As a figure of speech, oxymorons can be used in humour and to convey an aspect of a characters personalitysometimes at the same time. Fancy literary term onomatopoeia refers to words that represent sounds, with pronunciations similar to those sounds. Caesura Read More , Characterization refers to the process by which a writer reveals the personality, traits, and motivations of a character in a story. The truth is, misusing literary devices stands out more than using them correctly. Irony can take many forms, including verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony. These techniques are tools used by writers to help them create engaging works such as poems, short stories, or novels. This helps each one stand out from the rest, and keeps them fresh and vibrant for the reader. Anecdotes can be humorous, serious, or poignant, and can be found in various forms of literature, from memoirs and essays to speeches and advertising. Diction is related to dialect in that its a reflection of the sound of the storys voicewhich, again, you as the writer need to accomplish with nothing more than twenty-six letters. They can be used to create double entendres, where a phrase can have both a literal and a figurative meaning. Meet beta readers, get feedback on your writing, and become a better writer! Foil characters can be similar Read More , Foreshadowing refers to the use of clues or hints to suggest what will happen later in the story. Nemesis can take many forms, from a rival character to a natural disaster or societal structure. Examples of Read More , Setting refers to the time, place, and environment in which a story takes place. The risk of creating an unsatisfying red herring makes misdirection one of the trickiest literary devices to use. Examples of idioms: Break a leg This idiom is used to Read More , Internal rhyme is a literary device in which two or more words within the same line of poetry rhyme with each other. Examples Read More , Caesura is a pause or break in a line of poetry or prose, usually marked by a punctuation mark or a natural rhythm of speech. Figurative Language - Definition and Examples | LitCharts Examples of hyperbaton: To die, to sleep To sleep, perchance to dream This line from Shakespeares Hamlet uses hyperbaton to emphasize the repetition of to sleep. Examples of negative capability: The best references of the Read More , Nemesis refers to a character or force that is an opponent or enemy of the protagonist in a work of literature. All character archetypes exist and, on some level, exist in us. Dont confuse foreshadowing with the rule of Chekhovs Gun; the two are very different concepts! 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. Tweet: Free software utility which allows you to find the most frequent phrases and frequencies of words. Examples of juxtaposition: In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. You can use it to compare your poems with a set of 150 poems by poets who have published in mainstream poetry publications. If youre reading this article, youre probably intending to write your stories in English. Many of Stan Lees iconic comic book characters have alliterative names: Peter Parker, Matthew Murdock, Reed Richards, and Bruce Banner. Verisimilitude can be achieved through the use of descriptive detail, realistic dialogue, and accurate depictions of social and historical contexts. Salinger, the main character Holden Caulfield is described as both cynical and idealistic, which creates a juxtaposition of conflicting personality traits. However,the difference between similes and metaphors is that similes use the words like or as to soften the connection and explicitly show its just a comparison. Foreshadowing is the technique of hinting at future events in a story using subtle parallels, usually to generate more suspense or engage the readers curiosity. Rhetorical Figure Detection: Chiasmus, Epanaphora, Epiphora You may recognize cliffhangers from your favourite TV seriestheyre one of the most common literary devices in TV storytelling because theyre what gets the show pilot picked up by the network and then, once the show is running, theyre what keeps the viewers engaged and coming back again and again. Sometimes this can be done in a lighthearted way: Alices Adventures in Wonderland was considered a gentle satire of the upper classes of that time period. Example: Euphemisms like passed away and downsizing are quite common in everyday speech, but a good example in literