. Imagery

Imagery is the art of making a moment come alive for the reader. We see this literary device in both fiction and poetry. To create an image that’s vivid and engaging, use a range of senses to create your world such as sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste (this is called visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory imagery, respectively).

In addition to making the world more real for the reader, the details that you focus on can influence the mood of the story. Well-placed images can also support foreshadowing in the story , as we saw previously.

14. In Medias Res

In media res is a Latin term you might hear in literary analysis that means “in the midst of things.” This means placing the reader in the middle of an exciting event, without any previous backstory or buildup. In other words, this can mean showing the middle of your story first, and then later revealing the events leading up to that moment.

For example, Sara Gruen’s novel Water for Elephants opens with an action-packed scene that takes place towards the end of the novel; then she doubles back to the beginning and shows the reader the events that took place to arrive there.

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. Any information the reader needs can be slowly released throughout the scene, and the following scenes.

This immerses your reader in your story’s world right from the beginning. It makes them ask questions about who the people are in the scene and what’s causing the events to unfold—things they’ll learn as they read on through the entire book to the end.

There are different types of irony in literature , but all of them come down to an inversion of belief. The three types of irony you see most often in stories are dramatic irony, where the audience knows some essential piece of information that the characters don’t; situational irony, where the events of the story contradict what we would normally expect; and verbal irony, the contrast of speech and intention.

Verbal irony might be something like sarcasm, where someone says the opposite of what they mean.

Dramatic irony happens when the story reveals information but keeps it hidden from the characters—for example, the dramatic irony of watching someone open a door in a horror film when you know the monster’s waiting behind it.

Situational irony happens when two elements contradict to create a surprising result: for example, a policeman vowing to uphold the law and then giving in to corruption.

16. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a useful literary device that deals in contrast —in other words, putting two characters, images, or ideas side by side to draw attention to their differences.

You see this often in central and supporting characters, such as Batman and Robin—Batman’s dark, silent moodiness contrasts Robin’s bright, youthful energy. You can see this in their personalities as well as their costumes, with Batman all in black and Robin in positive primary colours. It’s this juxtaposition between the two that makes them such an engaging team.

Juxtaposition can also be used in sensory imagery, such as placing a happy event underneath a dark and stormy sky or using a tactile sensation that seems out of place in its environment.

17. Language

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably intending to write your stories in English. But using language as a literary device by adding in glimmers of other languages can add depth to your characters and your world.

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.

Cara Black, in her Parisian mystery series, writes in English but uses the occasional French word or phrase here and there to more fully immerse the reader in her Francophone world.

Language can also be useful literary device for characterisation; for example, an elderly family member who struggles with English might have dialogue almost entirely in another language, or a bilingual character might revert to their native language in times of overwhelming stress.

18. Metaphor

As a writing technique, metaphor is quite close to simile . Both are common literary devices used to draw comparisons between two seemingly unrelated ideas. But unlike a simile, which draws a comparison between two things, a metaphor goes a step further and uses one image to literally serve in place of another.

One of the most famous metaphors of all time is Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage,” which uses a literal theatrical performance as a comparison to illustrate the tragedies and comedies of everyday life.

19. Misdirection

Also called the “red herring,” misdirection is one of the most satisfying literary devices in storytelling of all kinds. It involves laying out clues as the story progresses, and nudging the reader towards the wrong deductions instead of the right ones.

The very important key to making this literary device work is to ensure the reader doesn’t feel cheated at the end—they should be able to look back at the path you’ve laid out and see that the true answer does make sense after all. This might mean working backwards after your first draft and sneaking in hints of what’s to come amidst other worldbuilding details.

Understanding the principle of Chekhov’s Gun can help avoid unwanted red herrings in your story . The risk of creating an unsatisfying red herring makes misdirection one of the trickiest literary devices to use.

A motif is a literary device in which recurring symbols, story elements, or ideas support the overall theme.

This could be something small and concrete, like apples popping up here and there throughout the story to symbolize a theme of battling temptation, or it could be something broader, like showing characters eating grander or sparser meals depending on the stage of their character arc.

You can use motifs to connect with readers on a subconscious, cultural level and help them immerse themselves even deeper in the story world.

A myth is a story that explains why things are how they are in the world—for instance, the creation myth of the Bible, or the story of how Raven stole the moon and stars in Indigenous mythology. Myths and legends are a fantastic archive of character archetypes and big, thematic ideas.

Unlike myths, legends are stories of something that may or may not have happened at some point in history, like the legends of Robin Hood or King Arthur’s knights. More importantly, both myths and legends are stories that stay with us for the long game because they represent values, needs, and desires that transcend generational divides.

Many stories—if not all stories—have their roots somewhere in this collective library of imagination. When composing your own work, try using old myths and legends to ground your story as you retell them from a new perspective. 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.

22. Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a way of communicating sounds in a way that relates to what they actually sound like. “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 they’re describing. “Slam,” “pop,” and “pow” are other common words you see in superhero comics.

Onomatopoeia is a literary device used most often in children’s literature and in the comic book medium, though we find it in just about everything including our everyday dialect. It’s best approached sparingly in literature, but the right word choices can add a lot of depth to your sensory environment: describing a stream as “burbling” or a wind as “shrieking” (notice the harsh “ee” vowel followed by the hard “k”) makes the scene clearer and more vibrant to the reader.

23. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a literary device closely related to a paradox , in that they both present two seemingly contradictory ideas. Unlike a paradox, an oxymoron is a figure of speech that having to do with two words one after the other: a “deafening silence” is an oxymoron, because it combines two words that contradict each other. A “friendly argument,” “act natural,” and “openly deceptive” are some oxymorons.

Although they would appear to be impossible contradictions, many of us have experienced these ideas in our own lives and know that there is a deeper meaning lying behind them.

As a figure of speech, oxymorons can be used in humour and to convey an aspect of a character’s personality—sometimes at the same time.

24. Paradox

A paradox is quite similar to an oxymoron , but it presents two contrasting ideas instead of two contrasting words.

Oscar Wilde’s famous on-brand quote, “I can resist anything except temptation,” is an example of a paradox. By its very nature it can’t be true, and yet one feels that there is some resonant truth hidden somewhere within it.

Others examples are the sayings “the only constant is change” and “the louder you shout, the less they hear.” Both of these examples are composed of ideas that appear to be in conflict with each other, and yet both can be true statements.

The first tells us the only thing that never truly changes is the fact that things are always changing, and the second shows us that causing a scene isn’t always the way to get your voice across.

Paradoxes are useful literary devices that help readers see ideas from a new perspective.

25. Personification

Personification is a literary device that uses figurative language to give recognizable human-like qualities to inanimate or non-human entities.

The most extreme example of this is anthropomorphism, which is giving human traits to an animal or other non-human character. This is a very popular literary device in children’s literature, as it tends to make the ideas and lessons in these stories feel more accessible (this is the same device used to give life to a French candelabra in Beauty and the Beast ).

However, personification can be done on a smaller scale in order to make sensory images more vivid and easier for the reader to understand. A “weeping willow” is an example of attaching a human action to a non-human thing, and to say the weeping willow’s boughs were “lazily sweeping the dust from the road” is another.

26. Perspective

Perspective is the view from which the story is being told .

For instance, if you were to set your story in an old country manor house, you could tell a story following the same events in several different ways.

The matriarch of the house would be one perspective; a small, privileged child another. What would the housemaid see that no one else would? What about the cook or the gardener? What secrets, prejudices, or knowledge would they give to the story?

Not only would all of these people contribute different worldviews, cultural upbringings, and dialects, but they might genuinely believe in different series of events.

27. Repetition

In fiction writing and story structure, repetition is a literary device used to emphasize central themes and to create a subtle kind of rhythm.

The most famous example of repetition is in the “three wishes” often found in faerie tales, as well as three quests, three trials, three paths to choose from. This is because three is the number in which our brains start to recognize patterns. In your own writing, you can use this kind of repetition to support your story’s theme and character arcs.

You can also use targeted repetition of a word or phrase to emphasise an idea or create rhythm (which we’ll look at next!)

In prose writing, rhythm is all about the pacing of your story . Slow, languid writing can feel like being wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. Too much of this, however, becomes suffocating.

Short sentences are more like quick footsteps against a sidewalk. Readers like them because they make us feel like we’re going somewhere, but too many of them for too long and it starts to get hard to keep up.

It’s your job as a writer to use sentences of varying lengths to keep the reader engaged. Longer sentences will slow down the pace, so they’re best used for quiet, reflective moments. Short sentences will kick up the pace, so lean into them for action scenes.

While all good writers use both longer and shorter sentences to some degree, you’ll find that some tend to rely more on one than the other. This is part of what forms their signature voice . Experimenting with sentences of all rhythms will help you find yours.

Satire has been around since its inception in ancient Greece and shows no sign of slowing down. It’s a literary device that uses irony and humour as a way to draw attention to prevalent cultural and societal flaws .

Sometimes this can be done in a lighthearted way: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was considered a gentle satire of the upper classes of that time period. But sometimes satires are darker and more biting, such as in dystopian fiction like George Orwell’s 1984 .

Much like a metaphor , a simile is a literary device that compares two unrelated concepts to create vivid, sense-driven imagery. 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 lion’s heart” is a metaphor.

Similes are great in descriptive passages because you have a whole world in which to draw inspiration from. Is the new girl at school like a “cascading waterfall”? A “fire hydrant”? A “broken chair”? She could be reminiscent of any one of those things, and you as the writer are going to tell us why.

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.

31. Suspense

One of the most marvelous literary devices for engaging your readers is suspense —creating a darkly indulgent sort of tension between the reader and the story that keeps them turning page after page. The writer accomplishes this by posing one dramatic question after another.

Cliffhangers are one great way to make this happen. Putting time constraints on your characters is another, as well as shifting perspectives to reveal more information to the reader.

32. Symbolism

Symbolism is the act of using a person, place, or object to convey a larger, more abstract idea . When used repeatedly in a story to emphasise this idea, it’s called a motif .

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet , the skull of Yorik is a symbol of death and fate—it serves as a tangible, physical representation of these things in the context of the story.

Symbolism can also be used in setting—for instance, a rising sun to symbolize a new beginning—or in character, like a young child symbolising a parent’s lost innocence.

A writer can also use colours, animals, or icons that have made their way into our cultural consciousness in order to support the mood and theme of the story. Symbols that we see in our everyday lives include things like red roses for love, butterflies for transformation, or the the caduceus for medicine.

Tone is the way your story world feels to the reader. In film this would be a combination of lighting, cinematography, and soundtrack.

“It was a dark and stormy night” is an infamous opening line that immediately sets the tone for the story. In addition to giving us some context as to the setting of the scene, words like “dark,” “stormy,” and “night” naturally resonate with us in a particular way.

When trying to create an atmospheric tone for your story, you can try brainstorming words that you associate with the feeling you want to evoke, and then working them into your story.

In longer works, it’s a good idea to use different tones for different scenes or chapters. This helps each one stand out from the rest, and keeps them fresh and vibrant for the reader.

How to use literary devices to craft your own story

Now that you have an understanding of the literary devices available to you as a writer, you’re ready for the next part: putting it into practice in your novel, poem, or short story. The literary device examples we’ve looked at are a great starting point for thinking about how to apply them in your own writing.

Plus, we have dedicated lessons on all of these techniques waiting for you in our writing academy !

Every writer is unique, and the literary devices you see other authors using to fantastic effect might not be the ones that bring out the best in your own writing. The sort of imagery, dialect, and characterization we bring into our own work as storytellers is directly related to the way we view the world around us.

Finding your own unique style and voice is an exciting journey that can only be travelled by trying things out, finding what feels right deep in your bones, and practicing them again and again.

To get an idea of what literary devices will work best for you, take a look at the stories that you’ve written so far. Most likely, many of the things on this literary devices list will already be present in some form or another—you’ll be naturally drawn to them because of the powerful stories you’ve absorbed over your life.

Once you see where these literary devices are beginning to take shape, you can work on refining, enriching, and mastering them to create powerful stories of your own.

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Literary Devices & Terms

An acrostic is a piece of writing in which a particular set of letters—typically the first letter of each line, word, or paragraph—spells out a word or phrase with special significance to the text. Acrostics... (read full acrostic explanation with examples) An acrostic is a piece of writing in which a particular set of letters—typically the first letter of each line,... (read more)

An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is a well-known allegory with a... (read full allegory explanation with examples) An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... (read more)

Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought the box of bricks to the basement.” The repeating sound... (read full alliteration explanation with examples) Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the... (read more)

In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas, and they do so in... (read full allusion explanation with examples) In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... (read more)

An anachronism is a person or a thing placed in the wrong time period. For instance, if a novel set in Medieval England featured a trip to a movie-theater, that would be an anachronism. Although... (read full anachronism explanation with examples) An anachronism is a person or a thing placed in the wrong time period. For instance, if a novel set... (read more)

Anadiplosis is a figure of speech in which a word or group of words located at the end of one clause or sentence is repeated at or near the beginning of the following clause or... (read full anadiplosis explanation with examples) Anadiplosis is a figure of speech in which a word or group of words located at the end of one... (read more)

An analogy is a comparison that aims to explain a thing or idea by likening it to something else. For example, a career coach might say, "Being the successful boss or CEO of a company... (read full analogy explanation with examples) An analogy is a comparison that aims to explain a thing or idea by likening it to something else. For... (read more)

An anapest is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which two unstressed syllables are followed by a stressed syllable. The word "understand" is an anapest, with the unstressed syllables of "un" and "der" followed... (read full anapest explanation with examples) An anapest is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which two unstressed syllables are followed by a stressed syllable.... (read more)

Anaphora is a figure of speech in which words repeat at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. For example, Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech contains anaphora: "So let freedom... (read full anaphora explanation with examples) Anaphora is a figure of speech in which words repeat at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. For... (read more)

An antagonist is usually a character who opposes the protagonist (or main character) of a story, but the antagonist can also be a group of characters, institution, or force against which the protagonist must contend.... (read full antagonist explanation with examples) An antagonist is usually a character who opposes the protagonist (or main character) of a story, but the antagonist can... (read more)

Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated within a sentence, but the word or phrase means something different each time it appears. A famous example of antanaclasis is... (read full antanaclasis explanation with examples) Antanaclasis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated within a sentence, but the word... (read more)

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). Some famous examples of anthropomorphism include Winnie the Pooh, the Little Engine that Could, and Simba from... (read full anthropomorphism explanation with examples) Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to animals or other non-human things (including objects, plants, and supernatural beings). Some famous... (read more)

Antimetabole is a figure of speech in which a phrase is repeated, but with the order of words reversed. John F. Kennedy's words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you... (read full antimetabole explanation with examples) Antimetabole is a figure of speech in which a phrase is repeated, but with the order of words reversed. John... (read more)

Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. For instance, Neil Armstrong used antithesis when he stepped onto the surface of the moon in 1969... (read full antithesis explanation with examples) Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. For instance,... (read more)

An aphorism is a saying that concisely expresses a moral principle or an observation about the world, presenting it as a general or universal truth. The Rolling Stones are responsible for penning one of the... (read full aphorism explanation with examples) An aphorism is a saying that concisely expresses a moral principle or an observation about the world, presenting it as... (read more)

Aphorismus is a type of figure of speech that calls into question the way a word is used. Aphorismus is used not to question the meaning of a word, but whether it is actually appropriate... (read full aphorismus explanation with examples) Aphorismus is a type of figure of speech that calls into question the way a word is used. Aphorismus is... (read more)

Aporia is a rhetorical device in which a speaker expresses uncertainty or doubt—often pretended uncertainty or doubt—about something, usually as a way of proving a point. An example of aporia is the famous Elizabeth Barrett... (read full aporia explanation with examples) Aporia is a rhetorical device in which a speaker expresses uncertainty or doubt—often pretended uncertainty or doubt—about something, usually as... (read more)

Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or cannot respond in reality. The entity being addressed can be an absent, dead, or imaginary... (read full apostrophe explanation with examples) Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or... (read more)

Assonance is a figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words. An example of assonance is: "Who gave Newt and Scooter the blue tuna? It was too soon!" (read full assonance explanation with examples) Assonance is a figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words. An example... (read more)

An asyndeton (sometimes called asyndetism) is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions—words such as "and", "or", and "but" that join other words or clauses in a sentence into relationships of equal importance—are omitted.... (read full asyndeton explanation with examples) An asyndeton (sometimes called asyndetism) is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions—words such as "and", "or", and "but"... (read more)

A ballad is a type of poem that tells a story and was traditionally set to music. English language ballads are typically composed of four-line stanzas that follow an ABCB rhyme scheme. (read full ballad explanation with examples) A ballad is a type of poem that tells a story and was traditionally set to music. English language ballads... (read more)

A ballade is a form of lyric poetry that originated in medieval France. Ballades follow a strict rhyme scheme ("ababbcbc"), and typically have three eight-line stanzas followed by a shorter four-line stanza called an envoi.... (read full ballade explanation with examples) A ballade is a form of lyric poetry that originated in medieval France. Ballades follow a strict rhyme scheme ("ababbcbc"),... (read more)

Bildungsroman is a genre of novel that shows a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood (or immaturity to maturity), with a focus on the trials and misfortunes that affect the character's growth. (read full bildungsroman explanation with examples) Bildungsroman is a genre of novel that shows a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood (or immaturity to maturity),... (read more)

Blank verse is the name given to poetry that lacks rhymes but does follow a specific meter—a meter that is almost always iambic pentameter. Blank verse was particularly popular in English poetry written between the... (read full blank verse explanation with examples) Blank verse is the name given to poetry that lacks rhymes but does follow a specific meter—a meter that is... (read more)

A cacophony is a combination of words that sound harsh or unpleasant together, usually because they pack a lot of percussive or "explosive" consonants (like T, P, or K) into relatively little space. For instance, the... (read full cacophony explanation with examples) A cacophony is a combination of words that sound harsh or unpleasant together, usually because they pack a lot of... (read more)

A caesura is a pause that occurs within a line of poetry, usually marked by some form of punctuation such as a period, comma, ellipsis, or dash. A caesura doesn't have to be placed in... (read full caesura explanation with examples) A caesura is a pause that occurs within a line of poetry, usually marked by some form of punctuation such... (read more)

Catharsis is the process of releasing strong or pent-up emotions through art. Aristotle coined the term catharsis—which comes from the Greek kathairein meaning "to cleanse or purge"—to describe the release of emotional tension that he... (read full catharsis explanation with examples) Catharsis is the process of releasing strong or pent-up emotions through art. Aristotle coined the term catharsis—which comes from the... (read more)

Characterization is the representation of the traits, motives, and psychology of a character in a narrative. Characterization may occur through direct description, in which the character's qualities are described by a narrator, another character, or... (read full characterization explanation with examples) Characterization is the representation of the traits, motives, and psychology of a character in a narrative. Characterization may occur through... (read more)

Chiasmus is a figure of speech in which the grammar of one phrase is inverted in the following phrase, such that two key concepts from the original phrase reappear in the second phrase in inverted... (read full chiasmus explanation with examples) Chiasmus is a figure of speech in which the grammar of one phrase is inverted in the following phrase, such... (read more)

The word cinquain can refer to two different things. Historically, it referred to any stanza of five lines written in any type of verse. More recently, cinquain has come to refer to particular types of... (read full cinquain explanation with examples) The word cinquain can refer to two different things. Historically, it referred to any stanza of five lines written in... (read more)

A cliché is a phrase that, due to overuse, is seen as lacking in substance or originality. For example, telling a heartbroken friend that there are "Plenty of fish in the sea" is such a... (read full cliché explanation with examples) A cliché is a phrase that, due to overuse, is seen as lacking in substance or originality. For example, telling... (read more)

Climax is a figure of speech in which successive words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are arranged in ascending order of importance, as in "Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... (read full climax (figure of speech) explanation with examples) Climax is a figure of speech in which successive words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are arranged in ascending order of... (read more)

The climax of a plot is the story's central turning point—the moment of peak tension or conflict—which all the preceding plot developments have been leading up to. In a traditional "good vs. evil" story (like many superhero movies)... (read full climax (plot) explanation with examples) The climax of a plot is the story's central turning point—the moment of peak tension or conflict—which all the preceding plot... (read more)

Colloquialism is the use of informal words or phrases in writing or speech. Colloquialisms are usually defined in geographical terms, meaning that they are often defined by their use within a dialect, a regionally-defined variant... (read full colloquialism explanation with examples) Colloquialism is the use of informal words or phrases in writing or speech. Colloquialisms are usually defined in geographical terms,... (read more)

Common meter is a specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry. Common meter has two key traits: it alternates between lines of eight syllables and lines of six syllables, and it... (read full common meter explanation with examples) Common meter is a specific type of meter that is often used in lyric poetry. Common meter has two key... (read more)

A conceit is a fanciful metaphor, especially a highly elaborate or extended metaphor in which an unlikely, far-fetched, or strained comparison is made between two things. A famous example comes from John Donne's poem, "A... (read full conceit explanation with examples) A conceit is a fanciful metaphor, especially a highly elaborate or extended metaphor in which an unlikely, far-fetched, or strained... (read more)

Connotation is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition. Most words carry meanings, impressions, or associations apart from or beyond their literal meaning. For example, the... (read full connotation explanation with examples) Connotation is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition. Most words... (read more)

Consonance is a figure of speech in which the same consonant sound repeats within a group of words. An example of consonance is: "Traffic figures, on July Fourth, to be tough." (read full consonance explanation with examples) Consonance is a figure of speech in which the same consonant sound repeats within a group of words. An example... (read more)

A couplet is a unit of two lines of poetry, especially lines that use the same or similar meter, form a rhyme, or are separated from other lines by a double line break. (read full couplet explanation with examples) A couplet is a unit of two lines of poetry, especially lines that use the same or similar meter, form... (read more)

A dactyl is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which a stressed syllable is followed by two unstressed syllables. The word “poetry” itself is a great example of a dactyl, with the stressed syllable... (read full dactyl explanation with examples) A dactyl is a three-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which a stressed syllable is followed by two unstressed syllables.... (read more)

Denotation is the literal meaning, or "dictionary definition," of a word. Denotation is defined in contrast to connotation, which is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary... (read full denotation explanation with examples) Denotation is the literal meaning, or "dictionary definition," of a word. Denotation is defined in contrast to connotation, which is... (read more)

The dénouement is the final section of a story's plot, in which loose ends are tied up, lingering questions are answered, and a sense of resolution is achieved. The shortest and most well known dénouement, it could be... (read full dénouement explanation with examples) The dénouement is the final section of a story's plot, in which loose ends are tied up, lingering questions are answered, and... (read more)

A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby an unsolvable conflict or point of tension is suddenly resolved by the unexpected appearance of an implausible character, object, action, ability, or event. For example, if... (read full deus ex machina explanation with examples) A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby an unsolvable conflict or point of tension is suddenly resolved by... (read more)

Diacope is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated with a small number of intervening words. The first line of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, "Happy families are all alike;... (read full diacope explanation with examples) Diacope is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated with a small number of intervening... (read more)

Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work. In prose writing, lines of dialogue are typically identified by the use of quotation marks... (read full dialogue explanation with examples) Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work.... (read more)

Diction is a writer's unique style of expression, especially his or her choice and arrangement of words. A writer's vocabulary, use of language to produce a specific tone or atmosphere, and ability to communicate clearly... (read full diction explanation with examples) Diction is a writer's unique style of expression, especially his or her choice and arrangement of words. A writer's vocabulary,... (read more)

Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the audience. More specifically, in dramatic... (read full dramatic irony explanation with examples) Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... (read more)

A dynamic character undergoes substantial internal changes as a result of one or more plot developments. The dynamic character's change can be extreme or subtle, as long as his or her development is important to... (read full dynamic character explanation with examples) A dynamic character undergoes substantial internal changes as a result of one or more plot developments. The dynamic character's change... (read more)

An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died. Elegies are defined by their subject matter, and don't have to follow any specific form in terms of... (read full elegy explanation with examples) An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, especially one mourning the loss of someone who died. Elegies are defined... (read more)

End rhyme refers to rhymes that occur in the final words of lines of poetry. For instance, these lines from Dorothy Parker's poem "Interview" use end rhyme: "The ladies men admire, I’ve heard, / Would shudder... (read full end rhyme explanation with examples) End rhyme refers to rhymes that occur in the final words of lines of poetry. For instance, these lines from... (read more)

An end-stopped line is a line of poetry in which a sentence or phrase comes to a conclusion at the end of the line. For example, the poet C.P. Cavafy uses end-stopped lines in his... (read full end-stopped line explanation with examples) An end-stopped line is a line of poetry in which a sentence or phrase comes to a conclusion at the... (read more)

Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or clause across a line break. For example, the poet John Donne uses enjambment in his poem "The Good-Morrow" when he continues the opening sentence across the line... (read full enjambment explanation with examples) Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or clause across a line break. For example, the poet John Donne uses... (read more)

An envoi is a brief concluding stanza at the end of a poem that can either summarize the preceding poem or serve as its dedication. The envoi tends to follow the same meter and rhyme... (read full envoi explanation with examples) An envoi is a brief concluding stanza at the end of a poem that can either summarize the preceding poem... (read more)

Epanalepsis is a figure of speech in which the beginning of a clause or sentence is repeated at the end of that same clause or sentence, with words intervening. The sentence "The king is dead,... (read full epanalepsis explanation with examples) Epanalepsis is a figure of speech in which the beginning of a clause or sentence is repeated at the end... (read more)

An epigram is a short and witty statement, usually written in verse, that conveys a single thought or observation. Epigrams typically end with a punchline or a satirical twist. (read full epigram explanation with examples) An epigram is a short and witty statement, usually written in verse, that conveys a single thought or observation. Epigrams... (read more)

An epigraph is a short quotation, phrase, or poem that is placed at the beginning of another piece of writing to encapsulate that work's main themes and to set the tone. For instance, the epigraph of Mary... (read full epigraph explanation with examples) An epigraph is a short quotation, phrase, or poem that is placed at the beginning of another piece of writing to... (read more)

Epistrophe is a figure of speech in which one or more words repeat at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln urged the American people to ensure that,... (read full epistrophe explanation with examples) Epistrophe is a figure of speech in which one or more words repeat at the end of successive phrases, clauses,... (read more)

Epizeuxis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated in immediate succession, with no intervening words. In the play Hamlet, when Hamlet responds to a question about what he's reading... (read full epizeuxis explanation with examples) Epizeuxis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated in immediate succession, with no intervening... (read more)

Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Ethos is an argument that appeals to the audience by emphasizing the... (read full ethos explanation with examples) Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... (read more)

Euphony is the combining of words that sound pleasant together or are easy to pronounce, usually because they contain lots of consonants with soft or muffled sounds (like L, M, N, and R) instead of consonants with harsh, percussive sounds (like... (read full euphony explanation with examples) Euphony is the combining of words that sound pleasant together or are easy to pronounce, usually because they contain lots of consonants with soft... (read more)

Exposition is the description or explanation of background information within a work of literature. Exposition can cover characters and their relationship to one another, the setting or time and place of events, as well as... (read full exposition explanation with examples) Exposition is the description or explanation of background information within a work of literature. Exposition can cover characters and their... (read more)

An extended metaphor is a metaphor that unfolds across multiple lines or even paragraphs of a text, making use of multiple interrelated metaphors within an overarching one. So while "life is a highway" is a... (read full extended metaphor explanation with examples) An extended metaphor is a metaphor that unfolds across multiple lines or even paragraphs of a text, making use of... (read more)

An external conflict is a problem, antagonism, or struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force. External conflict drives the action of a plot forward. (read full external conflict explanation with examples) An external conflict is a problem, antagonism, or struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force. External conflict... (read more)

The falling action of a story is the section of the plot following the climax, in which the tension stemming from the story's central conflict decreases and the story moves toward its conclusion. For instance, the traditional "good... (read full falling action explanation with examples) The falling action of a story is the section of the plot following the climax, in which the tension stemming from... (read more)

Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech. When people use the term "figurative language," however, they often do so in a slightly narrower way. In this narrower definition, figurative language refers... (read full figurative language explanation with examples) Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech. When people use the term "figurative language," however, they... (read more)

A figure of speech is a literary device in which language is used in an unusual—or "figured"—way in order to produce a stylistic effect. Figures of speech can be broken into two main groups: figures... (read full figure of speech explanation with examples) A figure of speech is a literary device in which language is used in an unusual—or "figured"—way in order to... (read more)

A character is said to be "flat" if it is one-dimensional or lacking in complexity. Typically, flat characters can be easily and accurately described using a single word (like "bully") or one short sentence (like "A naive... (read full flat character explanation with examples) A character is said to be "flat" if it is one-dimensional or lacking in complexity. Typically, flat characters can be easily... (read more)

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved directly or indirectly, by making explicit statements or leaving subtle... (read full foreshadowing explanation with examples) Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the... (read more)

Formal verse is the name given to rhymed poetry that uses a strict meter (a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables). This two-line poem by Emily Dickinson is formal verse because it rhymes and... (read full formal verse explanation with examples) Formal verse is the name given to rhymed poetry that uses a strict meter (a regular pattern of stressed and... (read more)

Free verse is the name given to poetry that doesn’t use any strict meter or rhyme scheme. Because it has no set meter, poems written in free verse can have lines of any length, from... (read full free verse explanation with examples) Free verse is the name given to poetry that doesn’t use any strict meter or rhyme scheme. Because it has... (read more)

Hamartia is a literary term that refers to a tragic flaw or error that leads to a character's downfall. In the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein's arrogant conviction that he can usurp the roles of God... (read full hamartia explanation with examples) Hamartia is a literary term that refers to a tragic flaw or error that leads to a character's downfall. In... (read more)

Hubris refers to excessive pride or overconfidence, which drives a person to overstep limits in a way that leads to their downfall. In Greek mythology, the legend of Icarus involves an iconic case of hubris:... (read full hubris explanation with examples) Hubris refers to excessive pride or overconfidence, which drives a person to overstep limits in a way that leads to... (read more)

Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements are usually quite obvious exaggerations intended to emphasize a point, rather than be taken literally.... (read full hyperbole explanation with examples) Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements... (read more)

An iamb is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which one unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed syllable. The word "define" is an iamb, with the unstressed syllable of "de" followed by the... (read full iamb explanation with examples) An iamb is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which one unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed syllable.... (read more)

An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For example, saying that something is... (read full idiom explanation with examples) An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... (read more)

Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines from Robert Frost's poem "After Apple-Picking" contain imagery that engages the senses of touch, movement,... (read full imagery explanation with examples) Imagery, in any sort of writing, refers to descriptive language that engages the human senses. For instance, the following lines... (read more)

Internal rhyme is rhyme that occurs in the middle of lines of poetry, instead of at the ends of lines. A single line of poetry can contain internal rhyme (with multiple words in the same... (read full internal rhyme explanation with examples) Internal rhyme is rhyme that occurs in the middle of lines of poetry, instead of at the ends of lines.... (read more)

Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition, don't worry—it is. Irony is a... (read full irony explanation with examples) Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... (read more)

Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences. Ideas, images, characters, and actions are all things that can be juxtaposed with one another. For example,... (read full juxtaposition explanation with examples) Juxtaposition occurs when an author places two things side by side as a way of highlighting their differences. Ideas, images,... (read more)

A kenning is a figure of speech in which two words are combined in order to form a poetic expression that refers to a person or a thing. For example, "whale-road" is a kenning for... (read full kenning explanation with examples) A kenning is a figure of speech in which two words are combined in order to form a poetic expression... (read more)

A line break is the termination of one line of poetry, and the beginning of a new line. (read full line break explanation with examples) A line break is the termination of one line of poetry, and the beginning of a new line. (read more)

Litotes is a figure of speech and a form of understatement in which a sentiment is expressed ironically by negating its contrary. For example, saying "It's not the best weather today" during a hurricane would... (read full litotes explanation with examples) Litotes is a figure of speech and a form of understatement in which a sentiment is expressed ironically by negating... (read more)

Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is an argument that appeals to an audience's sense of logic... (read full logos explanation with examples) Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... (read more)

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as in the sentence "Love is... (read full metaphor explanation with examples) A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other.... (read more)

Meter is a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that defines the rhythm of some poetry. These stress patterns are defined in groupings, called feet, of two or three syllables. A pattern of unstressed-stressed,... (read full meter explanation with examples) Meter is a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that defines the rhythm of some poetry. These stress patterns... (read more)

Metonymy is a type of figurative language in which an object or concept is referred to not by its own name, but instead by the name of something closely associated with it. For example, in... (read full metonymy explanation with examples) Metonymy is a type of figurative language in which an object or concept is referred to not by its own... (read more)

The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing can influence its mood, from the... (read full mood explanation with examples) The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... (read more)

A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book or play. For example, one... (read full motif explanation with examples) A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... (read more)

A narrative is an account of connected events. Two writers describing the same set of events might craft very different narratives, depending on how they use different narrative elements, such as tone or point of view. For... (read full narrative explanation with examples) A narrative is an account of connected events. Two writers describing the same set of events might craft very different narratives,... (read more)

Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or describe. The “boom” of a firework exploding, the “tick tock” of a clock, and the... (read full onomatopoeia explanation with examples) Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or... (read more)

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth. The most recognizable oxymorons are... (read full oxymoron explanation with examples) An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to... (read more)

A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is much too important to be... (read full paradox explanation with examples) A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... (read more)

Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) have the same grammatical structure. These "parallel" elements can be used to intensify the rhythm of... (read full parallelism explanation with examples) Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) have... (read more)

Parataxis is a figure of speech in which words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are set next to each other so that each element is equally important. Parataxis usually involves simple sentences or phrases whose relationships... (read full parataxis explanation with examples) Parataxis is a figure of speech in which words, phrases, clauses, or sentences are set next to each other so... (read more)

A parody is a work that mimics the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated way, usually for comic effect. Parodies can take many forms, including fiction, poetry, film, visual art, and... (read full parody explanation with examples) A parody is a work that mimics the style of another work, artist, or genre in an exaggerated way, usually... (read more)

Pathetic fallacy occurs when a writer attributes human emotions to things that aren't human, such as objects, weather, or animals. It is often used to make the environment reflect the inner experience of a narrator... (read full pathetic fallacy explanation with examples) Pathetic fallacy occurs when a writer attributes human emotions to things that aren't human, such as objects, weather, or animals.... (read more)

Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Pathos is an argument that appeals to an audience's emotions. When a... (read full pathos explanation with examples) Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... (read more)

Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down on the wedding guests, indifferent to their plans." Describing the... (read full personification explanation with examples) Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the... (read more)

Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a play, novel, film, epic, or other narrative literary work. More than simply an account of what happened, plot reveals the cause-and-effect relationships between... (read full plot explanation with examples) Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a play, novel, film, epic, or other narrative literary... (read more)

Point of view refers to the perspective that the narrator holds in relation to the events of the story. The three primary points of view are first person, in which the narrator tells a story from... (read full point of view explanation with examples) Point of view refers to the perspective that the narrator holds in relation to the events of the story. The... (read more)

Polyptoton is a figure of speech that involves the repetition of words derived from the same root (such as "blood" and "bleed"). For instance, the question, "Who shall watch the watchmen?" is an example of... (read full polyptoton explanation with examples) Polyptoton is a figure of speech that involves the repetition of words derived from the same root (such as "blood"... (read more)

Polysyndeton is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions—words such as "and," "or," and "but" that join other words or clauses in a sentence into relationships of equal importance—are used several times in close... (read full polysyndeton explanation with examples) Polysyndeton is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions—words such as "and," "or," and "but" that join other words... (read more)

The protagonist of a story is its main character, who has the sympathy and support of the audience. This character tends to be involved in or affected by most of the choices or conflicts that... (read full protagonist explanation with examples) The protagonist of a story is its main character, who has the sympathy and support of the audience. This character... (read more)

A pun is a figure of speech that plays with words that have multiple meanings, or that plays with words that sound similar but mean different things. The comic novelist Douglas Adams uses both types... (read full pun explanation with examples) A pun is a figure of speech that plays with words that have multiple meanings, or that plays with words... (read more)

A quatrain is a four-line stanza of poetry. It can be a single four-line stanza, meaning that it is a stand-alone poem of four lines, or it can be a four-line stanza that makes up... (read full quatrain explanation with examples) A quatrain is a four-line stanza of poetry. It can be a single four-line stanza, meaning that it is a... (read more)

A red herring is a piece of information in a story that distracts readers from an important truth, or leads them to mistakenly expect a particular outcome. Most often, the term red herring is used to refer... (read full red herring explanation with examples) A red herring is a piece of information in a story that distracts readers from an important truth, or leads them... (read more)

In a poem or song, a refrain is a line or group of lines that regularly repeat, usually at the end of a stanza in a poem or at the end of a verse in... (read full refrain explanation with examples) In a poem or song, a refrain is a line or group of lines that regularly repeat, usually at the... (read more)

Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times. Repetition occurs in so many different forms that it is usually not thought of as a single figure... (read full repetition explanation with examples) Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is repeated two or more times. Repetition occurs in... (read more)

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a question is asked for a reason other than to get an answer—most commonly, it's asked to make a persuasive point. For example, if a... (read full rhetorical question explanation with examples) A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a question is asked for a reason other than to... (read more)

A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words. Rhyming is particularly common in many types of poetry, especially at the ends of lines, and is a requirement in formal verse.... (read full rhyme explanation with examples) A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words. Rhyming is particularly common in many types... (read more)

A rhyme scheme is the pattern according to which end rhymes (rhymes located at the end of lines) are repeated in works poetry. Rhyme schemes are described using letters of the alphabet, such that all... (read full rhyme scheme explanation with examples) A rhyme scheme is the pattern according to which end rhymes (rhymes located at the end of lines) are repeated... (read more)

The rising action of a story is the section of the plot leading up to the climax, in which the tension stemming from the story's central conflict grows through successive plot developments. For example, in the story of "Little... (read full rising action explanation with examples) The rising action of a story is the section of the plot leading up to the climax, in which the tension stemming... (read more)

A character is said to be "round" if they are lifelike or complex. Round characters typically have fully fleshed-out and multi-faceted personalities, backgrounds, desires, and motivations. Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby... (read full round character explanation with examples) A character is said to be "round" if they are lifelike or complex. Round characters typically have fully fleshed-out and... (read more)

Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take aim at other targets as... (read full satire explanation with examples) Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians,... (read more)

A sestet is a six-line stanza of poetry. It can be any six-line stanza—one that is, itself, a whole poem, or one that makes up a part of a longer poem. Most commonly, the term... (read full sestet explanation with examples) A sestet is a six-line stanza of poetry. It can be any six-line stanza—one that is, itself, a whole poem,... (read more)

Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined location, like Middle Earth in... (read full setting explanation with examples) Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... (read more)

Sibilance is a figure of speech in which a hissing sound is created within a group of words through the repetition of "s" sounds. An example of sibilance is: "Sadly, Sam sold seven venomous serpents to Sally and... (read full sibilance explanation with examples) Sibilance is a figure of speech in which a hissing sound is created within a group of words through the repetition... (read more)

A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also use other words that indicate... (read full simile explanation with examples) A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often... (read more)

Traditionally, slant rhyme referred to a type of rhyme in which two words located at the end of a line of poetry themselves end in similar—but not identical—consonant sounds. For instance, the words "pact" and... (read full slant rhyme explanation with examples) Traditionally, slant rhyme referred to a type of rhyme in which two words located at the end of a line... (read more)

A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself, relating his or her innermost thoughts and feelings as if thinking aloud. In some cases,... (read full soliloquy explanation with examples) A soliloquy is a literary device, most often found in dramas, in which a character speaks to him or herself,... (read more)

A sonnet is a type of fourteen-line poem. Traditionally, the fourteen lines of a sonnet consist of an octave (or two quatrains making up a stanza of 8 lines) and a sestet (a stanza of... (read full sonnet explanation with examples) A sonnet is a type of fourteen-line poem. Traditionally, the fourteen lines of a sonnet consist of an octave (or... (read more)

A spondee is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which both syllables are stressed. The word "downtown" is a spondee, with the stressed syllable of "down" followed by another stressed syllable, “town”: Down-town. (read full spondee explanation with examples) A spondee is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which both syllables are stressed. The word "downtown" is a... (read more)

A stanza is a group of lines form a smaller unit within a poem. A single stanza is usually set apart from other lines or stanza within a poem by a double line break or... (read full stanza explanation with examples) A stanza is a group of lines form a smaller unit within a poem. A single stanza is usually set... (read more)

A character is said to be "static" if they do not undergo any substantial internal changes as a result of the story's major plot developments. Antagonists are often static characters, but any character in a... (read full static character explanation with examples) A character is said to be "static" if they do not undergo any substantial internal changes as a result of... (read more)

Stream of consciousness is a style or technique of writing that tries to capture the natural flow of a character's extended thought process, often by incorporating sensory impressions, incomplete ideas, unusual syntax, and rough grammar. (read full stream of consciousness explanation with examples) Stream of consciousness is a style or technique of writing that tries to capture the natural flow of a character's... (read more)

A syllogism is a three-part logical argument, based on deductive reasoning, in which two premises are combined to arrive at a conclusion. So long as the premises of the syllogism are true and the syllogism... (read full syllogism explanation with examples) A syllogism is a three-part logical argument, based on deductive reasoning, in which two premises are combined to arrive at... (read more)

Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something more abstract. A strong symbol usually shares a set of key characteristics with whatever it is... (read full symbolism explanation with examples) Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something more... (read more)

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which, most often, a part of something is used to refer to its whole. For example, "The captain commands one hundred sails" is a synecdoche that uses "sails"... (read full synecdoche explanation with examples) Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which, most often, a part of something is used to refer to its... (read more)

A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. One key characteristic of literary themes is their universality, which is to say that themes are ideas that not only... (read full theme explanation with examples) A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. One key characteristic of literary... (read more)

The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance, an editorial in a newspaper... (read full tone explanation with examples) The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical... (read more)

A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist. Tragic heroes typically have heroic traits that earn them the sympathy of the audience, but also have flaws or... (read full tragic hero explanation with examples) A tragic hero is a type of character in a tragedy, and is usually the protagonist. Tragic heroes typically have... (read more)

A trochee is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which a stressed syllable is followed by an unstressed syllable. The word "poet" is a trochee, with the stressed syllable of "po" followed by the... (read full trochee explanation with examples) A trochee is a two-syllable metrical pattern in poetry in which a stressed syllable is followed by an unstressed syllable.... (read more)

Understatement is a figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than would be expected, or in which something is presented as being smaller, worse, or lesser than it really is. Typically, understatement is... (read full understatement explanation with examples) Understatement is a figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than would be expected, or in which something... (read more)

Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean. When there's a hurricane raging outside and someone remarks "what lovely weather we're having," this... (read full verbal irony explanation with examples) Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean.... (read more)

A villanelle is a poem of nineteen lines, and which follows a strict form that consists of five tercets (three-line stanzas) followed by one quatrain (four-line stanza). Villanelles use a specific rhyme scheme of ABA... (read full villanelle explanation with examples) A villanelle is a poem of nineteen lines, and which follows a strict form that consists of five tercets (three-line... (read more)

A zeugma is a figure of speech in which one "governing" word or phrase modifies two distinct parts of a sentence. Often, the governing word will mean something different when applied to each part, as... (read full zeugma explanation with examples) A zeugma is a figure of speech in which one "governing" word or phrase modifies two distinct parts of a... (read more)

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Literary Devices: What Are They and 38 Common Types (With Examples)

Many writers use literary devices to give more depth and personality to their work. But what exactly are literary devices, and how can you use them in your writing? In this article, we’ll go through 38 types of literary devices, complete with examples, so you can start applying them to your work! 

Table of Contents

What Are Literary Devices? 

Literary devices are how writers take their work to the next level, helping readers know how to read their stories and giving them new layers of meaning. Applying literary devices can be as straightforward as connecting a simple description to a character’s mood or as complex as creating a tone that sets up the whole mood of the story. 

Are Literary Elements and Devices the Same?

Think of literary devices as the architectural details and special features of a house, whereas literary elements are like the major structural parts – the foundation and floors, the windows and doors. These elements, the building blocks of literature, include plot, character, setting, theme, frame, exposition, titling, and more. 

Another way to look at it is that a literary element is something like a door, while literary devices are the door’s design or a doorknob in a specific style. 

For instance, a mid-century modern doorknob and an elaborate Victorian brass one do the same thing, but they affect the way we look at the door and the impression it gives. As part of a whole house – or a work of literature – specific details can have a big impact!

Are Literary Techniques the Same as Literary Devices?

If literary devices are like the small details, literary techniques are on a larger scale, usually across a more extensive section of a piece or the entire novel or story. 

If you read Jane Austen, you probably heard about “free indirect speech,” which is the technique she used to create her distinctive voice. Using the voice of a third-person narrator, Austen revealed her characters’ subjective thoughts and emotions. 

This broader technique uses the literary device of juxtaposition between the detached third-person narrator and her characters’ very human first-person thoughts and emotions.

38 Common Literary Devices 

What are some of these literary devices? You’d probably recognize many of them, even if you don’t know their names! Let’s learn about 38 common literary devices, how to spot them, and where to use them!

1. Allegory

In an allegory, you can use one specific character or situation to represent something else, usually to make a point about it. Allegory can be useful to make a concept or argument more accessible and entertaining. Sometimes, writers even use it to make a political argument that isn’t safe to make openly! 

When to use it:  Allegory can be useful to make a concept or argument more accessible and entertaining. In a repressive or dangerous situation, authors sometimes use allegory to make an argument or explore a dangerous theme to discuss in their society.

Example:  George Orwell’s Animal Farm  is a novella about a farm full of animals who overthrow their farmers. Once they have control of the farm, they use their philosophy of Animalism to justify oppressing each other. The animals are allegories for their human counterparts, and the farm is an allegory for any society that conducts a revolution in a search for justice but becomes just as corrupt and tyrannical itself.

2. Alliteration

Alliteration is using one letter at the start of words throughout a sentence or paragraph. This can cause an emotional reaction or make the writing lyrical and soothing. Alliteration can be obvious, with every or almost every word starting the same. It can also be more subtle, using one or more letters more often than others to draw the reader in or make something more memorable even if they don’t notice the repetition.

When to use it:  Use alliteration if you want something to have emotional resonance for your audience or if you want to create a lyrical quality in your work. Alliteration can also help your readers remember something – think of the brand names that use it to make their brands memorable.

Example:  In  The Hobbit  and  The Lord of the Rings , J.R.R. Tolkien uses alliteration. The easiest way to see this is in essential characters’ names: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, or Gimli, Son of Gloin. It’s not just names, though: in The Lord of the Rings , the Riders of Rohan sing before they go into battle: “spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!” Tolkien studied and taught Old English literature, which uses this ancient technique the same way we might use rhyme.

3. Allusion

Allusion is referring to something briefly but meaningfully. This isn’t a paragraph of analysis explaining a reference. Still, it does refer to something else that the reader can use to make sense of a character, a situation, or an argument. You can also use allusion within the story’s world to establish context within the setting or to show how a character understands themselves or the world.

When to use it:  Use it when you want to make a significant impact by referring to something your audience knows and will associate with. You should also consider your audience! If your intended audience doesn’t know the references you’re making, allusion may not have much effect. This is why older literature can sometimes be hard to understand – we may not know the allusions characters are making!

Example:  In Ralph Ellison’s novel  Invisible Man,  the narrator and main character introduces himself as invisible, then immediately clarifies that he doesn’t mean he’s like Edgar Allan Poe’s ghosts or the ghosts you see in Hollywood movies. This shows that as a Black man in segregated America, he’s invisible two times over: he’s invisible in society, and the way he is invisible is hard for people to see in books and movies. 

4. Anachronism

Anachronism comes from a Greek word that means “against time.” It’s using something that doesn’t belong in a story’s period, sometimes to make the story more relatable and to create a startling effect or make a point.

When to use it:  If your story is a historical piece with a time travel twist or if you want to add humor.  

Example:  In John Keats’ poem  Ode on a Grecian Urn , he uses the old-fashioned “ye” where a person of his time would usually use “you”: 

This anachronism shows that Keats sees the urn’s link to the past and shows how it affects him. But this is an anachronism twice over: “Ye” is not a word for “you” from the urn’s time period or culture, but from the past Keats would have learned about in school. 

Analogies compare two unrelated things to make a point. Writers use it to make a character or a setting more vivid. Analogies can be literal or figurative.

When to use it:  Use a literal analogy to compare two things that are alike – humans’ hands and monkeys’ paws, for instance. Use a figurative analogy to point out when different things have similar characteristics.

Example:  One of the most famous analogies in popular culture is from the movie  Forrest Gump : “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” 

6. Anaphora

Anaphora is using the same word or phrase multiple times in a series of sentences, clauses, or lines of a poem, usually to make a point and emphasize what is important. 

When to use it:  Use anaphora to make a powerful point or help a particular passage stand out.

Example:  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech uses the phrase “I have a dream” six times when King talks about his vision for an equal and just America. It reinforces the importance of this dream and makes this the most memorable part of the speech. 

An anagram is a rearranged or respelled word or phrase, often revealing a hidden meaning. Anagrams are a form of wordplay, and as such, they’re usually more informal. 

When to use it:  Use an anagram to add another layer of meaning. Showing an audience what an anagram means can create a dramatic moment of revelation – use it for the climax of a story!

Example:  J.K. Rowling uses an anagram in the Harry Potter books. The villain, Lord Voldemort, found his new name after he created an anagram from his old one, Tom Marvolo Riddle: “I am Lord Voldemort.”

8. Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is the literary device of giving human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects.

When to use it:  Use it to make something inanimate or abstract understandable to your audience in more human terms.

Example:  In Neil Gaiman’s novel  American Gods , the new gods are personifications of things like media, technology, or even railroads! Gaiman gives these non-human things personalities and even human forms. 

9. Antithesis

An antithesis is a pair of statements in which one is the reverse of the other, with similar sentence structures to highlight their difference. You can use it to clarify or reinforce a concept.

When to use it:  An antithesis can clarify what something means by showing what it is not. 

  Example:  In “An Essay on Criticism,” the poet and writer Alexander Pope writes, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” This poem was published in the 18th century, but people still use this expression today!

10. Chiasmus

Chiasmus is using the same phrase again, but in a different order. This can be used for emphasis or to explore a concept more deeply. It can be helpful to explore a complex truth and make it simpler.  

When to use it:  Use chiasmus for emphasis or to explore a concept more deeply. 

Example:  In John Keats’  Ode on a Grecian Urn , he writes, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty.” This emphasizes one of the points the poem makes, that all artistic beauty reveals something true and that the truth of art is part of what makes it beautiful.

11. Colloquialism

Colloquialism is using a familiar and conversational word in dialogue or narration instead of a more formal or academic one. In narration, it makes the whole tone of the piece less formal. In dialogue, it tells you something about the character and where they come from. 

When to use it:  Use it to make a character’s speech more realistic and to place them in a specific region or culture. 

Example:  In John Steinbeck’s  The Grapes of Wrath , Mrs. Joad talks about her experience in the Great Depression and her sense of pride using the informal local dialect she learned growing up in turn-of-the-century Oklahoma:

Her colloquial speech shows us where she comes from and shows us something specific about the story and her character.

12. Consonance

Consonance is repeating the same consonant sound multiple times in a sentence, passage, or paragraph. It’s kind of like alliteration, but the sound doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the sentence.

When to use it:  Use consonance to create a musical quality, reinforce an idea, or make something memorable. 

Example:  A perfect example of consonance is The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, in which T.S. Eliot writes about metaphorical mermaids who sing at the beach but will not sing to him:

This gives the passage a musical quality and makes it memorable. 

13. Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters don’t. It’s a type of irony that involves reversing expectations.

When to use it:  Dramatic irony is a great way to create suspense in your writing, but you can also use it for humor!

Example:  Alfred Hitchcock is a master of using dramatic irony to create tension. In the film  Psycho , the audience realizes that the character Norman Bates is dangerous, while the characters staying at his hotel have no idea. This creates legendary suspense. 

14. Epigraph

An epigraph is a quote from another text used right after a title. It usually hints at the meaning of the text and often puts the work in conversation with the source of the quote.

When to use it:  Use an epigraph when you want to help set an audience’s expectations or when you think a quote might help illuminate your writing’s meaning.

Example:  Ernest Hemingway used a quote from his friend and fellow writer Gertrude Stein as the epigraph for  The Sun Also Rises : “You are all a lost generation.” This tells us something about the novel’s themes, but we also call Hemingway and his literary friends “The Lost Generation” because of this epigraph.

15. Euphemism

A euphemism is a polite phrase we use as a substitute for a harsher or more unpleasant statement. This can be for politeness, to avoid censorship, or even to serve propaganda purposes.

When to use it:  You can use euphemisms for a younger or more formal audience or to make learning something unpleasant easier for your audience. You can also use euphemism in dialogue to show us something about your characters. 

Example:  In The Godfather , the phrase “sleeps with the fishes” describes someone who has been killed and disposed of in a body of water. This scene also uses symbolic language – the killers send one of the victim’s garments with a dead fish wrapped inside!

16. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is dropping hints, warnings, or suggestions throughout the early parts of a narrative that something might happen later. 

When to use it:  Use foreshadowing to build suspense and create running themes.

Example:  In Mary Shelley’s novel  Frankenstein , Dr. Frankenstein writes about his early reading in alchemy and mysticism, which his father had dismissed as unscientific nonsense. This foreshadows how Frankenstein will break the laws and norms of science in reanimating his monster. 

17. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is the practice of exaggerating something for emphasis. This isn’t like your overdramatic friend who takes himself too seriously – this is a deliberate technique used to make a point. 

When to use it:  The exaggeration  can  make a strong point. However, make sure to write it purposefully so your audience knows you’re purposely exaggerating and that you know it, too!

Example:  In his satirical essay A Modest Proposal , the writer Jonathan Swift suggests that Irish children should be used as food to alleviate hunger in England. Don’t worry – he didn’t mean it! Swift was using hyperbole to write about the injustice of the way the English government was treating Irish people at the time. 

18. Imagery

This literary device uses physical and visual descriptions to help the reader imagine things or understand a concept. This is because we understand the world in part by seeing it, so imagery is an effective way to tell a story or make an argument. You can also use it to create analogies and metaphors. 

When to use it:  Use imagery to describe a character or a setting. How you use imagery can also help develop the tone of your writing.

Example:  In The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the narrator has been confined to a room on her doctor’s orders for a long time. She describes the wallpaper, telling us something about the room but also about herself and how she sees her situation: “The color is repellant, almost revolting; a smouldering unclean yellow, strangely faded by the slow-turning sunlight.”

19. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is placing two different things side by side in a text to emphasize their difference. This is not a direct comparison – juxtaposition lets you see the differences for yourself instead of listing them or pointing them out. 

When to use it:  Use juxtaposition when you want to show how two things, places, ideas, or characters are different but don’t want to make an overt comparison. 

Example:  In  Pride and Prejudice , Jane Austen juxtaposes two different love interests, the charming but dishonorable and dishonest Mr. Wickham and the awkward and sometimes rude but steadfast and good-hearted Mr. Darcy. She doesn’t list these characteristics; instead, she emphasizes their differences by putting the characters side-by-side and showing their different reactions to specific situations. 

20. Metaphor

A metaphor compares two unrelated things, showing ways they are alike. This can be an imaginative way to describe things or show how a character feels about a situation.

When to use it:  When you want to describe something vividly and imaginatively, a metaphor can be useful. It can help your audience see something in a new way.

Example:  In  Romeo and Juliet , William Shakespeare has Romeo say: “Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.” He’s not talking about Juliet, though! This is about Romeo’s unrequited love Rosaline, who he barely knows. This metaphor works on two levels: it shows us how Romeo feels about love and provides a contrast to his future, mutual love with Juliet. 

21. Mood 

Mood is the general feeling of a piece of writing, the impression it gives a reader. Lots of different devices and techniques can contribute to mood! 

When to use it:  You can’t avoid creating a mood in your writing! You can make sure that the vocabulary, technique, and devices you’re using serve the mood you’re trying to create. 

Example:  In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Bronte uses lots of things to create the dark, Gothic mood of the novel: descriptions of landscape, ominous foreshadowing, a focus on memory and confusion, and even a ghost! 

24. Motif 

A motif is a recurring element in a story: a word, a phrase, a symbol, or a structural tool. It helps reinforce themes and dynamics within the story. A motif is not a theme, but it can help support it. 

When to use it:  Use motifs to help reinforce your story’s themes and ideas. If your motifs work together, that will strengthen your writing. 

Example:  In Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado , he reinforces his story’s Gothic mood and themes of emotional and moral decay with a motif of physical decay. The skeletons in the catacombs aren’t just skeletons. 

25. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that brings together two words or ideas that contradict each other. Sometimes, it’s for entertainment, but it can also be for making a deeper point or introducing a novel idea.

When to use it:  Use an oxymoron to get the reader’s attention! It can also be a useful literary device when you want to explore the tensions in an idea. 

Example:  Andy Warhol once said, “I am a deeply superficial person.” This tells us a lot about his art, which is concerned with surfaces but addresses them over and over again. 

26. Paradox

A paradox looks like a contradiction at first, but it makes sense on further thought – you can use it to reveal a deeper truth! Plus, it can be playful, profound, or both!

When to use it:  Use this to catch a reader’s attention and make them see an idea in a new way!

Example:  According to Plato, Socrates said, “I know one thing: that I know nothing.”

27. Personification

Personification is talking about something that is not human, as if it has human characteristics or a human perspective. It lets us recognize human behavior and emotions in animals, objects, or ideas.

When to use it:  Use it when you want your reader to think about something that is not human as a human. You can also use personification to create sympathy!

Example:  Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree personifies the generous, self-sacrificial tree. 

28. Perspective

All writing has a perspective. Is your story written only from the perspective of the protagonist? Will you also shed light on the antagonist’s perspectives? 

When to use it:  You can’t avoid using perspective! Choose a perspective based on how close you want to get to your main character’s point of view and how much you want the audience to know about all your characters.

Example:   Jane Eyre  by Charlotte Bronte is a first-person novel told from the title character’s point of view and limited to her perspective. This gives her narrative an intense focus on her emotions and subjective experience. Jane Austen writes from a third-person omniscient perspective in her novels, which means that social interactions and dynamics come into closer focus, and we know more about what her different characters are thinking and feeling. 

29. Point of View 

Like perspective, point of view refers to the angle from which you tell a story.  Point of view  is complex but essential for a writer to master. It relates to who is telling the story – a narrator who is not part of the story or a character who is. In the first-person point of view, the main character or someone close to them tells the story as they witness it. This incorporates some of their emotions and personality into the narrative. In the second-person POV, the narrator talks directly to the reader. This can be powerful, but it’s very hard to master! The third-person point of view gives the author the most flexibility as they tell their story. We also have a fourth-person POV, which uses “we” and “us.” 

When to use it:  You must choose a viewpoint for your story, so choose carefully. Think about your genre and the story you want to tell. 

Example:  Suzanne Collins chose the first person point of view to focus her novel The Hunger Games on her protagonist, Katniss. In  Bright Lights, Big City , Jay McInerny used a second-person point of view. Jane Austen wrote from a third-person point of view. This meant she could write about different characters’ thoughts and emotions. Ayn Rand used a fourth-person point of view in her novel  The Anthem .

30. Repetition

Repetition is just what it sounds like! It’s repeating a word or phrase to emphasize or establish tone, rhythm, and overall style. 

When to use it:  Use repetition to emphasize something or to establish a specific style. You can use repetition to make prose deadened and monotonous or musical. You can even use it to make a word seem less familiar – think of when you repeat a word over and over again and it seems like it loses all meaning.

Example:  Dr. Seuss uses repetition a lot! Consider the childhood favorite One Fish, Two Fish :

Satire is the practice of ridiculing something – often human foolishness – to call attention to it and inspire correction. Using humor, a writer engages in social criticism while holding the audience’s attention. 

When to use it:  To put it simply, you can use satire when you want to make a moral or argumentative point, but you want to be funny and entertaining. 

Example:  In  The Importance of Being Earnest , Oscar Wilde makes all kinds of jokes about Victorian England’s moral and social norms, especially around marriage and social class. The jokes are genuinely funny, but Wilde’s criticisms are serious.

A simile compares two dissimilar things using “like” or “as.” This is always an explicit rather than implied comparison. It’s like a metaphor, but metaphors don’t use “like” or as to build the comparison. 

When to use it:  Use it when you want to compare two things, especially if you want to help the reader see one in a new way. 

Example:  In A Red, Red Rose , the Scottish poet Robert Burns writes:

33. Situational Irony

Situational irony is a form of irony in which the opposite of what you expect in a story happens. It’s different from dramatic irony in that situational irony means that the audience isn’t in on it – situational irony is as much of a surprise to the audience as it is to the characters.

When to use it:  Use situational irony to surprise your reader. This can be dramatic, funny, or both. 

Example:  In the  Harry Potter  books, Harry spends seven books believing that he has to kill Lord Voldemort. In the end, though, he can only defeat Lord Voldemort by letting Voldemort kill him. 

34. Soliloquy

A monologue is a speech delivered by one character, usually expressing their inner thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, especially on stage, the character may not be physically alone, but the soliloquy is still only for them and for the audience. 

When to use it:  Use a soliloquy to give your reader or audience access to a character’s inner state and thought process. 

Example:  One of the most famous soliloquies is from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet .

A sonnet is a fourteen-line poem with a rhythmic structure called Iambic pentameter. It came from 13th-century Italy, but you’ve probably read English sonnets by William Shakespeare.

When to use it:  Try a sonnet when you’re considering a far-ranging concept or theme and want to consider it within a structure. 

Example:  Shakespeare probably wrote more sonnets, but only 156 survived, exploring emotional experiences and the contradictions of life. You’ve probably read Sonnet 18, which begins:

36. Symbolism

Symbolism is using concrete symbols to depict abstract ideas. It’s a type of imagery that uses something that we can understand from the world around us to convey complex or abstract ideas. 

When to use it:  Use symbolism to make something abstract or complicated accessible to your readers.

  Example:  In The Wizard of Oz , L. Frank Baum uses the Yellow Brick Road to symbolize the promise of riches and success in America – think of the phrase “the streets are paved with gold.” The road leads to the Emerald City, full of illusions and false promises. 

Tone means the mood or textual style a writer’s word choice and stylistic choices establish. It can reveal a writer’s attitude or be a deliberately affected style for an artistic purpose.

When to use it:  Any time you write, your writing has a tone. Consider your word choice, sentence length and rhythm, and subject matter. Do you want a terse and straightforward tone, something rich and detailed with lots of description, or something light and humorous?

Example:  In his novels like The Sun Also Rises , Ernest Hemingway used simple sentences and straightforward descriptions reminiscent of journalism for an honest, direct, down-to-earth tone. His friend F. Scott Fitzgerald’s more elaborate and nostalgic prose choices in  The Great Gatsby , with longer and more elaborate descriptions, evoke a tone of glamour, mourning, and cynicism all at once. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee also uses the right tone for the story. 

38. Verbal Irony

In verbal irony, the speaker’s words don’t align with their intent. They say one thing and mean another. This can be abrasive and sarcastic or more playful and benign. 

When to use it:  Use verbal irony for humor, to make a point, or to highlight inconsistencies and contradictions.

Example:  In  A Modest Proposal , the writer Jonathan Swift builds a whole essay on verbal irony, suggesting that the children of poor Irish families should be a food source to solve hunger in England! Since the essay’s intent is to criticize how these poor families are being treated, his words and intent don’t match, resulting in a scathing critique of dehumanizing political policies.

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30 Literary Devices Every High Schooler Needs to Know (With Examples)

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Writing is a staple of your education and fundamental to nearly every profession, no matter what industry. How do you make your writing effective? One important component of great writing is the use of literary devices.

Why Should I Understand Literary Devices?

Literary devices improve your writing. You can use them in your courses and college essays and on the SAT writing section , not to mention in your college coursework and future profession.

Understanding literary devices also helps you comprehend the work of others. For example, on the SAT reading test , you’ll need to understand and analyze the work of others. Being able to spot the literary devices the author is using will help you get a sense of the overall meanings behind the passages you encounter.

This is also useful knowledge to have for any social science or humanities class, where you’ll be expected to analyze and understand long works.

30 Literary Devices You Should Know

1. allegory.

What is It: A work that symbolizes or represents an idea or event.

Example: The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory for the Russian Revolution, with characters representing key figures in the movement.

2. Alliteration

What is It: The repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in succession.

Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

3. Allusion

What is it: An indirect reference to a person, place, thing, event, or idea .

Example: The song “American Pie” by Don McLean is full of allusions to events that occurred in the 1950s and 60s. For instance, “February made me shiver” is an allusion to the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly on February 3, 1959.

What is it: A parallel between disparate ideas, people, things, or events that is more elaborate than a metaphor or simile.

Example : “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” —William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet , Act 2, Scene 2

In this instance, Romeo is drawing an analogy between Juliet and a rose.

5. Anthropomorphism

What is it: The interpretation of a nonhuman animal, event, or object as embodying human qualities or characteristics.

Example: Inanimate objects such as Mrs. Potts and Lumiere are anthropomorphized in Beauty and the Beast .

6. Anachronism

What is it: An intentional or unintentional error in chronology or a timeline.

Brutus: “Peace! Count the clock.”

Cassius: “The clock has stricken three.”

—William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar , Act 2, Scene 1

Mechanical clocks did not exist in 44 A.D., when the play takes place, so this the inclusion of the clock here is an anachronism.

7. Colloquialism

What is it: An informal piece of dialogue or turn of phrase used in everyday conversation.

Example: Contractions such as “ain’t” are colloquialisms that are used in everyday conversation or dialogue to make the speaker and speech sound more authentic.

What is it: The word choice and speaking style of a writer or character.

Example: Diction is involved in almost every piece of writing because it is a vehicle for conveying the tone of the work. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , Huck speaks in a distinctive way characterized by his lack of education and outsider status. This is his diction.

What is it: A poem expressing grief over a death.

Example: O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman is an elegy for Abraham Lincoln.

10. Epiphany

What is it: A moment of sudden realization by a character.

Example : In the movie Clueless , Cher has an epiphany that she is in love with her stepbrother, Josh.

11. Euphemism

What is it: A less provocative or milder term used in place of a more explicit or unpleasant one.

Example: “I have to let you go” is a euphemistic expression for firing someone.

12. Foreshadowing

What is it: Hinting at future or subsequent events to come to build tension in a narrative.

Example: In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth , the witches portend evil, chanting, “Something wicked this way comes.”

13. Hyperbole

What is it: A statement that is obviously and intentionally exaggerated.

Example: “I have a million things to do” is a hyperbolic statement, since no individual actually has one million items on her to-do list.

What is it: A figure of speech that is indecipherable based on the words alone.

Example: “Don’t cut any corners” is an idiom; on its surface, it doesn’t make sense but is a known phrase that means don’t take shortcuts.

15. Imagery

What is it: A compilation of sensory details that enable the reader to visualize the event.

Example: “Now small fowls flew screaming over the yet yawning gulf; a sullen white surf beat against its steep sides; then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago.” —Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

In this passage, Melville uses vivid imagery such as the “yawning gulf” and “sullen white surf” to capture the scene.

What is it: An instance of language conveying the opposite of its literal meaning:

• Verbal irony: speech that conveys the opposite of its literal meaning
• Situational irony: An event that occurs that is the opposite of what is expected
• Dramatic irony: Usually applied to theater or literature, an instance in which the audience knows something the characters involved do not

Verbal Irony: “That’s nice” as a response to an insulting statement is an instance of verbal irony.

Situational irony:  In Oedipus Rex , Oedipus’s parents abandon him to prevent the prophecy of him killing his father and marrying his mother from coming true. The abandonment itself leads him to fulfill the prophecy.

Dramatic irony: In Psycho , the audience knows a killer approaching, but Marion does not.

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17. Juxtaposition

What is it: Ideas, people, images, ideas, or object placed next to one another to highlight their differences.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.”

—Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Here, Dickens juxtaposes multiple circumstances, uses opposites for emphasis.

18. Malapropism

What is it: An incorrect word intentionally or unintentionally used in place of a similar-sounding one, sometimes used for humorous effect.

“Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons.”

—William Shakespeare, Much Ado Without Nothing, Act 3, scene 5

The malapropisms, in this case, are the misuse of “comprehended” in place of “apprehended” and “auspicious” instead of “suspicious.”

19. Metaphor

What is it: A comparison of two ideas, events, objects, or people that does not use “like” or “as.”

An extended metaphor is a lengthy metaphor that continues the comparison for several sentences, paragraphs, or even pages.

“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?

It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,

Who is already sick and pale with grief.”

—William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet , Act 2, Scene 2

Here, the sun is a metaphor for Juliet.

What is it: The general feeling the speaker evokes in the reader through the atmosphere, descriptions, and other features.

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,

Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before”

—Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven

Poe evokes an air of mystery in the opening lines of his poem, setting a dark mood.

21. Onomatopoeia

What is it: A word the is closely associated or identical to the sound it describes.

Example: Buzz

22. Oxymoron

What is it: A pairing of seemingly contradictory terms used to convey emphasis or tension.

“A fine mess”: this is an oxymoronic characterization because “fine” is typically associated with beauty and order, while “mess” is the opposite.

23. Paradox

What is it: An apparent contradiction that, upon further unraveling, may contain truth, used for effect on the reader.

Hamlet: “I must be cruel to be kind.”

—William Shakespeare, Hamlet , Act 3, Scene 4

In this instance, Hamlet must, in fact, act in a seemingly cruel way in order to ultimately be kind.

24. Personification

What is it: Lending descriptions generally applied to human beings to nonhumans. This term differs from anthropomorphism in that the nonhuman entities are not thought to behave in human-like ways but are merely described in these terms.

Example: The shadows danced on the wall.

Shadows do not actually dance, but the lending of the human action personifies them.

25. Repetition

What is it: Multiple instances of a word or phrase, often in succession, used for emphasis.

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

— Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

The repetition emphasizes the length of the speaker’s journey.

What is it: A phrase or entire work that uses irony to critique behaviors, events, people, or vices.

Example : Animal Farm is a work of satire, critiquing Stalinism and the politics Soviet Union.

What is it: A comparison between objects, events, or people that uses “like” or “as.”

“I wandered lonely as a cloud

that floats on high o’er vales and hills.”

—William Wordsworth, Daffodils

“Lonely as a cloud” is a simile, comparing the states of isolation.

28. Symbolism

What is it: Something used to represent a larger concept or idea.

In Macbeth , the “spot” Lady Macbeth cannot get off her dress is a symbol of her guilt-stained conscience.

29. Synecdoche

What is it: An instance of a part representing a whole or vice versa.

Example: When someone refers to looking out at a “sea of faces,” the faces represent whole people.

What is it: The speaker or narrator’s attitude toward the subject of the piece, distinct from mood in that it is not used to evoke a particular feeling in the reader.

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

—Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

The speaker is evoking a tone of unhappiness and possible regret with the words “with a sigh.”

To learn more about using rhetorical devices, read How to Use Rhetorical Devices in Your College Essay .

Looking for help navigating the road to college as a high school student? Download our free guide for 9th graders , and our  free guide for 10th graders . Our guides go in-depth about subjects ranging from academics ,  choosing courses ,  standardized tests ,  extracurricular activities ,  and much more !

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• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

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The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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75 Literary Devices (A to Z List) | Definitions & Examples

Literary devices are techniques and tools used by writers to convey meaning, create a particular mood or tone, and enhance the overall effect of their writing. We use these literary devices in creative writing such as literature and poetry. These are also used in non-fiction works and other types of communication. We have compiled a huge life of 75 literary devices for you.

Let’s read!

• Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary device that involves using the same sound or letter at the beginning of multiple words in close proximity. It is utilized to make writing sound musical and to stress particular words or phrases. The repeated sound can be a consonant or a vowel sound.

Example: S he s ells s eashells by the s eashore.

Each word in the sentence starts with the repetition of letter “s”. It creates a musical and rhythmic effect in the sentence. This repetition also helps to emphasize the words and draw attention towards them. Alliteration is commonly used in poetry, slogans, and advertising to create a catchy and memorable effect.

Allusion is a literary device where the author makes a reference to something like a person, place, event, or artwork without directly naming it. The author expects the reader to know what they are referring to. Writers do this to make their writing richer by drawing on shared cultural knowledge or by making connections and associations between different works of literature.

For example, a writer may mention Julius Caesar to talk about power or politics. Or they may use a famous work of literature like Shakespeare’s Hamlet to add more meaning to their own characters or themes.

Allusions can be direct or indirect. A direct allusion is when the reference is made explicitly, like “He was a real Romeo, always chasing after the ladies.” An indirect allusion is more subtle and requires the reader to connect the dots between the text and the alluded-to reference, like “Her smile was like the Mona Lisa’s, enigmatic and mysterious.”

Allusions can be found in different types of writing such as poems, plays, novels, and essays. Allusion can make the work of writers more meaningful and thought-provoking.

Ambiguity is a literary device where a writer uses of language or words that have multiple meanings or interpretations. Ambiguity creates a sense of uncertainty or mystery in the writing. It may force readers to engage more actively in order to understand meaning of text.

The example of ambiguity is the famous riddle,

• “What is black and white and red all over?” The answer, “A newspaper,” Here, the word “red” shows different meanings (which can mean both the color red and the past tense of “read”).

Ambiguity can be used deliberately by writers to create a sense of uncertainty or to leave interpretations open to the reader. However, excessive use of ambiguity can be frustrating or confusing for readers. The writers should maintain a balance between clarity and complexity in their use of language.

• Anachronism

Anachronism refers to a technique in literature that employs an element that is inconsistent with the time period or context of the narrative. This may include a historical object, a character, a language, or an event that did not transpire during that specific era.

For instance, imagine a tale set in medieval Europe where characters speak using modern-day slang or utilize modern technology; this would undoubtedly be an example of anachronism. Similarly, in a historical fiction novel set during the American Revolution, if a character is portrayed riding a motorcycle, it would also be deemed an anachronism.

Writers can use anachronism intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes, writers use anachronism to add humor or satire to their work or to highlight the differences between different time periods.

The writers should be aware of the use of anachronisms. Its excessive usage can detract from the authenticity of a story and take readers out of the narrative. However, a well-placed anachronism can add an unexpected twist or bring a playful element to the story, and even provide an opportunity for commentary or satire.

An analogy is a literary device that involves drawing a comparison between two things in order to clarify or explain something. Analogies can be useful for helping readers understand complex or abstract concepts by comparing them to something more concrete or familiar.

For example, the phrase “life is like a box of chocolates” from the movie Forrest Gump is an analogy that compares the unpredictable nature of life to the unpredictability of a box of assorted chocolates. Another example of an analogy might be comparing the structure of an atom to a miniature solar system, with the nucleus at the center and electrons orbiting around it like planets around the sun.

Analogies can be used in a variety of ways in literature. They can help to illustrate complex ideas or emotions, create vivid imagery, or add depth and richness to descriptions. Analogies can also be used to create humor or irony, by comparing two things that are seemingly dissimilar in unexpected ways.

It is important for writers to choose analogies carefully and thoughtfully, and to ensure that the comparison they are making is both accurate and appropriate for the context of the text. When used effectively, analogies can be a powerful tool for engaging and enlightening readers.

Anaphora is a literary device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. This repetition can create a sense of emphasis, rhythm, or momentum in a text, and can help to unify a piece of writing or highlight a particular idea or theme.

For example, Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech is known for its use of anaphora, with the repeated phrase “I have a dream” emphasizing King’s vision for racial equality and justice. Another example of anaphora might be the repetition of the phrase “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” at the beginning of each paragraph in Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities.

Anaphora can be used in a variety of ways in literature. It can be used to create a sense of urgency or excitement, to build suspense or anticipation, or to emphasize a particular message or idea. Anaphora can also be used to create a sense of unity or coherence in a text, by repeating key phrases or ideas throughout a piece of writing.

Anastrophe is a literary device that involves the inversion of the typical word order in a sentence. In anastrophe, words are rearranged in a way that deviates from the normal subject-verb-object order of English sentences, in order to create a particular effect or emphasis.

For example, in the famous opening line of Yoda’s dialogue from Star Wars, “Powerful you have become, the dark side I sense in you,” the subject and verb are inverted, with “you” coming after “powerful,” and “the dark side” coming after “become.” This inversion creates a sense of emphasis on the unusual word order, and helps to highlight the importance of Yoda’s message.

Anastrophe can be used in a variety of ways in literature. It can create a sense of emphasis or urgency, by placing important words or phrases at the beginning or end of a sentence. Anastrophe can also be used to create a particular rhythm or flow in a text, by changing the normal order of words and creating a sense of variation or contrast.

It is important for writers to use anastrophe carefully and thoughtfully, and to ensure that the unusual word order they are using is appropriate for the context and message of the text. When used effectively, anastrophe can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and impactful writing.

In literature, an antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, or main character, in a story. The antagonist can take many forms, including a person, group, or organization, as well as abstract concepts like fear, guilt, or injustice.

The antagonist is typically portrayed as an obstacle that the protagonist must overcome in order to achieve their goals or complete their journey. The conflict between the protagonist and antagonist is often the driving force of the story, and can create tension, suspense, and drama.

Examples of antagonists in literature include characters like Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, who opposes the protagonist Harry Potter at every turn, and Captain Ahab in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, who becomes obsessed with hunting down the titular whale and ultimately meets his demise as a result.

While the antagonist is often seen as a villain or antagonist, they can also be more complex and nuanced characters. Some antagonists may have sympathetic motivations or be fighting for what they believe is right, even if it is in opposition to the protagonist. This complexity can create a more layered and interesting story, and can force the protagonist to confront their own beliefs and values in order to succeed.

Ultimately, the antagonist is a crucial element of any story, as they provide a source of conflict and tension that drives the plot forward and challenges the protagonist to grow and change.

Antithesis is a literary device that involves the use of contrasting ideas, words, or phrases within a sentence or paragraph to create a sense of balance or tension. Antithesis often involves parallelism, where the structure of the contrasting ideas or phrases is similar or identical.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet famously declares, “My only love sprung from my only hate! / Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” This use of antithesis creates a sense of balance and contrast within the lines, highlighting the conflict between the two opposing forces of love and hate.

Antithesis can be used in a variety of ways in literature. It can create a sense of tension or opposition, emphasizing the differences between two ideas or concepts. It can also create a sense of balance or symmetry, by pairing contrasting ideas in a way that creates a satisfying structure or rhythm.

In addition to being used in individual sentences or phrases, antithesis can also be used on a larger scale to create a sense of contrast or opposition between different characters, themes, or storylines in a work of literature. This can create a complex and nuanced story that explores multiple perspectives and ideas.

Overall, antithesis is a powerful literary device that can be used to create contrast, tension, and balance within a work of literature, and can help to highlight important themes and ideas.

An aphorism is a concise statement that expresses a general truth or moral principle in a memorable and pithy way. An aphorism can take many forms, including a proverb, a saying, a maxim, or a quotation.

Aphorisms are often used to convey wisdom or insight in a succinct and memorable way. They are commonly found in literature, philosophy, and everyday conversation, and can be used to convey a range of ideas and values.

Some famous examples of aphorisms include:

• “Actions speak louder than words.” (Proverb)
• “All that glitters is not gold.” (Proverb)
• “Know thyself.” (Maxim)
• “The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Quotation from Socrates)

Aphorisms can be used in a variety of ways in literature. They can be used to highlight important themes or ideas, provide insight into a character’s personality or worldview, or to create a memorable and impactful line of dialogue.

When used effectively, aphorisms can be a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas in a concise and memorable way. They can also provide a sense of cultural continuity and connection, as many aphorisms have been passed down through generations and across cultures.

Apostrophe is a literary device in which a writer or speaker addresses a person, place, thing, or idea that is not present or is unable to respond. The apostrophe is used to give voice to an absent entity, and to express strong emotions or feelings towards it.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, Mark Antony speaks directly to the dead body of Caesar, saying “O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, / That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!” This use of apostrophe allows Antony to express his grief and anger towards Caesar’s assassins, and to give voice to his own emotions.

Apostrophe can be used in a variety of ways in literature. It can be used to create a sense of intimacy or connection between the speaker and the absent entity, as well as to express strong emotions or feelings towards it. It can also be used to convey a sense of longing, nostalgia, or regret.

Apostrophe is commonly used in poetry, where it can be used to create a sense of heightened emotion and lyrical intensity. It can also be used in drama and other forms of literature, where it can be used to create a sense of dramatic tension or to highlight important themes and ideas.

Overall, apostrophe is a powerful literary device that allows writers to give voice to absent entities and to express strong emotions and feelings towards them. When used effectively, apostrophe can create a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the absent entity, and can help to convey complex ideas and emotions in a memorable and impactful way.

An archetype is a universal symbol, image, or theme that is present across cultures and throughout history. Archetypes are deeply rooted in the human psyche, and are often associated with universal human experiences such as birth, death, love, and transformation.

Archetypes can take many forms, including characters, symbols, settings, and plots. Some common archetypes include:

• The hero: A courageous and determined character who is on a quest or journey to achieve a goal.
• The mentor: A wise and experienced character who guides and supports the hero on their journey.
• The trickster: A mischievous and unpredictable character who disrupts the established order and often has a transformative effect on the other characters.
• The shadow: A dark and often sinister character who represents the protagonist’s repressed or negative aspects.
• The mother: A nurturing and supportive figure who provides emotional sustenance and guidance to the hero.

Archetypes are often used in literature and other forms of art to convey deep and universal themes and ideas. They can be used to create a sense of familiarity and connection between the reader or viewer and the work of art, as well as to explore complex human experiences and emotions.

Overall, archetypes are a powerful tool for writers and artists, allowing them to tap into universal human experiences and emotions in order to create impactful and meaningful works of art. By using archetypes, writers and artists can create works that resonate with audiences across cultures and throughout history, and that continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

Assonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of vowel sounds within a series of words or phrases. It is often used in poetry and other forms of literature to create a musical or rhythmic effect, and to draw attention to particular words or ideas.

Assonance can occur within a single word or between multiple words. For example, the phrase “fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese” contains the repeated “ee” sound in “fleet,” “feet,” “sweep,” and “sleeping,” creating a sense of musicality and rhythm.

Assonance is often used in conjunction with other literary devices, such as alliteration and rhyme, to create a sense of unity and coherence within a piece of writing. It can also be used to emphasize particular words or ideas, or to create a specific mood or tone.

Overall, assonance is a powerful tool for writers and poets, allowing them to create works that are both musical and meaningful. By using assonance, writers can draw attention to particular words or ideas, and can create works that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally impactful.

Asyndeton is a literary device that involves the omission of conjunctions (such as “and,” “or,” or “but”) between a series of words, phrases, or clauses. It is often used in literature and rhetoric to create a sense of speed, urgency, or excitement.

By omitting conjunctions, asyndeton creates a sense of connection and momentum between the words or phrases. For example, the phrase “I came, I saw, I conquered” uses asyndeton to create a sense of power and determination, emphasizing the rapid sequence of actions.

Asyndeton can also be used to create a sense of surprise or contrast, by breaking the expected pattern of conjunctions. For example, the phrase “She was smart, talented, beautiful, a force to be reckoned with” uses asyndeton to create a sense of surprise, emphasizing the unexpected absence of a conjunction between “beautiful” and “a force to be reckoned with.”

Overall, asyndeton is a powerful tool for writers and speakers, allowing them to create works that are both fast-paced and impactful. By using asyndeton, writers can create a sense of unity and momentum within a piece of writing, while also emphasizing particular words or ideas for greater effect.

Bildungsroman

Bildungsroman is a literary genre that focuses on the personal growth and development of a protagonist, usually from childhood to adulthood. The term “Bildungsroman” is German for “novel of education” or “novel of formation.”

The Bildungsroman genre often involves a journey or quest of self-discovery, as the protagonist encounters various challenges, learns from their experiences, and ultimately gains a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The protagonist typically undergoes a transformation, both in terms of their worldview and their place in society.

Some notable examples of Bildungsroman include “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, and “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte.

Overall, Bildungsroman is a powerful literary genre that allows writers to explore themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the complex journey of becoming an adult. By following the protagonist on their journey of self-discovery, readers can gain insight into their own experiences and struggles, and can be inspired by the protagonist’s resilience and growth.

Cacophony is a literary device that involves the use of harsh or discordant sounds, often for the purpose of creating a sense of dissonance or tension. The term “cacophony” is derived from the Greek word “kakophonia,” which means “bad sound.”

Cacophony can be created through the use of harsh consonant sounds, such as “k,” “g,” and “t,” or through the repetition of similar sounds or words. For example, the phrase “clammy hands clutched the crumbling cliffs” uses cacophony to create a sense of tension and unease, emphasizing the harsh “c” and “cl” sounds.

Cacophony is often used in literature to convey negative emotions or ideas, such as anger, violence, or chaos. It can also be used to create a sense of contrast or irony, by juxtaposing discordant sounds with more pleasant or harmonious elements.

Overall, cacophony is a powerful tool for writers, allowing them to create works that are both aesthetically impactful and emotionally resonant. By using cacophony, writers can create a sense of tension, dissonance, or discord, and can draw attention to particular words or ideas for greater effect.

Catharsis is a literary device that involves the emotional release or cleansing that a character undergoes during the course of a story. The term “catharsis” comes from the Greek word “katharsis,” which means “purification” or “cleansing.”

In literature, catharsis often occurs when a character experiences a strong emotional response to a traumatic event or revelation, and is able to process and overcome that emotion through some form of release. This release may take the form of a physical action, such as crying or screaming, or it may be more symbolic, such as a change in the character’s perspective or behavior.

The concept of catharsis is often associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who believed that the purpose of tragedy was to create a sense of emotional release or purification in the audience. According to Aristotle, the emotional experience of tragedy allowed the audience to process and overcome their own negative emotions, leading to a greater sense of catharsis and emotional balance.

Overall, catharsis is a powerful literary device that can help to create a sense of emotional depth and resonance in a story. By allowing characters to experience and overcome their emotions, writers can create works that are both meaningful and transformative for readers.

Characterization

Characterization is a literary device that refers to the way in which an author creates and develops characters in a story. Through characterization, authors can provide readers with information about a character’s appearance, personality, backstory, and motivations, allowing readers to form a deeper understanding of the character and their role within the story.

There are two main types of characterization: direct and indirect. Direct characterization involves the author explicitly describing a character’s traits or qualities, while indirect characterization involves revealing information about a character through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters.

Authors can also use various techniques to create and develop characters, such as physical descriptions, internal monologues, and relationships with other characters. For example, a character who is described as tall and muscular may be seen as physically strong, while a character who frequently makes sarcastic remarks may be seen as having a sharp wit.

Effective characterization is essential for creating compelling and memorable characters that readers can relate to and care about. By using a range of techniques to create and develop characters, authors can bring their stories to life and create works that resonate with readers on a deep and emotional level.

Chiasmus is a literary device that involves the repetition of words or phrases in reverse order. It is a type of parallelism, in which the structure of a sentence or phrase is mirrored or reversed. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, and can be used to emphasize a point or create a memorable phrase.

An example of chiasmus is the famous quote by John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” In this example, the words “country” and “you” are repeated in reverse order, creating a sense of balance and symmetry in the sentence.

Chiasmus is often used in speeches and other forms of persuasive writing, as it can help to emphasize key points and make them more memorable to the audience. It can also be used in poetry and other forms of creative writing to create a sense of rhythm and balance.

Overall, chiasmus is a powerful literary device that can be used to create memorable and impactful writing. By repeating words or phrases in reverse order, writers can create a sense of symmetry and balance in their writing, and emphasize key points in a memorable way.

Climax is a literary device that refers to the point in a story where the conflict or tension reaches its highest point. It is the moment of greatest intensity, where the fate of the characters and the outcome of the story are in the balance.

The climax is typically the turning point in the story, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge and must make a critical decision or take decisive action to resolve the conflict. It is often the most memorable and emotionally impactful moment in a story, and can have a significant impact on the reader’s experience.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” the climax occurs when Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin Tybalt in a fit of rage. This action sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the tragic ending of the play.

The climax of a story is often preceded by rising action, where the tension and conflict build gradually, and followed by falling action, where the consequences of the climax are explored and the story begins to wrap up.

Overall, the climax is a crucial element of storytelling, as it provides a moment of high drama and tension that drives the narrative forward and engages the reader’s emotions.

Comic relief

Comic relief is a literary device that refers to the inclusion of humorous elements or scenes in a work of literature or drama that are intended to provide a temporary break in tension or drama. It is often used to lighten the mood and provide relief from the seriousness or intensity of the story.

Comic relief can take many forms, such as a funny character, a humorous situation, or witty dialogue. It is most commonly used in tragic or dramatic works, where the inclusion of comedic elements can help to balance out the heavier themes and emotions.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the character of the gravedigger provides a moment of comic relief in the midst of the play’s darker themes of death and revenge. His humorous banter and wordplay with Hamlet provides a break in the tension and adds a lighter touch to the play.

Comic relief is also commonly used in film and television, where it is often used to break up the tension in action or drama movies, or to add humor to sitcoms and other comedic shows.

Overall, comic relief is an important literary device that can help to balance out the serious or intense themes of a work of literature, and provide a moment of levity and humor for the audience.

Connotation

Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal definition. It is the secondary meaning of a word or phrase, often shaped by personal experiences, cultural context, or societal norms.

For example, the word “home” has a positive connotation for many people, evoking feelings of comfort, safety, and belonging. On the other hand, the word “house” may have a more neutral connotation, simply referring to a physical structure where one lives.

Connotation can also vary depending on the context in which a word is used. For instance, the word “snake” can have a negative connotation when used to describe a person who is sneaky or deceitful, but a positive connotation when used to describe a powerful and transformative symbol in mythology or literature.

In literature, authors often use connotation to create mood and tone, and to convey a deeper meaning beyond the literal definition of a word or phrase. By carefully choosing words with specific connotations, authors can manipulate the reader’s emotional response to a character or situation, and create a more nuanced and complex portrayal of their story.

Overall, connotation is an important literary device that can add depth and complexity to language and literature, and allow authors to convey complex emotions and ideas beyond the literal meaning of words.

Consonance is a literary device that refers to the repetition of consonant sounds within a phrase or sentence, often at the end of words. Unlike alliteration, which repeats initial consonant sounds, consonance repeats consonant sounds in any part of the word, creating a musical or rhythmic effect.

For example, the phrase “pitter-patter” contains consonance, as the “t” and “r” sounds are repeated in both words. Another example is the phrase “all’s well that ends well,” where the “l” sound is repeated at the end of each word.

Consonance is often used in poetry and other forms of literature to create a musical or rhythmic effect, and can also be used to reinforce the meaning or mood of a particular passage. It is sometimes used in combination with other literary devices, such as rhyme or alliteration, to create a more complex and layered effect.

Overall, consonance is an important tool in the writer’s toolbox, allowing writers to create memorable and impactful phrases, and to add musicality and rhythm to their work.

Deus ex machina

Deus ex machina is a literary device that refers to a sudden, unexpected resolution to a story that is often seen as contrived or artificial. It is a Latin term that translates to “god from the machine,” and originated in ancient Greek theater, where actors playing gods would be lowered onto the stage by a crane to resolve the plot.

In literature, a deus ex machina occurs when an author introduces an improbable or unexpected event or character to resolve a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict in the story. This device is often used as a shortcut to resolve complex plot lines or to provide a quick and easy ending, but can also be seen as a lazy or unsatisfying solution.

For example, in a story about a detective trying to solve a murder, a deus ex machina might occur if the murderer suddenly confesses to the crime without any explanation or reason, rather than the detective solving the mystery through careful investigation and deduction.

While deus ex machina can be a useful tool in certain situations, it is generally frowned upon in modern literature as it can be seen as a cop-out or a failure of the author to resolve the story in a satisfying and logical manner. Instead, authors are encouraged to find more natural and believable ways to resolve conflicts and bring their stories to a close.

Dialogue is a literary device that refers to a conversation between two or more characters in a work of literature. It can be used to reveal character, advance the plot, provide information, and add to the overall atmosphere and tone of the work.

For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” the following dialogue occurs between the characters Daisy and Gatsby:

“‘You remind me of a—of a rose, an absolute rose. Doesn’t he?’ She turned to her husband. ‘What do you think?’ ‘Creepy,’ he said.”

This dialogue reveals several things about the characters and the situation. It shows that Daisy is trying to flatter Gatsby by comparing him to a beautiful and desirable object, but her husband Tom is dismissive and critical of Gatsby. The contrast between Daisy’s romanticized view of Gatsby and Tom’s negative reaction creates tension and conflict between the characters.

Dialogue can also be used to reveal the personalities and motivations of the characters, as well as to convey information and advance the plot. In well-written dialogue, each character should have a unique voice and style of speaking, which helps to create a sense of realism and depth in the story.

Diction refers to the author’s choice of words and phrases in a literary work. It is an important literary device that can help convey the tone, mood, and theme of a piece of writing. The choice of words can also have an impact on the reader’s interpretation and understanding of the work.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the character Hamlet’s use of complex and intellectual language reflects his educated and thoughtful nature. On the other hand, the character of the gravedigger speaks in a more simple and colloquial manner, reflecting his lower social status and more practical outlook on life.

In addition to the level of formality, diction can also involve the connotations of words and the author’s use of figurative language such as metaphors and similes. By carefully choosing their diction, an author can create a certain tone or mood in their work, whether it be serious, humorous, or emotional.

For example, in Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise,” she uses powerful and uplifting language to convey her message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity:

“I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.”

The repetition of “I rise” creates a sense of momentum and determination, while the use of powerful imagery such as “the dream and the hope of the slave” conveys the historical and cultural significance of the poem’s message.

An elegy is a type of poem that is used to mourn or commemorate the death of someone or something. It is often characterized by its melancholic tone and its use of imagery and symbolism to convey the emotions and thoughts of the speaker.

As a literary device, an elegy often uses figurative language such as metaphors, similes, and personification to convey the emotions of the speaker. It may also use allusions to historical or mythological figures or events to create a sense of grandeur or to add depth to the poem’s themes.

One famous example of an elegy is John Milton’s “Lycidas,” written in memory of his friend Edward King. The poem uses pastoral imagery to convey a sense of loss and mourning, and it also makes allusions to classical mythology to add depth to its themes of death and rebirth.

Another example of an elegy is “In Memoriam A.H.H.” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which is a long poem written in memory of Tennyson’s friend Arthur Henry Hallam. The poem is structured as a series of short lyrics, each expressing a different emotion or thought about the loss of Hallam. It uses a variety of literary devices, including imagery, allusion, and repetition, to create a sense of emotional depth and to convey the complexity of grief.

In literature, an ellipsis is used to indicate the omission of a word or words, which are unnecessary to convey a complete thought. It’s usually represented by three dots (…) and can be used in various ways to create different effects.

Examples of ellipsis in literature:

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness… it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

In this example, the ellipsis is used to indicate a series of contrasts and opposites, building up to a dramatic conclusion.

• “To be, or not to be… that is the question.” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet

The ellipsis here is used to create a pause in Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, emphasizing the gravity of his decision and adding to the emotional intensity of the scene.

Here are some more examples of how ellipsis can be used:

• To create suspense or build tension:

Example: “The door slowly creaked open, and inside… nothing.”

• To indicate a trailing off or a pause in speech or thought:

Example: “I don’t know, I was just thinking… maybe we should take a break.”

• To indicate an intentional omission of information:

Example: “She had been through a lot lately… more than anyone should have to endure.”

• To indicate a change in tone or thought:

Example: “I know I said I wouldn’t go… but maybe just this once.”

• To indicate a hesitation or uncertainty in speech:

Example: “I don’t know if I should tell you this… but I heard that he’s leaving.”

Enjambment is a poetic device that involves running one sentence or clause into the next line of a poem without a pause or punctuation mark. This creates a sense of flow and continuity, as the meaning of the sentence is carried over to the next line.

For example, consider the following lines from William Wordsworth’s poem, “The Solitary Reaper”:

Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland Lass! Reaping and singing by herself;

In these lines, the sentence “Behold her, single in the field” is carried over to the next line without any pause or punctuation, creating an enjambment. This technique creates a sense of continuity, linking the description of the woman to the next line where she is shown to be reaping and singing by herself.

Enjambment can also be used to create tension or surprise in a poem, as the meaning of a sentence may not be immediately clear until the following line. It can also be used to control the pace and rhythm of a poem, as the reader is forced to continue on to the next line without a natural pause.

Epiphany is a literary device that refers to a sudden realization or insight that occurs in a character’s mind, often leading to a significant change in their perspective or behavior. The term is derived from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” meaning “manifestation” or “appearance,” and is often associated with a moment of clarity or enlightenment.

Epiphanies can occur at any point in a story, but they are often used to mark a turning point or climax in a character’s development. They can be subtle or dramatic, and may involve a character discovering a new truth about themselves, their situation, or the world around them.

One famous example of an epiphany in literature is the ending of James Joyce’s short story “The Dead,” where the main character, Gabriel Conroy, experiences a sudden realization about the true nature of his relationship with his wife. As he watches snow falling outside, Gabriel is struck by the idea that he has been living his life “unmindful of the past, present and future,” and that he has failed to understand the depth of his wife’s feelings for a past lover. This realization leads to a profound sense of loss and a reevaluation of Gabriel’s identity and relationships.

Epiphanies can be powerful tools for character development, as they allow characters to confront their own flaws and biases and to see the world in a new light. They can also be used to create a sense of resolution or closure at the end of a story.

In literature, an epithet is a descriptive word or phrase that is used to characterize a person, place, or thing. It is a type of literary device that helps to add color and depth to descriptions and can be used to create a more vivid and memorable image of a character or object in the reader’s mind.

Epithets can be used in a variety of ways. They can be positive or negative, depending on the author’s purpose. For example, a character might be described as “brave” or “wise” to emphasize their positive qualities, while another might be described as “deceitful” or “cruel” to highlight their negative traits.

Epithets are often used in epic poetry, where they help to create a more formal and elevated style of writing. Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” are famous examples of epic poetry that make extensive use of epithets. In these works, characters are often referred to using descriptive phrases such as “swift-footed Achilles” or “rosy-fingered Dawn.”

Epithets can also be used in more modern forms of literature, such as novels and short stories. They can help to add depth and nuance to characters and settings, and can be used to create a more vivid and memorable reading experience for the audience.

A euphemism is a word or phrase that is used to substitute a harsh or unpleasant word or phrase. It is a form of linguistic expression that is meant to soften the impact of a message, and to make it more socially acceptable or less offensive.

Euphemisms can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from polite conversation to political discourse. For example, instead of saying that someone has died, one might use the phrase “passed away” or “passed on”. In the context of war, the phrase “collateral damage” is often used to refer to civilian casualties, while in the workplace, the term “downsizing” is often used as a euphemism for laying off employees.

Euphemisms can serve a variety of purposes. They can be used to avoid offending someone, to avoid a taboo topic, or to convey a message in a more indirect or subtle way. They can also be used for humorous effect, as in the phrase “vertically challenged” to refer to someone who is short.

However, euphemisms can also be used to conceal the true nature of a situation, or to downplay the severity of a problem. For example, the phrase “enhanced interrogation techniques” has been used as a euphemism for torture, while the term “ethnic cleansing” is often used to refer to genocide.

A flashback is a literary device in which an earlier event or scene is inserted into the narrative of a story, interrupting the present action. It is a technique often used to provide background information about a character, setting, or plot element, and can help to create a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.

Flashbacks can be used in a variety of ways, including to:

• Reveal a character’s past experiences and how they have influenced their current situation or behavior
• Provide context for a current event or situation in the story
• Build suspense or tension by foreshadowing future events
• Create irony or dramatic irony by revealing information that the reader or audience knows but the characters do not
• Show the evolution of a relationship between characters over time

Flashbacks can be presented in a variety of formats, including as a character’s memory, a dream sequence, or a narration of past events. They can be used to varying degrees of length and detail, from a brief mention to a full chapter or more.

In literature, a foil is a character who contrasts with another character, typically the protagonist, in order to highlight certain qualities or traits. By presenting two contrasting characters side by side, the author can emphasize their differences and bring greater depth to the story.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the character of Hamlet is a brooding, philosophical prince who is consumed by grief and a desire for revenge. His foil is the character of Laertes, who is impulsive, passionate, and quick to take action. While Hamlet is paralyzed by his own thoughts and doubts, Laertes is driven by his emotions and his desire for justice.

Throughout the play, Laertes serves as a foil to Hamlet, highlighting the contrast between their personalities and motivations. This is most evident in the final act of the play, when the two characters engage in a fencing match that leads to their mutual destruction. While Hamlet hesitates and overthinks his moves, Laertes attacks with ferocity and determination, demonstrating the very qualities that Hamlet lacks.

In this way, the foil serves to highlight and reinforce the qualities of the protagonist, showing them in a different light and providing greater depth and complexity to the story.

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a literary device used by authors to hint at future events or developments in the plot. This is often done through the use of subtle clues, hints, or suggestions, which can be picked up by attentive readers and used to predict or anticipate what might happen later in the story.

For example, in George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm,” the animals on the farm gradually become more and more oppressed by their human owner, Mr. Jones. This sets the stage for a rebellion led by the pigs, who eventually take over the farm and establish their own government. However, early in the book, there are several instances of foreshadowing that hint at the eventual downfall of the pigs and their oppressive regime. For example, the pigs begin to adopt human-like behavior, such as walking on two legs and wearing clothing, which suggests that they are becoming more like their former oppressors. Additionally, the pigs begin to use propaganda and manipulation to control the other animals, which foreshadows the corruption and abuse of power that will occur later in the story.

By using foreshadowing, authors can create a sense of anticipation and tension in the reader, while also providing a deeper layer of meaning and complexity to the story. This can help to keep the reader engaged and invested in the narrative, while also providing a greater sense of satisfaction and closure when the story reaches its conclusion.

Free indirect speech

Free indirect speech, also known as indirect discourse or free indirect style, is a literary technique in which the narrator temporarily adopts the point of view and language of a character, without explicitly signaling the shift from third-person narration to direct speech.

This technique allows the reader to experience the character’s thoughts and feelings in a more immediate and personal way, without disrupting the flow of the narrative. By blending the voice of the character with that of the narrator, free indirect speech can also create a sense of ambiguity or uncertainty about the character’s motives or intentions, adding depth and complexity to the story.

For example, consider the following passage from Jane Austen’s “Emma”:

“Emma could not resist. ‘I cannot see you acting wrong, without a remonstrance. How could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates? How could you be so insolent in your wit to a woman of her character, age, and situation?—Emma, I had not thought it possible.'”

Here, the narrator adopts the voice and perspective of Emma, allowing the reader to experience her thoughts and emotions in a more direct way. The use of indirect speech also creates a sense of ambiguity about Emma’s true feelings towards the character of Miss Bates, as she simultaneously criticizes her behavior while expressing surprise at her own harshness.

Free indirect speech is a powerful tool for writers, allowing them to create complex and nuanced characters, while also maintaining control over the narrative voice and structure.

Hyperbole is a literary device that uses exaggeration to create emphasis or effect in a text. It is often used in literature and poetry to make a point or to create a humorous effect. Hyperbole is an extreme form of exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to convey an intense emotion or sentiment.

Examples of hyperbole include:

• “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse!”
• “He’s as tall as a skyscraper!”
• “I’ve told you a million times not to do that!”
• “I’m dying of boredom!”
• “The weight of the world is on my shoulders!”

In each of these examples, the speaker is exaggerating to make a point or to create an effect. The use of hyperbole can add drama, humor, or emphasis to a text and can make it more engaging for the reader.

Imagery is a literary device that uses sensory language to create mental images and evoke emotion in a reader’s mind. It is a technique used by writers to make their writing more vivid and descriptive, and to engage the reader’s senses. By using imagery, a writer can paint a picture in the reader’s mind, allowing them to see, hear, feel, taste, or smell what is being described.

Examples of imagery include:

• “The sun was a fiery ball in the sky, casting a warm glow over the horizon.”
• “The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making my mouth water.”
• “The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled my ears, drowning out all other noise.”
• “The soft, velvety petals of the rose brushed against my skin, releasing a sweet fragrance.”
• “The taste of the ripe, juicy peach exploded in my mouth, sending shivers down my spine.”

By using sensory language to create vivid mental images, a writer can transport the reader to another place and time, and make them feel as though they are experiencing the scene firsthand. This makes the writing more engaging and memorable, and can leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Irony is a literary device that involves the use of words or situations in a way that is opposite to their intended or expected meaning. It creates a discrepancy between what is said or done and what is meant, often leading to an unexpected outcome. Irony is commonly used in literature to create humor, emphasize a point, or provide social commentary.

There are three main types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says something but means the opposite. Situational irony happens when an event occurs that is contrary to what was expected. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not, leading to tension or anticipation.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, there is dramatic irony when the audience knows that Juliet is not actually dead, but Romeo thinks she is and kills himself. This creates a tragic outcome that could have been avoided if Romeo had known the truth.

Another example of irony can be seen in Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay “A Modest Proposal,” in which he proposes that the poor Irish should sell their children as food to the wealthy English. The proposal is presented in a serious and straightforward manner, but it is intended to draw attention to the absurdity of the English treatment of the Irish.

Irony is a powerful literary device that can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions. It can also add depth and nuance to a work of literature, making it more engaging and thought-provoking for readers.

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a literary device that involves placing two contrasting things side by side in order to highlight their differences. This can be done with characters, settings, ideas, or any other element of a story. The purpose of using juxtaposition is to create a contrast that emphasizes a particular point or theme.

For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” the author juxtaposes the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy characters with the poverty and despair of the lower classes. This contrast highlights the theme of the corrupting influence of wealth and the emptiness of the pursuit of materialism.

Another example of juxtaposition can be found in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” The characters of Romeo and Tybalt are juxtaposed as they represent two opposing forces – love and hate. This contrast is used to emphasize the theme of the destructive power of hatred and the transformative power of love.

In both of these examples, juxtaposition is used to create a contrast that helps to highlight an important theme or message in the story.

Litotes is a figure of speech that uses negative phrasing to express a positive statement, often in a subtle or understated way. It is a form of understatement that relies on the use of a double negative or a negation of the opposite to emphasize a point.

For example, saying “she’s not unkind” is a litotes that actually means “she’s kind”. Similarly, “I’m not unhappy” could mean “I’m happy” or “it’s not bad” could mean “it’s good”.

Litotes is often used in literature to create a sense of understated irony, to express humility, or to soften the impact of a statement. It is also used in everyday language, particularly in English, where it is a common rhetorical device.

One famous example of litotes can be found in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, when Mark Antony says of Brutus and his fellow conspirators, “They are honorable men.” The use of litotes here emphasizes the irony of the statement, given that the conspirators had just killed Caesar in an act of betrayal.

Metaphor is a literary device that refers to a comparison between two unlike things that share a common characteristic or quality. It creates a direct comparison by describing something as if it is something else. Metaphors are often used in literature to help readers understand and visualize complex ideas or emotions.

Here’s an example of a metaphor:

“The world is a stage.” In this metaphor, the world is being compared to a stage, with people acting out their lives like actors on a stage. The common characteristic between the world and a stage is that both involve people performing and playing different roles.

Metaphors can be found in a wide range of literary works, including poetry, novels, and plays. They can be used to create vivid imagery, convey abstract ideas, and evoke emotions in the reader. A well-crafted metaphor can add depth and richness to a piece of writing and can help the reader to better understand the message the author is trying to convey.

Metonymy is a figure of speech that involves the substitution of the name of one thing with another thing that is closely associated with it. In other words, it is a type of metaphor where a word is replaced with another word or phrase that is closely linked with it in context.

For example, when we say “The White House issued a statement,” we are using metonymy because we are referring to the U.S. government, which is closely associated with the White House.

Another example of metonymy is when people refer to the news media as “the press.” Here, “the press” is being used as a substitute for the journalists and news organizations that make up the news media.

Metonymy is often used in literature to create a deeper, more nuanced meaning or to make a concept more memorable or interesting for the reader.

In literature, mood refers to the emotional atmosphere or feeling that a work of literature creates in the reader. It is the overall emotional tone or ambiance of a text that sets the reader’s emotional response to the story. Mood is achieved through the author’s choice of words, descriptions, setting, and theme.

For example, in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the mood is one of suspense, fear, and anxiety. The description of the setting and the narrator’s thoughts and actions contribute to this mood. The use of dark and ominous imagery, such as the “vulture eye” of the old man, helps to create a sense of unease in the reader.

Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” the mood is one of nostalgia, longing, and disillusionment. The author’s use of vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, such as the grandeur of Gatsby’s mansion and the longing in his eyes as he gazes across the water at the green light, creates a dream-like atmosphere that evokes a sense of loss and sadness.

In both examples, the mood plays an important role in creating a deeper emotional connection between the reader and the story, and in conveying the author’s intended themes and messages.

A motif is a recurring element, image, symbol or theme that appears throughout a literary work, and helps to develop the work’s overall theme or message. A motif can be a word, an object, a symbol or an idea, and it may be repeated throughout the work or only appear a few times.

Motifs are used to enhance the depth and meaning of a story, and to create a sense of unity and coherence. They can add emotional depth to a work, and help to unify different parts of the text. They can also help to reinforce a particular message or theme that the author wishes to convey.

Some common motifs in literature include light and dark, journeys, love, betrayal, and death. For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” the motif of blood is used to symbolize guilt and the consequences of one’s actions. The repeated appearance of blood throughout the play underscores the tragedy of Macbeth’s actions and the consequences that he must face.

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the motif of the green light that shines across the water serves as a symbol of Gatsby’s unattainable dream of winning back his lost love, Daisy. The repeated appearance of the green light throughout the novel underscores the theme of the American Dream and the impossibility of achieving it.

Motifs can be subtle or obvious, and their significance may only become apparent upon repeated readings or analysis. By repeating certain images, ideas or symbols throughout a literary work, authors can create a sense of coherence and unity, and deepen the reader’s understanding of the work’s overall message or theme.

The narrator is the voice that tells a story or conveys information to the reader. They can be a character within the story or an external voice that is not part of the story. The narrator’s perspective and level of involvement can have a significant impact on the reader’s understanding and interpretation of the story.

There are several types of narrators, each with its own characteristics and limitations. A first-person narrator is a character in the story who refers to themselves as “I” and can only describe events and experiences that they witness or participate in. A third-person narrator is not a character in the story and can provide a more objective view of the events and characters. A third-person limited narrator focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character, while a third-person omniscient narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

The choice of narrator can have a significant impact on the story’s tone, mood, and overall impact. A first-person narrator can create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, while a third-person narrator can provide a more detached and objective view of events. The narrator’s reliability or unreliability can also shape the reader’s understanding of the story and its characters.

In some cases, the narrator may be an unreliable or ambiguous presence, leaving the reader uncertain about the truth of the story. Alternatively, the narrator may be a highly reliable and authoritative source of information, providing the reader with a clear and accurate account of events. Ultimately, the narrator plays a crucial role in shaping the reader’s experience of the story and its characters.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a literary device where a word is used to imitate a sound that it describes. The word itself creates or mimics the sound of the thing it is describing, making the reader better understand and visualize the scene or action in the text. This device is commonly used in poetry, but it can also be used in prose.

Examples of onomatopoeia include words like buzz, crackle, hiss, moo, meow, chirp, rustle, and pop. Here are a few examples of how onomatopoeia can be used in literature:

• The bees buzzed around the flowers in the garden.
• The leaves rustled in the wind.
• The thunder rumbled in the distance.
• The fire crackled and popped as it burned.
• The cat meowed loudly for its food.

Onomatopoeia can add depth and sensory appeal to a piece of writing. It helps to create a more vivid and immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to hear the sounds of the story in their mind as they read.

Oxymoron is a literary device that brings together two contradictory terms in order to create a meaningful phrase. It is often used for emphasis or to create a dramatic effect. The word “oxymoron” comes from the Greek words “oxys” meaning “sharp” and “moros” meaning “dull”.

Examples of oxymoron include:

• Jumbo shrimp
• Bittersweet
• Living dead
• Pretty ugly
• Awfully good
• Open secret
• Virtual reality
• Deafening silence
• Act naturally

These examples all bring together two contrasting terms that create a vivid and memorable image in the reader’s mind. The use of oxymoron can be particularly effective in poetry or prose that deals with complex or contradictory themes.

A paradox is a statement or situation that appears to be self-contradictory or absurd but in reality, it holds a hidden truth. Paradoxes are often used in literature to create an element of intrigue or challenge the reader’s expectations. They can also be used to bring attention to the complexity of a theme or to highlight the paradoxical nature of human existence.

One famous example of a paradox is the statement “less is more.” On the surface, it seems contradictory, as “less” and “more” are opposites. However, the statement can be interpreted to mean that simplicity and clarity can often be more effective than complexity and excess.

Another example of a paradox is the classic time travel paradox, in which a person goes back in time and changes something that affects their own existence, such as preventing their parents from meeting. This paradox creates a logical inconsistency that cannot be resolved, as it questions the very fabric of cause and effect.

In literature, paradoxes can add depth and complexity to characters and themes. For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the titular character states “I must be cruel only to be kind.” This paradoxical statement reveals Hamlet’s inner conflict between his desire for revenge and his sense of duty to do what is ultimately best for those around him.

Parallelism

Parallelism is a literary device where the writer uses a series of words or phrases with similar grammatical structure and length to emphasize and draw attention to an idea or concept. It is also known as parallel structure or parallel construction.

Example: Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech “I Have a Dream” is an excellent example of parallelism: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”

In this excerpt, King repeats the phrase “I have a dream” to emphasize his message of hope and equality, while also using parallel structure in the phrases “rise up and live out” and “sons of former slaves and sons of former slave owners” to highlight the importance of unity and brotherhood.

Parataxis is a literary device in which coordinating conjunctions are used to link phrases or clauses in quick succession, without the use of subordination. This creates a simple and direct style of writing or speech. Parataxis is often used in poetry, where the brevity of the lines lends itself to a quick, staccato rhythm.

An example of parataxis can be found in William Carlos Williams’ poem “The Red Wheelbarrow”:

Here, the poet uses short, simple phrases with coordinating conjunctions (“so much depends upon,” “glazed with rain water”) to create a sense of immediacy and clarity. The paratactic structure emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the image presented, while the line breaks provide a sense of pause and emphasis on each phrase.

Personification

Personification is a literary device in which an inanimate object, animal or abstract idea is given human-like qualities or attributes. This is done in order to make the object or idea more relatable, and to add depth and emotion to the writing.

Examples of personification include:

• “The wind howled in the night” – In this sentence, the wind is personified as it is given the human-like quality of being able to howl.
• “The sun smiled down on us” – The sun is personified here as it is given the human-like quality of being able to smile.
• “The flowers danced in the breeze” – Here, the flowers are personified as they are given the human-like quality of being able to dance.

Personification is commonly used in poetry and prose, and is often used to create vivid and memorable images in the reader’s mind. By attributing human-like qualities to objects or ideas, writers can create a sense of familiarity and empathy in their readers, allowing them to connect with the text on a deeper level.

Point of view

Point of view (POV) is a literary device that describes the perspective from which a story is told. It refers to the person or entity that narrates or tells the story, and the vantage point from which they view the events that unfold.

There are three types of point of view:

• First Person Point of View: This is when the narrator is a character in the story and refers to themselves as “I” or “we.” In first person point of view, the reader only has access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the narrator.

Example: “I woke up to the sound of the rain pouring down outside. I knew it was going to be a dreary day.”

• Second Person Point of View: This is when the narrator addresses the reader directly as “you.” Second person point of view is not commonly used in fiction writing but is often used in instructional or self-help books.

Example: “You woke up to the sound of the rain pouring down outside. You knew it was going to be a dreary day.”

• Third Person Point of View: This is when the narrator is not a character in the story and refers to characters as “he,” “she,” or “they.” Third person point of view can be further divided into two subcategories:

a. Third Person Limited: In this type of narration, the narrator is not a character in the story and only has access to the thoughts and feelings of one character.

Example: “John woke up to the sound of the rain pouring down outside. He knew it was going to be a dreary day.”

b. Third Person Omniscient: In this type of narration, the narrator is not a character in the story and has access to the thoughts and feelings of all the characters in the story.

Example: “John woke up to the sound of the rain pouring down outside. He knew it was going to be a dreary day. Meanwhile, Sarah was already up and ready to face the day, despite the bad weather.”

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is a literary device in which conjunctions (such as “and,” “or,” or “but”) are used repeatedly in quick succession, often with no commas, even when the conjunctions could be removed. It is the opposite of asyndeton, which is the omission of conjunctions between phrases or clauses.

Here’s an example of polysyndeton:

“I ate pancakes and bacon and eggs and toast and orange juice for breakfast.”

In this sentence, the conjunction “and” is used repeatedly to connect all of the items the speaker ate for breakfast. The use of polysyndeton creates a sense of accumulation or buildup, and can give the sentence a sense of urgency or excitement.

Protagonist

In literature, a protagonist is the central character or leading figure in a story, often referred to as the hero or heroine. The story revolves around this character, and their actions and decisions drive the plot forward.

The protagonist is usually portrayed as having strengths and weaknesses, and they often face challenges and obstacles that they must overcome in order to achieve their goals. In some cases, the protagonist may also undergo a significant transformation or character development throughout the course of the story.

Examples of protagonists in literature include Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and Santiago in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. It usually involves a play on words that sound similar but have different meanings, or on words with multiple meanings. Puns can be used to add humor or wit to a sentence or a conversation, or to create a memorable phrase or catchphrase.

For example, “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana” is a classic pun that plays on the multiple meanings of the words “flies” and “like”. Another example is “I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.” This pun exploits the multiple meanings of the phrasal verb “put down”, which can mean “to stop reading” or “to place something on a surface”.

Red herring

Red herring is a literary device that is used to distract the reader or audience from an important issue. It involves introducing a false clue or character that misleads the reader or audience and leads them away from the real solution or plot point. Red herrings are often used in mystery, suspense, and thriller genres to throw the reader off the trail of the real culprit or solution.

For example, in the classic mystery novel “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie, the detective Hercule Poirot is presented with multiple suspects who each have a motive for committing the murder. However, the real solution involves a complex plot involving multiple people, and the murderer turns out to be someone who was not initially suspected. Throughout the novel, Christie uses various red herrings to throw the reader off the trail of the real culprit, including false clues and misleading character traits.

Repetition is a literary device that involves repeating a word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis or emphasis on a particular idea or theme. It is commonly used in poetry, prose, speeches, and song lyrics to create rhythm and enhance the meaning of a text.

Repetition can take many forms, such as the repetition of a single word, the repetition of a phrase, or the repetition of an entire sentence. Some common types of repetition include anaphora, epiphora, and symploce.

An example of repetition is the famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr., where he repeats the phrase “I have a dream” throughout the speech to emphasize his vision for a better future:

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'”

“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”

“I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.”

Rhyme is a literary device that involves the use of similar or identical sounds in two or more words, usually at the end of lines in poetry or at the end of phrases in prose. Rhyme is used to create a musical quality to the writing and can add emphasis or impact to certain words or phrases.

There are different types of rhyme including:

• End rhyme: The most common type of rhyme where the ending sounds of words in a line match with the ending sounds of words in another line. Example: “I saw a cat/ In a big straw hat.”
• Internal rhyme: Words within a line of poetry that rhyme with one another. Example: “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary.”
• Slant rhyme: Words that are similar in sound but not identical. Example: “Soul” and “all”.
• Eye rhyme: Words that look like they should rhyme but do not because of pronunciation. Example: “Love” and “move”.

Rhyme is used in poetry to create rhythm, emphasize certain words or phrases, and create a musical quality to the writing. In addition, it can be used to create a sense of closure or completeness to a poem or to connect different ideas and concepts.

Rhythm is a literary device that refers to the recurring pattern of sounds and silences in poetry and prose. It is created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in a sentence or line of poetry. Here is an example of rhythm in poetry:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

In this poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, the rhythm is created by the repetition of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. The pattern of the stressed syllables creates a rhythm that gives the poem a musical quality.

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that is intended to mock, criticize or ridicule something or someone. It is often characterized by a tone of voice that is opposite of the speaker’s intended meaning. Here’s an example:

Imagine a rainy day, and someone says, “Oh great, just what I needed today.” The tone of their voice suggests annoyance or frustration, but their words literally say the opposite, as rain is often seen as beneficial for plants and the environment. This is a sarcastic remark because the speaker is using irony to convey a different message than what is literally said.

Satire is a genre of literature or art that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose societal flaws or issues. The goal of satire is often to bring about change or encourage people to think more critically about a particular subject.

For example, the television show “The Daily Show” is a satirical news program that often pokes fun at politicians and the media, using humor and irony to point out flaws in the political system and highlight the absurdities of contemporary society. Similarly, the novel “Animal Farm” by George Orwell is a satirical allegory that critiques the Soviet Union and the dangers of totalitarianism.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as”. Similes are used to make a comparison between two things that are seemingly unrelated, but share common traits. By using similes, writers can create vivid and imaginative descriptions, which can help readers to understand the text in a more engaging and interesting way. For example, “Her eyes were like sparkling diamonds,” is a simile that compares the brightness and brilliance of a person’s eyes to the sparkle of a diamond. Another example is “He was as quiet as a mouse,” which is a simile that compares a person’s silence to the quietness of a mouse. Similes are commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to add depth and color to descriptions, and to create powerful imagery that engages the reader’s imagination.

• She sings like an angel.
• His eyes sparkled like diamonds in the sun.
• The runner was as fast as a cheetah.
• Her hair was as curly as a spring.
• The clouds floated by like cotton candy in the sky.

In each of these examples, one thing is being compared to another using “like” or “as” to create a vivid image or to emphasize a particular quality or trait.

Soliloquy is a literary device that refers to a dramatic monologue spoken by a character in a play, often revealing their inner thoughts and feelings to the audience. The character speaks as if they are alone, and their words are not intended to be heard by anyone else in the scene. Soliloquies are a common feature of Shakespearean plays, and are often used to reveal the inner turmoil of a character, their motivations and their plans.

For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”, the character Hamlet delivers several soliloquies throughout the play, including the famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy, in which he contemplates the nature of existence and the possibility of suicide. Soliloquies allow the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the character’s thoughts and feelings, and can add depth and complexity to a play.

A sonnet is a type of poem that consists of 14 lines and follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. There are two main types of sonnets: the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet and the English or Shakespearean sonnet. The Italian sonnet is composed of an octave, or eight lines, and a sestet, or six lines, while the English sonnet is composed of three quatrains, or four-line stanzas, and a final couplet. Both types typically use iambic pentameter, which consists of ten syllables per line with a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.

Here is an example of an English sonnet:

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed; But thy eternal summer shall not fade Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou growest: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this and this gives life to thee.

This is a famous sonnet by William Shakespeare, known as Sonnet 18. In this poem, the speaker is comparing his beloved to a summer’s day, but ultimately concludes that his beloved is more lovely and everlasting than any seasonal beauty. The poem follows the traditional English sonnet structure with three quatrains and a final couplet, and uses iambic pentameter throughout.

Stream of consciousness

Stream of consciousness is a literary technique that involves presenting a character’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they occur, without any editing or structure. It aims to reveal the character’s innermost thoughts and feelings in a continuous flow, allowing readers to experience the character’s mind as if they were inside it. This technique often involves the use of long, uninterrupted passages of thought and can be challenging for readers to follow. An example of stream of consciousness can be found in James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses,” which uses this technique to portray the inner lives of its characters as they navigate through a single day in Dublin.

In literature, style refers to the way an author uses words and language to convey their message or story. It includes elements such as sentence structure, diction, tone, and literary devices. The style of a writer can often be recognized by their unique use of language, syntax, and the way they structure their sentences. For example, Ernest Hemingway is known for his simple, direct style that uses short, declarative sentences, while William Faulkner is known for his complex, poetic style that uses long, meandering sentences with intricate syntax. The style of a writer can greatly impact the reader’s experience and perception of the story being told.

Symbolism is a literary device used to imbue objects, actions, or characters with a deeper meaning that goes beyond their literal interpretation. Through the use of symbolism, writers can evoke emotions, convey themes, and add depth to their works. A symbol can take many forms, such as an object, color, or even a sound, and its meaning can vary depending on the context and the reader’s interpretation. For instance, a red rose can symbolize love, passion, or even blood, depending on the context. Similarly, a white dove can symbolize peace or the Holy Spirit, while a black cat can symbolize bad luck or witchcraft. Symbolism can be found in all types of literature, from poetry to novels to plays. It is often used to enhance the overall meaning and impact of a work by adding a layer of complexity and nuance.

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to refer to the whole or vice versa. It’s a type of metonymy, which is a broader term for the use of one word to refer to something closely related to it.

Examples of synecdoche include:

• “All hands on deck” – “hands” refers to the entire crew or people on board the ship.
• “Nice wheels” – “wheels” refers to the entire car.
• “The pen is mightier than the sword” – “pen” represents writing or written communication, while “sword” represents military force or violence.
• “Gray beard” – “beard” represents the entire person or the old age they symbolize.
• “Check out my new threads” – “threads” refers to an entire outfit or clothing.

In each of these examples, a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. The use of synecdoche can add complexity and nuance to language and literature.

Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a literary device that involves the blending of multiple sensory experiences, such as seeing colors while hearing music or feeling tastes while reading words. It is used to create a vivid and sensory-rich experience for the reader or listener. An example of synesthesia can be found in the famous opening line of Vladimir Nabokov’s novel “Lolita”: “Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.” In this line, the speaker is combining the visual image of light with the physical sensation of fire to create an intense and memorable description of his love for the title character. By using synesthesia, Nabokov is able to evoke a powerful emotional response from the reader and create a memorable and sensory-rich opening to his novel.

In literature, a theme refers to the central idea or message that a writer wishes to convey through their work. It is a universal concept or idea that is explored and developed throughout the story. Themes can range from broad, overarching concepts like love, loss, or power, to more specific ideas like the importance of family or the dangers of prejudice.

For example, in Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the theme of racial injustice is central to the story. Through the experiences of the protagonist, Scout Finch, and her family, the novel explores the devastating effects of racism and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. The theme is not explicitly stated, but rather woven throughout the novel, providing a deeper meaning and resonance to the characters and events.

Tone is the attitude or mood that an author conveys in their writing. It refers to the way the author expresses their feelings towards the subject matter, which can be conveyed through the use of language, style, and other literary devices. For example, a writer may use a somber tone to express sadness or grief, or a humorous tone to convey amusement or satire. Tone can also vary depending on the intended audience or purpose of the writing. For instance, a persuasive essay may use a persuasive or authoritative tone, while a personal narrative may use a reflective or nostalgic tone. In summary, tone is an essential aspect of a writer’s style, as it helps to create a certain emotional response or reaction from the reader.

Tragedy is a type of drama that deals with serious, often somber and distressing events that lead to a disastrous or fatal conclusion for the protagonist or the main character. It explores the darker aspects of the human experience and often involves the tragic flaw or error in judgment of the protagonist, which leads to their downfall. The themes of tragedy may include fate, power, morality, love, and the struggle of the human condition. Tragedies often evoke a sense of pity and fear in the audience, as they witness the tragic events unfolding before them. Examples of well-known tragedies include William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex,” and Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.”

Understatement

Understatement is a figure of speech that intentionally downplays the significance or exaggerates the triviality of something to create emphasis or a humorous effect. It involves stating less than what is actually meant or expected.

For example, if someone just won the lottery and says, “I guess this will help me pay a few bills,” it is an understatement because winning the lottery is much more significant than simply paying a few bills.

Another example is if someone receives a standing ovation and says, “I don’t deserve this,” it is also an understatement because they clearly do deserve it. Understatement is often used for comedic effect or to create an ironic contrast between what is said and what is actually meant.

Zeugma is a literary device in which a single word or phrase is used with two or more parts of a sentence but must be understood differently in relation to each part. This creates a semantic incongruity in the sentence, often for humorous or dramatic effect. For example, in the sentence “She opened her door and her heart to the orphan,” the word “opened” is used with “door” and “heart” but is understood differently in each instance. In the first case, “opened” means physically opening the door, while in the second case, it means emotionally opening up to the orphan. Another example of zeugma is the sentence “He lost his coat and his temper,” where the word “lost” is used with both “coat” and “temper,” but means something different in each case.

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The Admissions Strategist

Literary devices (so many of them): the complete & unbeatable guide.

There are a lot of terms in literature, and at times, it may seem overwhelming to learn them all.

One way to simplify learning literary terms is to learn about literary devices.

This subject area includes tons of literary terms, and learning the ins and outs will bring your writing (and reading comprehension) to a whole new level.

What is a Literary Device?

A literary device is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a tool used by writers to transform words into literature.

Some literary devices are common terms that you likely use often: theme, plot, style, etc. Others you may have never heard of: ad hominem, neologism, spondee, etc.

No matter how common or far-fetched these terms get, every literary device has its place. The more you know, the better you can write. With the help of the following information, you can be well on your way to knowing every literary vice in existence:

Literary Devices v.s. Literary Elements v.s. Literary Techniques

Before diving into a real list of literary devices, there’s two terms you’ll need to know: Literary elements and literary techniques. These are the two different categories of literary devices.

Literary elements are the “big things.” They are something that the reader is able to figure out, and they allow the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the text. They include devices such as character, tone, and genre.

Literary techniques are devices that are used specifically by the writer to make their words come to life. They include devices such as metaphors, symbolism, and rhymes.

The Most Well-Known Literary Elements:

These literary elements are terms you may already be familiar with, and they’re a great way to dip your toes into literary device learning:

Voice: Voice is simply the way in which a writer portrays their words. Voice may be professional in a research paper, and heartfelt and funny in a letter to a loved one, for example.

Voice can also be written in either active or passive form. Active Voice is written as follows “He picked up the wrapper and threw it in the trash. Passive Voice would state “The piece of trash was picked up by the man and thrown into the trash. Active Voice is clear, and it is preferred in most writing circumstances.

Point of View: Point of View is a term that shares whose voice the words on the page are coming from. Here are some examples of point of view:

• First Person : The writer is telling the story to an audience. For example, “I am riding my bike to Jan’s house.”
• Second Person : The writer is telling the story to “you,” using the term “you” throughout the piece. For example, “I am riding my bike to your house.”
• Third Person : The writer is telling the story from an outside perspective, using names as well as the terms “he” and “she.” For example, “She is riding her bike to Jan’s house.”

Theme: The theme, in regards to writing, is the big idea behind a piece. A novel, for example, could tell a story of a young couple in the 1940’s and have a historical theme.

Structure: Structure is how writing is organized. Structure can organize written work in many ways, including chronologically, by cause and effect, by offering a problem then a solution, as well as many other ways (as long as they are logical and able to be understood by the writer and the reader).

Here are some common structures:

• Novel: A novel is a longer piece of fiction that has a distinctive form. Its structure includes an exposition (important information that needs to be told before the story can begin), a rising action ( a series of events that bring about feelings of interest and suspense), a climax (the big event or turning point in the story), a falling action (the action that follows the climax), and a resolution (the way the story ends).
• Novella: This is a piece of writing that is shorter than a novel, but longer than a short story. “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinback, is a well-known example of a novella.
• Short Story: Short Story still follows a polt, but it’s shorter than a novella. Fairy tales are often written in the form of short stories.
• Vignette: This is even shorter than a short story. It’s basically just a quick description of one happenstance. “House on Mango Street,” by Sandra Cisnreos is a popular vignette.

Style: Style is simply the way in which a writer expresses themself. There are four styles of writing, which are also literary elements:

• Expository: This is an informational writing style. Your research paper would take on this style, as would a news report.
• Narrative: This style tells a story, whether fiction or nonfiction. Examples include novels, autobiographies, and much, much more.
• Descriptive: This writing style engages the senses to draw the reader into a space that the writer creates. Many poems fall into this category.
• Persuasive: This writing style tried to persuade the reader to share the writer’s opinion. An article filled with heartfelt stories on the benefits that would come from raising the legal drinking age, for example, would be persuasive.

Audience: The audience is who you are writing to. For example, if you’re writing a young adult novel, your audience is adolescents. You’ll want to write with them in mind.

The Most Well-Known Literary Techniques:

This is another list of terms you may know, but this time they are literary techniques. These are simple, but they’ll once again transform your writing:

Simile: A simile compares one thing to another. For example, “you’re sweet like honey.”

Metaphor: A metaphor refers to one thing as something else. “You’re my knight in shining armor,” used to describe a normally dressed, non-knight boyfriend, is a commonly used example.

A metaphor can be extended , to drive in the point of the comparison. For example, “He’s the apple of my eye. He fell down from the branch in front of my eyes as I walked past the apple tree. I picked him up, and his crisp, clean look convinced me to keep him near. I only became more and more impressed to learn his beauty was more than peel-deep.” This cheesy metaphor is brought into a clearer image with descriptive language that continues throughout the following sentences.

Metaphors can also be implied , which means this object of comparison is understood, but not mentioned. For example, “She’s a good catch.” It’s clear the comparison is being made between the girl and a fish, yet fish are never actually mentioned.

Personification: Personification gives human-like tendencies to non-human or non-living objects. For example, “My running shoes stared at me from across the room, telling me it was time to wake up and get my morning jog in.”

Imagery: Imagery is a descriptive language that draws the reader in, so they’re able to feel, see, hear, and even smell what the writer is describing. An example would be “She picked a leaf from the tomato plant, hearing a soft crunch when the leaf broke off its stem and feeling the hair-like texture that covered it well.”

Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the beginning sounds of words throughout a sentence. “Sally sold seashells by the seashore” is a commonly used example of this literary technique.

Sentence-Related Literary Devices:

Did you know that types of sentences are considered literary devices? It’s because these types of sentences are formed in a way that serves a specific purpose:

Imperative Sentence:

Balanced Sentence: A balanced sentence has two parts, each of which are close to equal in regards to length. For example, “I want to go to the park, but it’s cold and raining right now.”

Cumulative Sentence: This type of sentence begins with the main clause, and ends with multiple more clauses or phrases that add to or change the main clause. For example, “We went to the store often, so often, in fact, that we started to dread the trip, and it became our least favorite place to go.”

Hypothetical Question: This sentence type asks a question that is based on opinions or assumptions instead of fact. An example would be, “You’re in a boat that’s starting to fill with water; do you jump out and swim to shore or do you attempt to mend the boat?”

Simple Paragraph: The simple paragraph isn’t quite a sentence, but it’s a simple writing form nonetheless. Simple paragraphs are written with a topic sentence at the beginning, support sentences in the middle, and a concluding sentence at the end. They’re used in almost all types of writing, making them an essential technique for all writers to learn.

The description above can be viewed as a simple paragraph example. Convenient, right?

Literary Devices by Genre:

First off, it’s important to note that “genre” itself is a literary device! It’s considered a literary element, to be exact. A genre is a category of writing, and can include drama, romance, humor, poetry, and more. Each genre is also considered a literary device, and each genre has many devices that are used within it.

This may seem a little bit like opening up a matryoshka doll, but it’s simpler than it sounds. Check out these literary devices organized by genre to gain a deeper understanding:

Fiction: Fiction is all about make-believe. It’s any written work that is not based on true events.

• Science Fiction: This is a type of fiction writing that’s based on future technological or scientific advances; think robots, aliens, time travel, etc.
• Drama: Drama is a fiction narrative that is written with a more serious tone. Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a great example of a drama piece.
• Melodrama: To understand this genre, think drama, but exaggerated. Soap Operas can be considered melodramas.
• Tragedy: This is a form of drama that brings suffering to center stage. Romeo and Juliet is the perfect example for the tragedy genre.
• Fantasy: This is a form of fiction that’s based around myths, legends, or supernatural activity; think The Lord of the Rings and the world created within its pages.
• Romance: Romance highlights love stories and ends with optimism. Nicholas Sparks novels are all about Romance.
• Comedy: Comedy is funny, amusing, and almost always has a happy ending. Comedy is a common genre for adolescent reads, though there are comedy pieces written for all ages.
• Tragicomedy: This is just what it sounds like – a mix between comedy and tragedy. It may be that the tragic events are so overdone that they are funny, or the story may end in an uplifting and goofy way. Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” is a tragicomedy.
• Tall Tale: A Tall Tale is written as if it’s true, but the events are so far-fetched that any reader would know they’re actually fake. The tales of Paul Bunyon and Johnny Appleseed are great ways to view into this genre.
• Fable: Fables are short stories that teach a lesson. They are often written with animals as characters. One well-known fable is “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
• Fairy Tale: Fairy Tales are creative stories filled with fascinating characters. They are usually written for children. Cinderella is Fairy Tale that almost everyone knows.
• Utopia: A Utopia is a story in which the characters live in a “perfect world.” Plato’s “Republic” is a well-known Utopia.
• Dystopia: A Dystopia is just the opposite; the characters live in an awful world. “The Hunger Games,” by Suzanne Collins are Dystopian novels.
• Satire: Satire is a genre that is meant to shame a person or organization. Satire is especially common in today’s web in the area of tearing down opposing politicians.
• Thriller: Thrillers are books that are meant to keep readers on their toes. Stephen King’s books are popular thrillers.
• Suspense: A Suspense story is similar to a thriller, but it keeps the reader in a state of anxiousness, eager for additional information. Murder mystery books fit into the Suspense genre.
• Parody: A Parody piece is similar to Satire, but it simply imitates another story instead of tearing it down. An example would be “Bored of the Rings,” by Henry Beard and Douglas Kenney. It’s not meant to bring “The Lord of the Rings” down, rather it’s a read that is built for humor and entertainment.

As fiction has plenty of subtypes, it also has a long list of literary devices that are often used within its genre. These literary devices play large roles in creating make-believe writing:

• Protagonist: The protagonist is the main character in a story. Harry Potter is the protagonist in the Harry Potter series.
• Antagonist: The antagonist is actively working against the protagonist. For example, Voldemort (or should we say “he who shall not be named?” is the antagonist in the Harry Potter books.
• Hero: The hero is another name that the main character in a story may be called, especially if they accomplish something great. Hamlet is the hero in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
• Anti-hero: This is a main character that just doesn;t have those hero-like characteristics. Lucifer in “Paradise Lost” is a strong example of an anti-hero in literature.
• Anti-climax: In an anti-climax, tension builds up to an event, but nothing major actually happens. For example, a woman forgets to shut the door to her home in a horror movie, causing the audience to feel suspense as they believe the evil character may sneak inside. Later on, though, the main character simply remembers to close and lock the door.
• Dialogue: This is where two or more characters talk between each other. Most novels are written with a large amount of dialogue.
• Monologue: Monologue is where only one character speaks for a fairly lengthy amount of time. King Henry V’s “St Crispin’s Day” Speech in Shakespeare’s “Henry V” is a well known example of a monologue.
• Character: A character is a person who appears in a work of fiction. Every fiction book you read is filled with characters (as well as many nonfiction books).
• Flat Character: Flat characters stay the same from the beginning of the story to the end. Usually, flat characters aren’t the main characters. They are smaller roles, such as the strict teacher or the loving mother, who do not grow or change throughout the book.
• Static Character: This is just another term that describes flat characters! See the above term for more information.
• Dynamic Character: A Dynamic Character grows and changes throughout the book. They learn from the challenges that they face throughout the pages of the book. Most main characters are dynamic.
• Round Character: This is once again the same as a dynamic character. It’s simply another term that holds the same meaning.
• Direct Character: This just means that an author explicitly explains who a character is. Their personality does not need to be found through the happenings in the book. For example, an author may state that the main character is young but wiser than their years may suggest. This characteristic would then be reinstated throughout the story.
• External Conflict: This type of conflict takes place between a character and an external force. For example, a man is in a plane crash and works to survive in the wilderness until help arrives.
• Internal Conflict: Internal conflict takes place within a character. This may be related to a decision a character has to make, or an important, internal opinion that changes throughout the book.
• Flashback: A flashback is a scene in a book that shares a glimpse into the past. For example, when a hero is fighting off a monster and they are growing weak, about to give up, they may have a flashback and remember a person they love telling them they are strong enough to accomplish anything. The strength they receive from reliving this flashback would help them to win the fight that is occuring in current time.
• Flash-Forward: A flash-forward gives the audience a glimpse of the future before it actually happens. The Scrooge visits in Chalres Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” are a perfect example of flash-forward scenes.
• Foreshadowing: This gives the reader a hint of what is to come. An example would be when Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother tells Little Red to “watch out for the wolf in the woods.”
• Frame Story: This is a story within a story. “Frankenstein,” by Mary Shelley has multiple frame stories.
• Narrator: This is a third-party voice that tells the story. “The Book Thief” is told from the perspective of a narrator.
• Plot: This is simply the name for the events that make up a story. Every work of fiction has a plot!
• Subplot: This is a smaller story that happens alongside the main story. A romantic relationship that occurs in an action-based book would be a subplot.
• Prologue: This is a chapter that provides an opening for a story, giving necessary background information. “The Book Thief,” by Markus Zusak has a prologue that introduces the narrator, for example.
• Epilogue: An epilogue is a chapter found at the end of a book that provides a conclusion, even though the actual story has already been finished. The Harry Potter series ends with an epilogue set nineteen years in the future, for example..

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• Setting: This is simply where the story takes place. It could be a city, a school, or within a character’s home.
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: This is something that is believed by a character to the point that they make it come true. Macbeth’s death was due to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
• Tragic Hero: A tragic hero does something that causes their own failure. Maybe their inability to ask others for help got them into a situation they couldn’t overcome on their own.
• Tragic Flaw: This is a trait that causes the main character to fail. For example, the character’s pride could get in the way of them winning a race.
• Cliffhanger: Some people hate them, and some people love them. A Cliffhanger is a story that ends without telling the audience what exactly happened. Every Harry Potter book ends with a cliffhanger.

Non-Fiction: Nonfiction is the opposite, so it’s based on true events. The types of nonfiction writing are listed below:

• Autobiography: An Autobiography is the written story of someone’s life, written by themselves. “The Diary of a Young Girl,” by Anne Frank, is a strong example of an autobiography.
• Biography: A Biography is the written story of someone’s life, written by someone other than them. Most biographies share the life story of famous people, such as authors, presidents, musicians, actors, etc.
• Memoir: A Memoir is a type of autobiography written about specific memories or events in a person’s life. One popular memoir is “The Glass Castle,” by Jeanette Walls.”

Play: A play is a written work meant to be performed in front of an audience. It tells a story through character dialogue. One common play is “Les Miserables.” Plays, once again, have some literary devices of their own:

• Dramatic Irony: In a play, dramatic irony is where the audience understands what is happening, but the characters do not. For example, the audience may see that a teacher is leaving lunch on the desk of a child who normally goes without, while the character of the child does not know where the food is coming from until later on in the story.
• Dramatic Monologue: A dramatic monologue is a speech made by a character often in a play though they can also occur in books, where the character tells a part of the story. Shakespeare’s works are filled with examples of these.
• Comic Relief: Comic relief is a funny moment or character that gives the audience a break from a serious matter. The nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” provides comic relief through her multiple jokes.

Poem: A poem is a form of written work filled with imagery that provokes emotion. Robert Frost is a well known poet. Poems have many literary devices, which you can learn more about below:

• Anapest: This describes two short, unstressed syllables followed by a long, stressed syllable. An example is “Welcome home.”
• Blank Verse: A Blank Verse is a line of a poem that does not use a rhyme. They are often written in Iambic Pentameter (a line of ten syllables, stressed syllables following unstressed syllables). Blank Verses appear often in works of Shakespeare.
• Ballad: This is a poem that tells a story through the use of short stanzas. It can also be set to music, similar to a song. Thomas Hardy’s “During WInd and Rain” is a popular ballad.
• Caesura: This refers to a pause in the middle of a line of poetry.

“The bird flew; his wings were black as night.”

• Canto: This is the name of a section of a long poem.
• Catalogue: This is a type of poem that is filled with many images.
• Cinquain: A Cinquain is a style of poem written with fines.
• Common Meter: This poem writing style uses lines that alternate between six and eight syllables, and follows the iambic (stressed syllable followed by unstressed syllable) pattern.
• Couplet: A Couplet is two lines of a poem that work together, often with a rhyme.
• Dactyl: This is one stressed syllable, and then two unstressed syllables. “Elephant” could be a dactyl, for example.
• End Rhyme: This is just what it sounds like, rhymes that appear at the end of lines.
• End Stopped Line: This is a line in a poem that ends with punctuation, to show the end of a segment or thought.
• Epic: This is a long, narrative poem that focuses on a specific heroic or brave person, often from historical times.
• Exact Rhyme: An exact rhyme uses two words with the same stressed vowel sound and the same ending sound. For example, ”cat” and “hat” are an exact rhyme.
• Eye Rhyme: This is a rhyme in regards to the way your eyes see the word. For example, “cow” and “tow.” The words look the same, but they do not rhyme when they are said aloud.
• Feminine Rhyme: This is a set of words that rhyme in both the stressed syllable and the unstressed syllable that follows. For example, “paper” and “taper” are feminine rhymes.
• Foot: This is one stressed syllable, followed by one or more unstressed syllable(s). A dactyl is one type of foot.
• Formal Verse: This is a piece of poetry that follows a specific meter. It could follow any of the meters in Poetry, for example. It could follow Iambic Pentameter.
• Free Verse: A free verse follows no meter or structure. It is written however the author wants it to be.
• Haiku: A Haiku is a poem that has three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven, and the third line has five once again. Here’s an example of a Haiku:

“I woke up at dawn

To the sound of many birds

They were flying near.”

• An example of a half rhyme is “pun” and “fume.”
• Hyperbaton: This term refers to the inversion of words. Yoda speaks with inversion, for example.
• Hyperbole: A hyperbole is exaggerated, and not necessarily true.

“I’ll walk one thousand miles just to be with you.”

• Hypophora: This is when a question is asked, and then answered right away.

“What day is it? The most beautiful day.”

• Hypotaxis: Hypotaxis is when a clause is subordinate to another clause.

“The moon was bright, lighting up the sky.”

• Imab: This refers to a short, stressed syllable followed by a long, unstressed syllable. “Attack” is an example of an iamb.
• Internal Rhyme: Two words that rhyme because of their middle segments are internal rhymes. “Together forever” is an example of this type of rhyme.
• Innuendo: This is a slightly sneaky, often inappropriate, hint.
• Limerick: A limerick is a funny poem with five lines. One popular limerick is “Hickory Dickory Dock.”
• Line Break: This is when a line of a poem ends with punctuation.

“The sun was warming the ground

“Making the early morning dew dry up.”

• Lyric Poem: This is a style of poem that expresses emotion. Edmund Waller’s “Go, Lovely Rose” is an example of a lyric poem.
• Meter: Meter is the pattern of syllables that makes up a poem. Iambic Pentameter is a common example.
• Narrative Poem: This is a type of poem that tells a story. Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is a well known example.
• Onomatopoeia: An onomatopoeia is a word that describes a sound. “Click,” “Plop,” “Sizzle” are all examples of this term.
• Octave: An octave is a set of eight lines in a poem. It can make up a poem alone, or it can be a piece of a longer work.
• Ode: An ode is a lyric poem written to a person or a thing and filled with emotion. John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale” is a popular example.
• Poetic Justice: This describes the good characters winning and the bad characters losing. Most children’s stories, for example, have poetic justice.
• Quatrain: This is a stanza with four lines.
• Refrain: This is a line, often found at the end of stanzas, that is repeated throughout the poem.
• Rhyme: A rhyme is made up of two words that have similar sounds. For example, “ball” and “tall” are rhymes.
• Rhyme Scheme: This is the pattern in which rhymes are placed throughout a poem.
• Riddle: A riddle is a short, beautifully written question, that is asked as a type of game.

“What has to be broken before being used?”

• Sestet: A sestet is the last six lines in a type of poem called a sonnet.
• Slant Rhyme: Slant rhymes are similar, but they do not sound exactly the same. An example could be “orange” and “porridge.”
• Sonnet: A sonnet is a poem made up of fourteen lines. It can use any type of rhyme scheme. Shakespeare wrote many sonnets.
• Stanza: A Stanza is a set of lines in a poem that is grouped together.
• Tercet: This is three lines of a poem that often rhyme.

“I chased the cat

I swung the bat

I wore a hat.”

• Trochaic: This is a poetry meter that is made up of Trochees , or stressed syllables followed by unstressed syllables.

Prose: Prose is a form of writing that has no formal structure. Everyday language is technically even spoken in prose.

Proverb: Proverbs are simple statements that share truth, whether it be based on life experience or spiritual beliefs. A common proverb is “Once bitten, twice shy.”

Folklore: Folklore is a genre that encompasses fictional stories, songs, and more, specifically related to a culture and its history. Fairy tales, tall tales, myths, and legends can all be considered folklore.

Myth: A myth is a story, typically an origin tale, that often involves gods or other supernatural beings. Greek Mythology and the stories within it are strong examples.

Legend: A legend is a story that is told as if it were true. It typically takes place in the distant past, and it has a lesson or value behind it.The story of the Loch Ness Monster is an example of a legend.

Essay: An essay is a short piece of prose writing that focuses on a specific topic. School assignments are great examples of essays. Here are some literary devices that are found within essays:

• Main Idea: The main idea is the purpose behind a piece. For example, the main idea of this piece is literary devices.
• Transition: A transition smooths the movement from one topic to the next. For example, If you’re talking about the history of dogs and you need to move into speaking about dogs in current times, your transition could state “The history of dogs is rich and fascinating, but the present world of dogs has even more to offer.”
• Thesis: The thesis is the statement sentence that shares what the rest of the essay will discuss or prove. For example, a paper about the dangers of drinking and driving could state “Drinking and driving is dangerous because it puts both yourself and others at risk.” The rest of the essay would then go on to prove those two statements.
• Argument: An argument is the presentation of opposing or opinion-based views. FOr example, you may state “The death penalty should not exist.” The rest of your essay would back up why you hold the beliefs that are presented in your argument.

Critique: A Critique is a form of writing that reviews something, such as a movie, restaurant, or piece of art. When you look at the reviews for a new movie in theatres, you’re likely reading a critique.

More Literary Devices to Explore:

Knowing the most common literary devices is one thing, but knowing ones that aren’t often used can set your writing apart. Here’s a list of every other literary device for you to explore (and add to your future writing projects):

• Allegory: An allegory is a story that has a deeper meaning buried within it, often regarding real-world events. Animal Farm by George Orwen is an allegory.
• Allusion: An Allusion is a brief way to bring something up without actually saying it. For example, stating someone is acting like “Eeyore” would be an allusion toward them feeling down and depressed.
• An example could be “I saw a dog in a blue dress.” Was the dog wearing the blue dress, or were you?
• Amplification: Amplification is simply adding onto a point or sentence. For example, “Biking is great exercise” can be amplified by stating “Biking is an excellent workout for your entire body, from the cardio work that benefits your heart and lungs to the lower body movements that strengthen your muscles.
• Analogy: An analogy is a descriptive tool that compares one thing to another. “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get” from “Forrest Gump” is a well-known analogy.
• Ad Hominem: Ad Hominem is a remark made against a person instead of an argument. It’s often found to be noncredible. An example would be stating that a person didn’t graduate high school and therefore their facts on global warming must be incorrect.
• Anachronism: An anachronism is a part of literature that is out of place or out of time when compared to the rest of the work. Anachronisms can be used to help the audience relate or to provide humor. An example would be placing cell phones in a story that occured in the nineteenth century.
• Anadiplosis: This is when a sentence endswith a specific word, and the next sentence begins with that same word. It’s often used to provide emphasis or style to a piece. For example, “Life is short. Short chunks of time are all we have to fill with memory and adventure.”
• Anagram: An anagram is a word that has the same exact letters as another word, but in a different order. An example would be “silent” and “listen.”
• Accumulation: Accumulation is when multiple similar terms or characteristics are listed to describe something. It works to provide emphasis. An example would be, “My kitten’s fur is as soft as the sky, as fuzzy as a peach, and as smooth as linen.”
• “ D irty paw prints fill the floor on muddy days. O ver all the furniture you’ll find little strands of fun. G reater than these issues, though, is the love my sweet pet gives back to me.”
• Adage: An Adage is a short saying that is regarded as truth throughout society. An example is “Many hands make light work.”
• Anacoluthon: This is a term for an interrupted sentence. These can be used as literary tools, but you may notice them more often in everyday life: “I need to stop by the store to get- Wait, did you send me the recipe we need for dinner tonight?”
• Anagnorisis: This is a term that describes the moment in a story when a character discovers truth, whether it be who they are or what is happening. It leads to the resolution of the conflict. Almost every story written today contains this moment; you just may need to search for it!
• “I’m so hungry I could eat a whole elephant.”
• “It was cold. It was dark. It was time to go home.”
• Anecdote: This is a short story that shares a point, and also often makes the audience laugh. It could be any story within a story, or relating to a topic being discussed.
• Anthimeria: This is simply trading one term for another. For example, in the phrase “Let’s hop to it,” “hop to it” means to go or get started on a task.
• Antanaclasis: This is when a term is repeated, but with a different meaning each time. It is often used in humor. “Othello” by Shakespeare has an antanaclasis that states “Put out the light, then put out the light.” The first term means blowing out a candle and the second means ending someone’s life.
• Antecedent: This is a word in a sentence that can later be replaced by a pronoun. For example, “Mary flew a kite. She thought it was a lot of fun.” In this case, “Mary” is the antecedent as the name is later replaced by the word “she.”
• Anthology: This is a collection of works that make up a single piece. For example, a book made up of poems could be referred to as an anthology.
• Anthropomorphism: This means giving human-like characteristics to nonhuman things. “The Little Engine that Could” is a great example.
• Antimetabole: This is when something is repeated, but backwards. For example, “Cats love dogs. Dogs love cats.”
• Antithesis: This is basically a fancy term for two contrasting phrases that work together. An example would be when man landed on the moon and the saying “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” came to be.
• “Sardines on a birthday cake– delicious.”
• “It’s time to go to school. Every child needs to go to school.”
• “The simplest questions are the hardest to answer.”
• Aporia: This is an expression of doubt. For example, “How am I supposed to do this without you?”
• Apostrophe: This is when writing turns from addressing one audience to address something else. For example, a character could turn to their green pasture and state “You look beautiful today.”
• Aposiopesis: This is when someone stops speaking mid sentence, whether it be out of passion, fear, or an unwillingness to keep talking. For example, “I’m going to take what’s mine and–” The sentence ends abruptly, and the ending is left for the audience to guess.
• “My doggy, Mr. Fluffy, is playing in the backyard.
• Archaism: This is the use of an old-fashioned word. An example would be writing with the word “Thou” in today’s time.
• Archetype: This is something, whether it be a character, action, or setting, that represents a universal pattern. There are many different archetypes, a well known one is the “Scapegoat.”
• Aside: This is when a character speaks, but their words are only heard by the audience. The other characters are not aware of them. These are often present in plays.
• Assertion: This is a statement that represents a strong belief, whether it is true or not. For example, “I will not let her go to the office” could be said by a student who believes their friend is not guilty of what the teacher accuses.
• Assonance: This is when similar, but non-rhyming vowel sounds are used. “A pot of rocks” is an example of assonance.
• Asyndeton: This is a sentence with missing words, written in a style that emphasizes the meaning. Julius Caesar’s “I came, I played, I conquered” is an example of this.
• Atmosphere: This is the feelings the writer wants the reader to experience. For example, authors of thriller books want their readers to feel suspense.
• Attitude: This is the tone a writer uses toward certain subjects. For example, a positive attitude could be expressed toward rescuing shelter dogs in a story about a rescued pet.
• Auditory image: This expresses through words something that is typically heard. For example, “The metal bowl and wooden spoon clanged together, making piercing, yet somewhat beautiful music.”
• Bandwagon: This is a tool used in persuasive writing that suggests because the greater audience believes something, the reader should believe it as well. It’s the written version of the “Everyone else is doing it” argument.
• Bathos: This term refers to deep, expressive, and emotion-filled writing. It’s commonly found in poetry.
• Bias: Bias is an undue favor (or unfavor) to a topic or group of people. It’s typically something you want to avoid when writing.
• Bildungsroman: This is another term for a coming-of-age novel, and follows the story of the main character from adolescence into adulthood. Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a popular example.
• Black humor: This is when a subject that is normally “off limits” is talked about with a bit of humor.
• Cacophony: This is when multiple loud, harsh-sounding words are used. Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass” contains a lot of cacophony.
• Cadence: This is the rhythm or beat a piece of writing follows. It’s mostly found in poetry, though it can be used as a stylistic tool in any type of writing.
• Catastrophe: This is another word for a huge disaster. “Romeo and Juliet” is a catastrophe-based story.
• Catharsis: This is the use of large, often negative, emotions in literature to help readers deal with the same feelings in their everyday life. The tragedy genre is often considered to be catharsis.
• Chiasmus: This term describes two phrases that are similar, but reversed.

“We ate all of our dinner. It’s entirety, we consumed.”

• Circumlocution: This simply means unneeded words. For example, “Mean people who want to hurt others are not welcome.” In this sentence, the words “who want to hurt others” are unnecessary.
• Claim: This is the point the writer is trying to make. In an essay meant to persuade readers to vote, the point would be the importance of participating in elections.
• Cliche: This is a phrase that is overused, and therefore has turned a bit cheesy.

“Actions speak louder than words.”

• “Let’s go! Let’s catch up! We can win this race!”
• Coherence: This term means logical and consistent. This is an important tool to use when trying to prove a point.
• Colloquialism: These are phrases that are used in a specific area. “Y’all” is a colloquialism used in the Southern part of the United States.
• Comparatives: This is an area that looks into the differences between literature in various countries. For example, it may compare American and British literature.
• Conceit: A conceit is a comparison that is made between two very different things. For example, “Friendship is like slipping on a banana peel.”
• Concession: A concession is a sentence that admits not everyone agrees with your thesis and provides a few reasons why, but then goes on to show why they should change their minds and side with you. For example, “I know not everyone likes summer because it’s hot and humid, but the daily sunshine and the life that sprouts all around us are things no one should take for granted.”
• Connotation: This term related to the feeling a word has behind it, whether it be positive or negative. For example, a toddler digging through the kitchen cupboards could be called “mischievous” with a negative connotation, or “curious” with a positive connotation.
• Consonance: This is when consonant sounds are repeated. For example, “The b irds in the b lue sky b ounced all around.”
• Context: Context is the background or details surrounding a word that affect its meaning. For example, a word may have one meaning in a research paper and a different meaning in a romance novel. The reader uncovers what the writer means by using context.
• Contrast: This is the use of opposites in writing. It may be opposite characters, for example, that emphasize each other’s characteristics by use of contrast.
• Denotation: Words have many meanings. Denotation refers to the literal meaning. For example, blue is a color (not another term for sadness).
• Denouement: This is basically how a story ends. For example, it’s the conclusion of events that take place in a novel.
• Deus ex machina: This is when an unfixable problem in a story is solved by a very unexpected twist. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a good example, when Charlie’s financial situation is fixed by him inheriting Wonka’s factory.
• Diacope: This is a phrase that is repeated with words in between. For example, “To be or not to be.”
• Diction: This is the way words are chosen, in hopes of them fitting into a specific style. Many famous, historical novels provide excellent diction examples.
• Diatribe: This is a harsh form of writing that is meant to bring something down. Joseph COnrad’s “Heart of Darkness” is an example of diatribe.
• Dichotomy: This is when something is broken into two different parts. For example, good and evil.
• Didacticism: This is a form of writing that teaches something. “How to” articles are a great example.
• Digression: This is when a writer begins talking about something that is off-topic for an amount of time. It’s a common occurrence in storytelling.
• Dilemma: A dilemma occurs when a character needs to make a choice between two good (or bad) things. An example may be choosing to help their friend pass a class, or avoiding the act of cheating on an assignment.
• Discourse: This is a formal type of writing that often conveys important information. They are common in educational work.
• Dissonance: This is the use of harsh-sounding words in poetry. It’s similar to cacophony.
• Distortion: Distortion is when something is twisted and turned to represent something other than what it actually is. An example would be when someone exaggerates the truth to the point that it is false.
• Doppelgänger: This is a fictional character that looks extremely similar to the protagonist.
• Double entendre: This is a term or phrase that can be interpreted in two different ways. They are often used in comedy.
• Dysphemism: This is when negative terms are used instead of positive terms. For example, a dysphemism would be calling a rollercoaster a “death trap.”
• Elegy: This is a type of poem that honors a person who has died. They are commonly written for famous people or historical people who have made an impact on the writer.
• Elision: An elision is when some sounds are removed from words or phrases. “Tis” used in place of “it is” is an elision.
• Ellipsis: An ellipsis is the three dots that are used when a word or phrase is removed from a sentence. For example, “I love you because… and I will continue to love you forever.” The three dots are replacing the reasons behind the love to shorten the sentence and show the main point.
• Enjambment: This is when a thought or phrase in poetry runs from one line to the next.

“The green grass grows

And covers the entire field.”

• Enthymeme: This is an argument that is written logically, but with an implied conclusion. For example, “I had a bad sandwich at her house last week, so all of her meals must be bad.”
• Enumeration: An enumeration is a complete list within a work of literature. It could be a set of steps in a “How To” article, for example.
• Epanalepsis: This is when a word or phrase is used at the beginning and the end of a sentence.

“Cats are magnificent creatures and no creature is as great as cats.”

• Epiphany: This is a sudden idea or insight a character has. It’s the “lightbulb” moment in literature.
• Epiphora: This is when a word is repeated in nearby segments of text. For example, “I have a banana, you have a banana, and Tom has a banana.”
• Epistle: This is a long, formal letter. Epistles are common in the Bible.
• Epigram: An epigram is an idea that is stated in a quick, clever fashion.

“True friends stab you in the front.” -Oscar Wilde

• Epigraph: An epigraph is a short bit of writing (written by someone else) placed at the top of a piece. Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” begins with an epigraph.
• Epistrophe: This is the repetition of words at the end of sentences. For example, “The sky’s awake. I am awake.”
• Epitaph: This is a short poem written about a friend after they die. They are sometimes engraved on tombstones.
• Epithet: This is a tool used to describe an object or a character. In Alexander the Great’s name, for example, “the Great” is an epithet.
• Eponym: An eponym is something that is named after a person (or referred to in a certain way because of that person). For example, John Hancock is another name for signature.
• Epizeuxis: This is simply another word for diacope, which is explained above.
• Eristic: When an author writes about a heated topic without actually trying to solve the issue at hand, it’s referred to as Eristis. It’s considered a form of debate.
• Ethos: This is a way to make the audience trust the writer by showing credibility and ethical behavior. For example, a persuasive essay on why it’s important to not text and drive has more meaning when it’s written by a former police officer who had to report to all of the texting and driving accidents.
• Euphemism: This is a nicer way to say something that’s hard to talk about. “He who shall not be named” is a euphemism for Voldemort in “Harry Potter.”
• Euphony: Euphony is writing that is made up of pleasant sounds. It is common in poetry.
• Evidence: Evidence is required in argumentative essays to prove the point the writer is trying to make. If the writer states that zoos should not exist, their evidence needs to show the downsides of zoos in regards to animals.
• Exaggeration: This is when something is described as more than it really was. For example, “I saw the biggest dog in the world today.”
• Exemplum: This proves the point of a story. For example, the exemplum in fables is the lesson the story brings to light.
• Expletive: An expletive is an unnecessary word (or words) that take up space in a sentence. For example, “it is” in the sentence “It is time to go to the movies.” The words aren’t needed to understand what is being said.
• Explication: This is a short write up that explains the meaning of a work. For example, an explication of a poem wouldn’t mention how the piece was written, it would only explain the meaning it holds.
• Fallacy: This is an incorrect or illogical statement that makes an argument invalid. The ad hominem is an example of a fallacy.
• Farce: This is a type of comedy that is written solely for entertainment and humor. The movie “Home Alone” is a good example.
• Figurative Language: This is language that is used in a non-literal sense. Metaphors and similes are types of figurative language.
• Figure of Speech: A figure of speech has a second meaning, beside its literal meaning. “Falling in love” is a well known example of a figure of speech.
• Foil: This is when a good character is presented as an evil character. Mercutio is a foil in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
• Hamartia: This is simply another term for Tragic Flaw.
• Hubris: This is another word for pride in a literary character. It is a common tragic flaw.
• Idiom: This is a saying that does not stand for its literal meaning. For example, “Stop bugging me” has nothing to do with bugs.
• In Medias Res: This is when a story starts in the middle, because the audience already knows what happened beforehand. An example is Homer’s “The Iliad.”
• Inciting incident: This is when the action begins in a story. In fiction, it’s followed by the rising action.
• Induction: Induction is when a reader finds a fact and draws a conclusion from it. That conclusion may be right or wrong. Induction happens all the time throughout the process of reading. A writer may use this knowledge to add surprises into the text.
• Inference: This is when opinions are formed based on a set of observations. A writer can supply facts to guide the reader toward a certain inference.
• Intertextuality: Intertextuality is when one text is shaped by another. William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” is shaped by Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” for example.
• Inversion: This is when words are revered. Yoda speaks in an inverted fashion.
• Irony: Irony is an extremely unexpected occurrence or something has the opposite meaning than what would be expected. An example would be a fire station burning down.
• “I want to go to the park, because it is a beautiful day and because the sun is shining bright.”
• Jargon: Jargon is a set of words with meanings that are only understood by a specific group of people. Lawyers have a large amount of legal jargon.
• Juxtaposition: This is when two characters or phrases are placed together for comparison. For example, “When it rains, it pours.”
• Kenning: This is a metaphor that combines two words. An example would be a bookworm.
• Kinesthesia: This is imagery, typically found in poetry, that describes a bodily movement such as a heartbeat or running legs.
• Lampoon: A lampoon is basically a way to make fun of something. Satire and sarcasm are types of lampoons.
• Litotes: This means to understate something in a funny way. For example, if a person got into a car accident on their way to work, they could say “Well this is not the best morning I’ve ever had.”
• Logos: This is just another term for logic, and it’s especially important in argumentative writing. Including statistics in a report is a type of logos.
• Malapropism: This is when a word that sounds right, but is completely wrong, is used to confuse the reader (or to make them laugh).

“She went to expensive measures to keep her son safe.”

• Maxim: These are clever sayings that share truths of life. An example is “Opposites attract.”
• Meiosis: This term refers to downplaying something. An example could be calling a psychiatrist a “shrink,” and therefore diminishing the important work they do.
• Metalepsis: Metalepsis is when something is described by using a similar, yet unrelated term. An example would be calling something good by stating “It wasn’t bad.”
• Metaphysical: This is a complex and bold form of poetry that is said to be outside the realm of human understanding. It was commonly written during the seventeenth century.
• Metonymy: This is when something is referred to with a closely related term. For example, “heart” often refers to “love.”
• Mood: The mood refers to the emotions that are evoked by a piece of writing. It can be affected by setting, character, plot, and more. One mood written works can have is uplifting.
• Moral: This is the lesson that is meant to be learned by a story. For example, the moral of “The Tortoise and the Hare” is “slow and steady wins the race.”
• Motif: This is an image or idea that occurs throughout a written work that adds to the theme. For example, the spring season could represent new life.
• Motivation: This is the reason behind a character’s actions. It can be intrinsic (within the character) or extrinsic (an outside force). An example would be a student who wants to pass high school to get a better job than her parents had throughout her childhood.
• Nemesis: The nemesis is an evil character who works against the protagonist. An example would be Ursula in “The Little Mermaid.”
• Neologism: This is a term that basically means “a made up word.” “Selfie” is a neologism for a picture of yourself.
• Non Sequitur: This is a sentence or statement that does not make logical sense. It’s often used for comedic purposes.

“I saw a cat today, so I’ll likely win the lottery tomorrow.”

• Nostalgia: This is a description of the past, and can bring back either feelings of pleasure or feelings of pain. The famous beginning of Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” is an example of nostalgia.
• Omniscient: In literature, an omniscient view can see the thoughts of every character. Many novels are written from this point of view.
• Ordinal Number: These are number terms such as first, second, third, and so on. They can be used to organize thoughts or books in a series.
• Overstatement: An overstatement is describing something as more than it was. For example, someone who found a dollar on the ground could say “I had the best day of my life today!”
• Oxymoron: This is when two words or phrases with opposite meaning are used together. “Good pain” could be considered an oxymoron.
• Pacing: This is how a writer controls the speed of a story. It can be told quickly, or it can be more drawn out.
• Palindrome: This is a word that backward or forward, spells the same. An example is “racecar.”
• Paradox: A paradox is a sentence that cannot be true, but it also cannot be false.

“This sentence is a lie.”

• Paralipsis: This refers to the act of purposely leaving information out. It is commonly used in political speeches.
• Parallel structure: This is a sentence that is made up equally in regards to grammar.

“We went outside, rode our bikes, drew with chalk, and ate a snack.”

• Paraphrase: This is taking someone else’s writing and putting it in your own words.

“Tigers are elegant creatures with their orange and black stripes.”

“The black and orange stripes that tigers have make them beautiful.”

• Paraprosdokian: This term describes a surprise ending to a sentence. For example, “I had two pets named Fred, one was a dog and the other was my husband.”
• “The horse galloped and jumped and bucked and played.”
• Parenthesis: This is an explanatory word or phrase that’s inserted into a text (and placed inside of parenthesis). Did you spot the example right in the definition?
• Paronomasia: This is a funny play on words. They are found often throughout the work of Shakespeare.
• Parrhesia: This is another term for free speech, often expressing the opinion of the author. George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” contains plenty of this.
• Pastiche: This is a type of writing that imitates the work of someone else. An example would be trying to write in a Shakespearian style.
• Pathos: This gets the emotions of the reader involved. Bringing up how farm animals are treated by large corporations, for example, would be an effective use of pathos in an argument for supporting local farmers.
• Periphrasis: Periphrasis is just an indirect way of speaking. For example, stating “The bowl of water that belongs to the dog” instead of “The dog’s water bowl.”
• Persona: The persona is who is thought to be speaking in a written work. For example, the writer could take on an educational voice to create a fitting persona for a research paper.
• Perspective: This describes who is telling the story. Some examples include first person, second person, and third person.
• Pleonasm: Thi is when something is described with more than the amount of necessary descriptive terms. For example, “I saw it this morning at the beginning of the day.”
• Polyptoton: This is when words with the same root are repeated. For example, “My lover is looking lovely today.”
• Polysyndeton: This style of writing uses multiple conjunctions. “We went to the bank and the store and the restaurant and the mall.”
• Portmanteau: This is when two words are combined to create a new word. A popular portmanteau is “hangry.”
• “Many people believe it is okay to text and drive, but it is one of the most dangerous things you can do.”
• Propaganda: Propaganda publicly shares a specific opinion. “Animal Farm” is propaganda.
• Prosody: Prosody is the attitude that gives a phrase the correct meaning. For example, if someone says “I had a wonderful day,” prosody would determine whether that statement was true or sarcastic.
• Prosthesis: This is when a syllable is added to the beginning of a word. For example, “She went a-walkin’.”
• Pun: A pun is a funny type of word play. An example could be “Horses are stable animals.”
• Realism: This is a writing style that represents real life. As long as a book has nothing make-believe in it, it’s likely realism.
• Rebuttal: This is when a writer breaks down the opposing argument. For example, in a piece that states truancy is too harshly enforced, the writer could look at countries with less truancy punishments and show they have better attendance rates.
• Red Herring: This is when a writer avoids an argument or negative subject by bringing up something completely unrelated. It is once again common in political pieces.
• Reductio Ad Absurdum: This is another term for argumentative essays, where the writer breaks down the opposing view to the point no one could possibly believe it.
• Repetition: Repetition is repeating a word or phrase for emphasis. For example, The strong wind blew over the table, and the strong wind knocked down a tree.”
• Rhetorical Devices: Rhetoric is using literature for a variety of purposes, including bringing about emotions or proving a point. Most literary techniques can be considered rhetorical devices.
• Sarcasm: This is when something is said one way, but has the opposite meaning. Stating “It’s a beautiful day” during a giant storm is an example of sarcasm.
• Semantic: Semantic is the thought that words can be used in many ways other than to represent their literal meaning. Semantics show that “heart” can be a human organ, and it can be something that represents love.
• Sensory Language: This connects the reader to a story through the use of the five senses. It may include terms that explain sounds or feelings, for example.
• Sesquipedalian: This term refers to the use of extremely long words. It can include the use of any ridiculous words or phrases.
• Sestine: This is a type of poem with six, six-line stanzas followed by one three-line stanza. An example is Elizabeht Bishop’s “A Miracle for Breakfast.”
• Sibilance: Sibilance is the repeated use of “hissing” sounds. “Sally sold seashells by the seashore” could be a sibilance.
• Situational Irony: This is when something extremely unexpected (and often funny) happens. An example would be a teacher forgetting to do their homework.
• Slang: These are made-up words that have been accepted and are understood by society. “BAE” is a slang word that means “before anyone else,” or babe, that is often used today.”
• Snark: Snark is made up of quick, unkind comments. Saying “Nice catch” when someone drops a football would be an example of snark.
• Soliloquy: This is when a character speaks to themselves. Soliloquies are often found in plays.
• Sound Devices: These create a specific sound in writing, and specifically in poetry. Rhymes are the most common sound device.
• Spondee: A spondee is two stressed syllables. An example could be “Schoolyard.”
• Straw Man: This is when an argument goes after the most extreme point of view instead of what the other person actually thinks. An example would be arguing with someone on lowering the legal drinking age, and state they want more alcoholics in the world.
• Stream of Consciousness: This is a writing style that follows the thoughts in the author’s mind. Virginia Woolf’s works are great examples of this style.
• Subjective: Subjective means opinion-based. A subjective topic example is “What is the best color in the rainbow?”
• Superlative: Superlatives are words that add “-est” onto an adverb or adjective. “Happiest” is an example of a superlative.
• Surrealism: Surrealism is work that is almost dreamlike. It is full of descriptive imagery. Salvador Dahli’s work is a great example.
• Symbolism: Symbolism is when one object holds the meaning of something larger. A necklace given to a character by her lover could be a symbol of his commitment and love.
• Syncope: This is a term that represents a shortened word. For example, the syncope for “You all” is “Y’all.”
• Synecdoche: This is a saying in which a piece of something represents the whole thing. A good example is “All hands on deck.” WHen this phrase is used, they are not just asking for hands, they are asking for the help of the people.
• Synesis: This is a type of phrase where the technical rules of grammar are let go to allow something that still makes sense. Mark Twain’s novels use synesis.
• Synesthesia: This is when something is being described with characteristics of something else. A simile is a great example of synesthesia.
• Syntax: This term refers to how words are arranged in a sentence.
• Tautology: Tautology is when a meaning is repeated through a seemingly unnecessary word. For example, “Cold snow.” We already know that snow is cold, so using the adjective to describe it isn’t really necessary.
• Tmesis: This cuts a word or phrase into two different parts. “Fan-freaking-tastic” is a slang version of a tmesis.
• Tricolon: This means three words or phrases that are parallel.

“Eat, Pray, Love.”

• Trope: This is a broad term that describes something in a way that is not literal. A metaphor is a type of trope.
• Truism: This is a statement that is based on a fact, so it does not need to be proven. For example, “Water is wet.”
• Understatement: This is when something is downplayed. Saying “I had a decent race” when you won the state championship would be an example of an understatement.
• Undertone: This is an implied attitude that lies at the surface of a piece. For example, an argumentative essay on the why the death penalty should not exist may have a depressing undertone.
• Verbal Irony: Verbal irony is when a character says one thing but means the opposite. They could say “I wish I was at home” while on the best vacation of their life.
• Villanelle: This is a specific type of poem with nineteen lines (five tercets, one quatrain, and one couplet). “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop is a great example.
• Verisimilitude: This is the process a writer uses to make their piece seem believable. For example, people in a certain country speak the native language, making it seem true that the characters are actually there.
• Vernacular: These are sets of words used by specific groups of people. Medical terms are vernacular for doctors and nurses.
• Volta: This is a switch in a written work. It could be a change in emotion or a switch to the other side of an argument. For example, a character may go from being happy that it’s snowing to being sad that school is cancelled for the day.
• Wit: Wit is a quick, well-thought-out, and funny way to respond to something. It is often used in comedy writing, or as comic relief.
• Zeugma: A Zeugma is a verb or an adjective that explains two different things. For example, “He threw away the assignment and his chance at passing the class.”
• Zoomorphism: This is when animal-like characteristics are given to people (or to anything that is not an animal).

“She ran with the speed of a cheetah.”

Conclusion: Literary Devices, Techniques, and Elements

The list of literary devices is long, and it’ll never be required of you to memorize them all.

The more you know, however, the more complexity and style you can add to your writing.

Take this list and work your way toward becoming the best writer you can possibly be.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of essay, common examples of essay, significance of essay in literature.

Many famous writers and thinkers have also written numerous examples of essays. For instance, the treatises of the philosophers Plutarch, Cicero, and Seneca are all early forms of essay writing. Essay writing might seem dull to school children, but in fact the form has become extremely popular, often converging with a type of writing called “creative non-fiction.” Authors are able to explore complex concepts through anecdote, evidence, and exploration. An author may want to persuade his or her audience to accept a central idea, or simply describe what he or she has experienced. Below you will find examples of essays from famous writers.

Examples of Essay in Literature

Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an essayist and poet who was a part of the Transcendentalist movement and who believed strongly in the importance of individualism and self-reliance. The above essay example, in fact, is titled “Self-Reliance,” and encourages human beings to trust themselves and strike out on their own.

Yet, because he was so small, and so simple a form of the energy that was rolling in at the open window and driving its way through so many narrow and intricate corridors in my own brain and in those of other human beings, there was something marvelous as well as pathetic about him. It was as if someone had taken a tiny bead of pure life and decking it as lightly as possible with down and feathers, had set it dancing and zig-zagging to show us the true nature of life. Thus displayed one could not get over the strangeness of it. One is apt to forget all about life, seeing it humped and bossed and garnished and cumbered so that it has to move with the greatest circumspection and dignity. Again, the thought of all that life might have been had he been born in any other shape caused one to view his simple activities with a kind of pity.

Here was I, the white man with his gun, standing in front of the unarmed native crowd — seemingly the leading actor of the piece; but in reality I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind. I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys. He becomes a sort of hollow, posing dummy, the conventionalized figure of a sahib. For it is the condition of his rule that he shall spend his life in trying to impress the ‘natives’, and so in every crisis he has got to do what the ‘natives’ expect of him. He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it. I had got to shoot the elephant. I had committed myself to doing it when I sent for the rifle. A sahib has got to act like a sahib; he has got to appear resolute, to know his own mind and do definite things. To come all that way, rifle in hand, with two thousand people marching at my heels, and then to trail feebly away, having done nothing — no, that was impossible. The crowd would laugh at me. And my whole life, every white man’s life in the East, was one long struggle not to be laughed at.

George Orwell’s marvelous essay “Shooting an Elephant” tells the story of when he was a police officer in Lower Burma and was asked to deal with an elephant wandering through a market. Orwell brilliantly extrapolates his role in shooting and killing the animal to the effects of Imperialism and the British Empire.

Not that it’s profound, but I’m struck, amid the pig’s screams and wheezes, by the fact that these agricultural pros do not see their stock as pets or friends. They are just in the agribusiness of weight and meat. They are unconnected, even at the fair’s self-consciously special occasion of connection. And why not?—even at the fair their products continue to drool and smell and scream, and the work goes on. I can imagine what they think of us, cooing at the swine: we fairgoers don’t have to deal with the business of breeding and feeding our meat; our meat simply materializes at the corn-dog stand, allowing us to separate our healthy appetites from fur and screams and rolling eyes. We tourists get to indulge our tender animal-rights feelings with our tummies full of bacon. I don’t know how keen these sullen farmers’ sense of irony is, but mine’s been honed East Coast keen, and I feel like a bit of an ass in the Swine Barn.

(“Ticket to the Fair” by David Foster Wallace)

Test Your Knowledge of Essay

3. Which of the following statements is true? A. Essays are found in many intellectual magazines. B. Essays are only used in school settings. C. Essays are always boring. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: A is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

Literary Devices

You have probably heard the term literary device when studying then English language especially if you are studying English literature. But the term covers a wide range of things so what exactly does it mean? In this article, we are going to be looking at the definition of the term literary device. We will then dive deeper into the subject and find out what some of the most commonly used literary devices are and how they work. We will do this by looking at some examples of them in action.

What Is A Literary Device?

A literary device is essentially a technique used by a writer which adds substance or an effect to the text they are writing. It is used to help the reader create a more detailed image of what is happening within the writing and is employed often in various types of written work. These can include works of fiction, poetry, song and non fiction pieces amongst others.

There are many different types of literary devices, some are used more often than others but each one has its own effect on the writing and is used in a specific way.

Types of Literary Devices

Figurative language.

Figurative language is the use of words or phrases that go beyond their literal meaning to convey a more profound or creative idea. This literary device is essential for creating vivid imagery and engaging the reader’s imagination. Some common examples of figurative language include:

• Metaphor:  A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”. For example, “Time is a thief.”
• Simile:  A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”. For example, “Her eyes shone like stars.”
• Personification :  Attributing human qualities or characteristics to non-human entities, such as animals or inanimate objects. For example, “The wind whispered through the trees.”
• Anthropomorphism:  The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, specifically animals. For example, a talking animal in a story.

Sound Devices

Sound devices are literary techniques that emphasize the auditory aspects of language, heightening the reader’s sensory experience. They often involve the repetition or arrangement of sounds within words, sentences, or phrases. Here are some common sound devices:

• Alliteration:  The repetition of initial consonant sounds in close proximity. For example, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
• Onomatopoeia:  Words that imitate the sound they represent, such as “buzz,” “hiss,” or “plop.”

Narrative Devices

Narrative devices are techniques used in storytelling and literature to structure and organize a story effectively. These devices can enhance the reader’s enjoyment and understanding by creating depth or intrigue. Some popular narrative devices include:

• Foreshadowing :  Hints or clues that suggest events that will occur later in the story.
• Flashback:  Interruptions in the narrative to reveal past events or provide background information.
• Symbolism :  The use of symbols, images, or objects to represent abstract ideas or deeper meanings.
• Allegory :  A story, poem, or image that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are techniques used by writers to persuade, inform, or entertain readers. They often involve the structure or arrangement of words in a sentence or phrase, emphasizing particular ideas or making the writing more impactful. Common rhetorical devices include:

• Repetition:  Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or to reinforce an idea.
• Parallelism :  The use of similar grammatical structures, words, or phrases to create balance and rhythm.
• Anaphora :  The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

By using a combination of these literary devices, writers can create compelling and engaging works that captivate and resonate with their readers.

Why Do Writers Use Literary Devices?

As we mentioned previously, a literary device is used to paint a picture for the reader. They can add an effect such as sarcasm, rhythm or detail to a piece of writing as well as creating many other effects which further pull the reader in.

They are a great way to assist the reader in gaining a deeper understanding of what is being said in the writing and are also used as a way to emphasise a point or to make it more clear. Many literary devices are put in place in order to convey certain information, especially if the writer wishes to do so in a more creative fashion, therefore making the text much more appealing and interesting to the reader.

Literary devices are an excellent way for writers to make their readers connect with the character within a story on a much more profound level and they can create a deeper meaning to these characters and their situations.

List of Literary Devices

When thinking about literary devices in the English language, you are confronted with a lot of them, all offering different ways to influence the text. However, there are some that are used more often than others, and in this section, we will be looking at some of the most commonly used literary devices, what they are used for and how we can apply them in writing.

Alliteration

One of the literary devices that you will see very frequently in writing is alliteration . This literary device is used to add rhythm by the use of repeated sounds at the beginning of adjacent words or words which are very close to one another in a sentence. Let’st take a look at some examples of how alliteration works.

• The callous cat clawed at the cow continually.
• She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
• Big bears bowl brashly through the bush.

A simile is a form of literary device which is used for comparison. They use the words like or as in order to make the comparison and are a very popular form of literary device, most famously used by William Shakespeare. Let’s now see some examples of how a simile would look.

• He was as high as a like.
• The siblings fight like cat and dog.
• The baby is as sweet as sugar.

Similar to the simile, a metaphor is used to make a comparison but rather than making a direct comparison, it does so indirectly. The metaphor makes a non literal comparison between two things which are not directly related. There are many examples of this literary device used throughout various texts, so let’s take a look at how it works.

• The singer is truly a shining star.
• She has a heart of stone.

This type of literary device is used to talk about something that may be construed as offensive and so the writer will use a variant on the wording in order to make what is being referred to, more palatable. Euphemism is another one of the literary devices which is closely associated with Shakespeare but is also used by many other writers. Let’s take a look at some examples of this.

• The dearly departed parents were sadly missed at Christmas – In this case the words dearly departed are used in place of the word dead, which sounds much more harsh.
• The couple, who had been together for six months, finally did the deed – In this example, the phrase did the deed is referencing sex which could be much more offensive to readers.

Anaphora is a form of literary device in which the writer uses a repeated phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences. The reason for doing this is to make a stronger point by using the repetition to almost drill the point into the readers mind. This form of literary device is often used in the writing of speeches, especially those designed to motivate or convince the audience. We are now going to look at some examples of how anaphora is used.

• Every day I wake. Every day I love. Every day I listen.
• My life is my aim. My life is my meaning. My life is my dream.

This is a very commonly used literary device which you are likely to come across in many texts when reading. Hyperbole is the used of a statement which is not meant to be seen as literal by the reader. It is used to emphasise something and to exaggerate something in order to stress the importance. Here are some examples of sentences which feature the use of hyperbole.

• My dad was so hungry that he could have eaten a horse.
• The traffic was terrible on the way to the beach, it took us a million years to get there.
• Have you seen the weather today? It’s raining cats and dogs out there!

Irony comes in various forms and is often used in literature to express a meaning opposite to the one which is being construed. The three types of irony are verbal irony in which someone says something but in reality, means the opposite, situational irony in which an event occurs which was the complete opposite of what was expected to happen and dramatic irony where the reader is aware of a situation that the character is not and therefore see the characters behaviour in a different light. Let’s take a look at an example of each of these.

• Bill and Mary had been waiting for what seemed like a lifetime, in the rain, for the shop to open its doors. “ What lovely weather to be outside in ” exclaimed Mary, who was wet through – This is verbal irony as Mary has made a statement when she actually means the opposite.
• The firefighter went out for tea and cakes and while they were away, the fire station burned to the ground – This is situational irony as the burning down on a building which is usually full of people who put out fires, is something which is not expected.
• The audience are aware the the main character in a book is being cheated on by his wife who is planning to leave him, but this character is currently arranging a romantic weekend away for the two of them. This is dramatic irony as the audience knows that the characters efforts are wasted.

Onomatopoeia

Out of all the literary devices, this is one which you will see a lot more than you first realise. Onomatopoeia is a literary device which uses words to describe a sound, and these words actually sound like what they are describing. There are many examples of this literary device being used in written works, let’s take a look at some of the things you might see.

• The wind whispered through the woods.
• My dog barked and snarled at the burglar.
• I screamed when I saw the spider.

An oxymoron is a literary device which uses two words to make a phrase which comes across as contradictory. This type of literary device is usually used for a humorous effect but also in order to put an emphasis on what is being said, by grabbing the readers attention with the contradiction. Here are some examples of how oxymoron can be used.

• My friend is a lovely woman but she is pretty ugly when it comes to looks.
• There was a tension in the room and nobody spoke, there was a deafening silence as I waited for someone to say something.

Synecdoche is a literary device which uses a part of something to refer to the whole. It is used to give a more descriptive picture of what is going on. Let’s look at some examples of synecdoche being used.

• My brother had a big win on the lottery and his first priority was to buy some new wheels – In this example, new wheels is used to make reference to a car.
• The office was full of suits, all there to make an executive decision – In this case, the word suits is used to talk about businessmen.

An allegory is a story or poem in which characters, settings, and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. This device helps writers convey complex ideas through symbolism and metaphor.

Flashbacks are interruptions in a narrative that reveal events that have taken place in the past. They help provide context and background information, often deepening the reader’s understanding of a character’s motivation or history.

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is the hinting at what is to come later in a story. This device can create suspense, tension, or add dramatic irony to a narrative.

Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental images for the reader. It can appeal to any of the five senses and is often used to evoke emotions or memories.

Personification

Personification is the attribution of human qualities, emotions, or characteristics to non-human objects or abstract concepts. This technique can help writers create vivid, relatable imagery and evoke a greater emotional response from the reader.

Literary Devices in Famous Works

George orwell’s animal farm.

In George Orwell’s classic novel,  Animal Farm , various literary devices such as allegory, symbolism, and euphemisms are effectively used to convey the author’s message. The story itself is an allegory, where the animals on a farm represent different social and political groups during the Russian Revolution and Stalin’s rise to power. This allows Orwell to critique a specific time period and regime, while maintaining a broader perspective applicable to other situations.

Symbolism plays a significant role in  Animal Farm , with different characters and items representing particular concepts. For example, the windmill symbolizes industrialization and modernization, while the various animals represent the working class (e.g., Boxer the horse), clergy (e.g., Moses the raven), and ruling class (e.g., Napoleon the pig), among others.

Orwell also uses precise diction and a concise style to establish a memorable reading experience. His choice of contrasting language emphasizes the difference between what the pigs promise and the reality the animals face. Euphemisms are employed to soften the harshness of certain truths, such as “readjustment” in reference to food ration reductions.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet

In Shakespeare’s  Hamlet , significant literary elements and devices are utilized to heighten the drama and explore complex themes. The play is set in the kingdom of Denmark and revolves around the protagonist, Hamlet, who grapples with grief, revenge, and existential questions following his father’s death.

Diction and contrasts are pivotal in  Hamlet , with the playwright employing rich and varied language to express the characters’ inner turmoil and dilemmas. Furthermore, Shakespeare skillfully uses soliloquies to provide the audience with an intimate perspective on Hamlet’s thoughts, feelings, and motives.

Supernatural elements, such as the ghost of King Hamlet, imbue the play with a spiritual dimension, raising questions about life, death, and the afterlife. Other notable literary devices found in  Hamlet  include symbolism (e.g., the skull representing mortality), motifs (e.g., decay and corruption), and dramatic irony (e.g., the audience’s awareness of events unknown to some characters).

Overall, the use of multiple literary devices in these renowned works demonstrates the power of language and storytelling to engage readers, explore various themes, and leave a lasting impact.

FAQs on Literary Devices

What are literary devices?

Literary devices are tools and techniques used by writers to enhance their storytelling and convey meaning in a more engaging manner. They can operate at the sentence level or serve the entire piece of writing. Literary devices include figures of speech, narrative devices, and poetic meters.

What is the difference between literary elements and literary techniques?

Literary elements refer to the “big-picture” features of a work, such as setting, theme, mood, and allegory. They usually extend throughout the entire work. Literary techniques, on the other hand, deal with individual words and sentences, like euphemisms and alliteration.

What are some common literary devices used by writers?

Some common literary devices include:

• Metaphor: A comparison between two unrelated things without using “like” or “as”.
• Simile: A comparison between two things using “like” or “as”.
• Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close together.
• Personification: Giving human attributes to non-human things or abstract ideas.
• Irony: A contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs.

How can identifying and understanding literary devices improve one’s reading experience?

Identifying and understanding literary devices allows readers to appreciate the skills and creativity of the writer. It enhances the reader’s experience by revealing the layers of meaning in a written work, creating a deeper connection with the characters, and offering insight into the author’s intentions.

Why do writers use literary devices in their work?

Writers use literary devices to create a more impactful and engaging story, highlighting key ideas and themes. These tools help writers convey their intended meaning in a clearer, more expressive manner, adding depth and texture to the narrative. By utilizing literary devices, writers can captivate their audience and enhance the emotional impact of their work.

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How to Use Rhetorical Devices In Your Writing and Speaking

• The Speaker Lab
• August 17, 2024

Table of Contents

Looking for ways to improve your writing and speaking skills? If so, then rhetorical devices are what you need. These powerful tools can transform your writing from bland to brilliant and make your message stick with your audience for a long time. But what exactly are rhetorical devices, and how can you use them to your advantage?

Rhetorical devices help authors to inspire, sway, and engage their readers. From the classic rhetorical question to the artful use of repetition, these devices have been used by everyone from ancient orators to modern-day marketers. And the best part? Mastering these doesn’t require you to be an author extraordinaire.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

If you’ve ever found yourself moved by a powerful speech or convinced by a persuasive essay, chances are the speaker or writer was using rhetorical devices. But what exactly are these rhetorical devices?

Rhetorical devices are strategies used to convey a particular message or achieve a desired effect on the listener or reader. Harnessing the power of language, these techniques influence an audience’s thoughts or emotions. Through figurative language and literary devices , they can make a point more memorably or persuasively.

Typically, writers will use rhetorical devices to craft compelling arguments, memorable phrases, and impactful prose. Understanding rhetorical devices can help you better analyze the arguments of others and strengthen your own persuasive skills.

How Rhetorical Devices Work

Rhetorical devices work by tapping into different aspects of human psychology and communication. Some, like repetition or alliteration, use sound and rhythm to make a message stick in the listener’s mind. Others, like metaphors or analogies, help the audience understand complex ideas by relating them to more familiar concepts. Devices like rhetorical questions engage the audience directly, prompting them to reflect on the speaker’s message.

Common Examples of Rhetorical Devices

There are dozens of rhetorical devices, each with its own unique effect. Some common examples you might recognize include:

• Alliteration: Repeating the same sound at the beginning of words, as in “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
• Metaphor: Comparing two unlike things to highlight a similarity, like “His face was as red as a tomato.”
• Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect, as in “I’ve told you a million times.”
• Rhetorical question: Asking a question for effect, not expecting an answer, like “Who do you think you are?”

The key is that these devices aren’t just fancy ways of talking. They serve a purpose in making a message more impactful or memorable . In the hands of a skilled communicator, rhetorical devices are powerful tools for persuasion.

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Types of Rhetorical Devices

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what rhetorical devices are and how they work, let’s dive into some of the most common types you’re likely to encounter. These devices are staples in everything from political speeches to advertising slogans.

Rhetorical Questions

A rhetorical question is one that’s asked for effect, not to get an actual answer. It’s a way of making a point by getting the audience to think about the implied answer. For example, if someone asked you “Do you want to be successful?” your immediate thought is probably “Of course.” That’s the power of a rhetorical question—it engages the audience and gets them agreeing with your point without you having to state it outright.

Synecdoche is a device where a part of something is used to refer to the whole, or vice versa. It’s often used to make a message more concise or vivid. For instance, saying “We need all hands on deck” uses “hands” to refer to the whole person. Or describing a car as “a set of wheels” uses a part to represent the entire vehicle.

Similar to synecdoche, metonymy involves referring to something by a related concept. The difference is that metonymy doesn’t necessarily use a part to refer to the whole. An example would be saying “The White House issued a statement,” where “The White House” stands in for the president or the administration. The two concepts are related, but one is not a part of the other.

Hyperbole is exaggeration for the sake of emphasis. It’s not meant to be taken literally, but rather to make a description more vivid or impactful. Saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” or “This bag weighs a ton” are examples of hyperbole. The speaker isn’t being literal, but using exaggeration to stress their point.

Litotes is a form of understatement, often using double negatives for ironic effect. It affirms something by denying its opposite. For example, you can say “She’s not a bad singer” to mean “She’s a very good singer” or “This task is no small feat” to emphasize the difficulty or impressiveness of the task.

Chiasmus is a verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed. It’s a way of creating a memorable phrase through parallel structure. A famous example is John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” The reversal of the structure (country/you, you/country) makes the phrase stick in the mind.

These are just a few of the many rhetorical devices speakers and writers have at their disposal. Each serves a different purpose, but they all aim to make a message more persuasive, memorable, or emotionally impactful.

How to Use Rhetorical Devices Effectively

Understanding rhetorical devices is one thing, but using them effectively is another. Like any tool, they can be misused or overused. The key is to employ them strategically in order to enhance your message without detracting from it.

Identifying the Purpose

Before reaching for a rhetorical device, consider your purpose. Are you trying to inform, persuade, or evoke an emotional response? Different devices serve different ends. For example, if you’re trying to make a complex idea more relatable, an analogy or metaphor could help. If you want to drive home a point, repetition or a rhetorical question might be effective.

Choosing the Right Device

Not every rhetorical device works in every situation. The device should fit the tone and style of your message. For instance, hyperbole might work well in a humorous speech, but could undermine your credibility in a serious academic paper. Alliteration might be memorable in a slogan, but distracting in a eulogy .

Placing Devices Strategically

Rhetorical devices are most effective when used sparingly and placed strategically. Overusing them can make your message feel gimmicky or insincere. Consider placing them at key moments such as the opening or closing of a speech, the thesis statement of an essay, or the tagline of an advertisement. Used judiciously, they can make these pivotal points more impactful and memorable.

Avoiding Overuse

It’s important to remember that rhetorical devices are seasoning, not the main dish. As such, they should enhance your message, not overwhelm it. If every sentence contains a rhetorical device, they lose their impact. Your audience will become more focused on your clever phrasing than your actual point.

Use rhetorical devices to punctuate your message, not to saturate it. A well-placed metaphor, a dash of alliteration, or an occasional rhetorical question can go a long way. So include them in your writing, but don’t go overboard.

Mastering the art of rhetorical devices is a lifelong journey for any speaker or writer. But by understanding their purpose, choosing them wisely, placing them strategically, and using them sparingly, you can harness their power to make your message more persuasive and memorable.

Famous Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Literature and Speeches

Rhetorical devices are powerful enough that some of the most influential figures in history have used them to deliver powerful messages. These speeches continue to resonate with audiences long after they were first spoken or written.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

One of the most famous examples of rhetorical devices in action is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Throughout this powerful address, King employs anaphora, repeating the phrase “I have a dream” to emphasize his vision for a future of equality and unity. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and drives home the central message of his speech, making it one of the most memorable and impactful in history.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Another historic speech that masterfully employs rhetorical devices is Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. In just 272 words, Lincoln uses antithesis to highlight the contrast between the sacrifices of the soldiers and the work that remains to be done, stating “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” This powerful juxtaposition emphasizes the importance of honoring the fallen and carrying on their fight for freedom and equality.

But rhetorical devices aren’t limited to speeches alone. In literature, authors like Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and Ernest Hemingway have all used these techniques to create memorable and impactful works. Twain, known for his biting wit and social commentary, often employed hyperbole and irony to critique the world around him. In the same vein, Dickinson’s poetry is filled with metaphors and personification that bring abstract ideas to life, while Hemingway’s straightforward prose is a master class in the power of understatement.

And then there’s Oscar Wilde, whose clever, paradoxical statements have become legendary. Wilde’s famous quips, like “I can resist everything except temptation,” rely on rhetorical devices like antithesis and oxymoron to create a sense of humor and irony that continues to delight readers to this day.

Rhetorical Devices in Pop Culture and Media

Rhetorical devices aren’t just the stuff of high literature and historic speeches, however. They’re all around us in pop culture and media, from the catchy slogans of advertising campaigns to the memorable one-liners of our favorite movies.

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Advertisers have long relied on rhetorical devices to create slogans that stick in our minds and persuade us to buy their products. Alliteration, for example, is a popular choice for creating memorable phrases like “Capital One: What’s in your wallet?” This repetition of sounds makes the slogan fun to say and hard to forget, which is exactly what advertisers are aiming for.

Political Campaigns

Political campaigns are another arena where rhetorical devices are used to great effect. Candidates and their teams craft slogans, speeches, and ads that rely heavily on devices like loaded language, emotional appeals, and repetition to persuade voters and drive home their message. Whether it’s “Make America Great Again” or “Yes We Can,” these simple, powerful phrases are designed to stick in our minds and rally us behind a particular candidate or cause.

TV and Music

But rhetorical devices aren’t just for selling products or winning votes. They’re also an essential tool for storytelling in movies, TV shows, and music. Movie dialogue often employs devices like hyperbole, understatement, and irony to reveal character, create humor, and advance the plot. For instance, remember the iconic line “You can’t handle the truth” from A Few Good Men ? This line relies on hyperbole and irony to create a powerful moment of tension and revelation.

Similarly, song lyrics are filled with rhetorical devices that create rhythm, evoke emotion, and convey meaning. From the anaphora of “Let it Be” by The Beatles to the vivid metaphors in Taylor Swift’s love songs, these devices are an essential part of the songwriter’s toolkit.

Mastering Rhetorical Devices for Better Communication

So why should you care about rhetorical devices? Because mastering them can make you a more effective communicator in any context, whether you’re writing a persuasive essay, delivering a presentation, or just trying to win an argument with a friend.

At their core, rhetorical devices are all about persuasion. They help you appeal to your audience’s sense of logic, emotion, and perception of your credibility and authority. By using devices like analogies, metaphors, and repetition, you can make your arguments more compelling and your ideas more memorable.

Improving Clarity

Of course, rhetorical devices aren’t just about persuasion. They can also improve the clarity and impact of your message. Devices like hypophora, where you raise questions and then answer them, can help guide your audience through complex ideas and keep them engaged. Analogies and metaphors can make abstract concepts more concrete and relatable, while vivid descriptions can help your audience visualize and remember your key points.

Just remember not to overdo it, because overusing rhetorical devices can make your writing or speech feel gimmicky or insincere. It’s important to use them strategically and sparingly, choosing the right device for the right moment and the right audience.

When used effectively, rhetorical devices can be a powerful way to elevate your communication skills and make your voice heard. By studying the examples of great orators and writers, and practicing these techniques in your own work, you can develop a unique voice that persuades, inspires, and moves your audience to action.

So the next time you sit down to write a speech, craft an essay, or even just argue with a friend, remember the power of rhetorical devices. With a little practice and a lot of creativity, you can use these tools to become a master communicator and make your mark on the world.

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FAQs on Rhetorical Devices

What are rhetorical devices and examples.

Rhetorical devices are tools writers use to persuade or impact readers. Examples include metaphors, similes, and alliteration.

What are the e types of rhetorical appeals?

The three types encompass ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion).

What is the strongest rhetorical device?

Depending on the context, different devices will be more or less powerful. Anaphora—the repetition of a word at the start of successive sentences—packs a powerful punch for emphasis.

What are the top three rhetorical devices?

Anaphora for emphasis, metaphor for vivid comparisons, and hyperbole to exaggerate points stand out as top picks.

Rhetorical devices are the secret sauce that can take your writing from mediocre to magnificent. Let’s not forget how throwing in a few “what ifs”, echoing important phrases, or comparing concepts to something unexpected can really make what you’re saying pop off the page. So long as you don’t overdo it, your writing is about to level up.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and sprinkle some rhetorical devices into your writing. Your readers will thank you for it.

• Last Updated: August 7, 2024

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Writing Prompts

Below are a number of writing prompts using various literary devices to help get those creative juices flowing.

• Write a short story using the literary device of foreshadowing to build suspense and tension throughout the narrative.
• Create a poem that uses alliteration to emphasize certain sounds or ideas. For example, use the repetition of “s” sounds to evoke a sense of serenity or use “b” sounds to convey a sense of aggression or tension.
• Write a dialogue between two characters that uses irony to highlight the difference between what is being said and what is meant. For example, one character might say something sarcastic or hypocritical while the other character takes it at face value.
• Write a descriptive paragraph that uses metaphor to create vivid imagery. For example, describe a sunset as “a fiery ball of gold sinking into the ocean.”
• Create a short story that uses the literary device of flashback to reveal important information about the protagonist’s past and how it has shaped their present.
• Write a persuasive essay that uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and make them consider your argument. For example, “If we don’t take action now, when will we?”
• Write a character study that uses characterization to reveal the personality, motivations, and traits of a protagonist or antagonist. For example, describe the physical appearance, behaviors, and internal thoughts of a character to create a full picture of their personality.
• Create a short story that uses symbolism to represent a deeper meaning or theme. For example, use a white rose to symbolize purity or a black crow to symbolize death.
• Write a descriptive paragraph that uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects or concepts. For example, describe a thunderstorm as “angry” or a book as “patient.”
• Create a poem that uses imagery to evoke emotions and sensory experiences in the reader. For example, describe a summer day using vivid colors, smells, and sounds to transport the reader to the scene.

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AP STUDY GUIDES

Ap english language and composition book 1: mechanics of writing & literary devices.

AP English Language and Composition Book 1: Mechanics of Writing and Literary Devices

The AP English Language and Composition Green Module serves as an advanced educational program designed to cultivate students’ critical thinking, analytical writing, and rhetorical skills. Tailored specifically to the College Board’s rigorous AP English Language and Composition curriculum, this module functions as a comprehensive resource guiding students through a structured and engaging learning experience.

Covering a diverse range of topics crucial to mastering the art of language and composition, students delve into the intricacies of rhetorical analysis, exploring how authors use language to persuade, inform, and entertain. Through close examination of various texts, including speeches, essays, and articles, students develop a keen understanding of rhetorical devices, tone, and stylistic elements. The ultimate goal is to empower students not only to recognize these techniques but also to employ them effectively in their own writing.

Emphasizing the importance of argumentation, the Green Module provides students with the tools to construct compelling and well-supported arguments. From identifying logical fallacies to crafting persuasive thesis statements, students receive guidance through the process of building and defending a persuasive case. The module actively encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering an appreciation for the complexity of issues and the nuances of language.

The integration of writing workshops and peer review sessions promotes a collaborative learning environment. Students seize the opportunity to refine their writing skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in thoughtful discussions about rhetoric and composition. The emphasis on writing as a process underscores the module’s commitment to developing not only polished final products but also the critical thinking skills required to navigate the complexities of language and communication.

Course Features

• Lectures 26
• Duration 52 weeks
• Skill level All levels
• Language English
• Students 159
• Assessments Yes

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“and the script sounds”: literary hermeneutics and imaginary listening.

1. Introduction

2. hölderlin’s autograph, 3. reading selectively and out of context, 4. solid letter and song.

• Wir haben gedienet der Mutter Erd
• Und haben jüngst dem Tagesgotte gedient
• Unwissend, der Vater aber liebt
• Der über alle(n) m waltet
• Am meisten, daß gepfleget werde
• Der veste Buchstab und Bestehendes wohl
• Gedeutet. Dem folgt deutscher Gesang. ( Hölderlin 1986, p. 307/28, l. 5–11 ) 5
• We have served the Mother Earth
• And have most recently served the God of the Day
• Unknowingly, but the Father loves
• He who reigns over everything
• Most of all, that one cultivate
• The solid letter and interpret well
• Everything that exists. This German song follows. 6

5. Sounding Script

• (E) Ein Zeichen sind wir, deutungslos
• Schmerzlos sind wir und haben fast
• Die Sprache in der Fremde verloren. ( Hölderlin 1986, p. 307/91: 4–7 )
• A sign we are, without interpretation
• Painless are we and have almost lost
• The language in foreign lands.
• und die Schrift tönt E(ch)s möchten aber
•            und
• Und es tönet das Blatt. ( Hölderlin 1986, p. 307/91: 30–33 )
• and the script sounds but some would like
•           and
• And the leaf sounds.
•          Nicht vermögen
• Die Himlischen alles. Nemlich es reichen
• Die Sterblichen eh’ an den Abgrund. Also wendet es sich
• Mit diesen. Lang ist die Zeit
•         [ ]
• Die Zeit, e(r)s ereignet sich aber
• Das Wahre. ( Hölderlin 1986, p. 307/91, l. 35–41 ) 7
•          Not everything
• The Heavenly are capable of. Because the mortals
• Sooner reach the abyss. Thus it turns
• With these. Long is the time
• The time, but what happens is

7. Filling in the Gaps, Completing the Text?

8. enigmatic text, enigmatic music, 9. from text to music.

• Ist aber Einer. Der
• Kann täglich das ändern.
• Kaum bedarf es Gesetz,
• Wie nemlich es bei Menschen bleiben soll
• Und die Schrift tönt
• Und es tönet das Blatt.
• Viele Männer möchten da sein wahrer Sache.
• Eichbäume wehn dann neben den Birnen.
• Denn nicht vermögen die Himmlischen alles
• Nemlich es reichen die Sterblichen eh’an den
• Abgrund. ( Ruzicka 2022 ) 15
• But without doubt
• Can change it daily.
• Barely does it need a law,
• How it shall remains with the humans
• And the script sounds
• Many men would be there with something True.
• Oak trees blow then next to the pears.
• For the Heavenly are not capable of everything
• Because the mortals sooner reach the

10. Without Conclusion: The Musical Imagination

Data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Goebel, R.J. “And the Script Sounds”: Literary Hermeneutics and Imaginary Listening. Humanities 2024 , 13 , 107. https://doi.org/10.3390/h13040107

Goebel RJ. “And the Script Sounds”: Literary Hermeneutics and Imaginary Listening. Humanities . 2024; 13(4):107. https://doi.org/10.3390/h13040107

Goebel, Rolf J. 2024. "“And the Script Sounds”: Literary Hermeneutics and Imaginary Listening" Humanities 13, no. 4: 107. https://doi.org/10.3390/h13040107

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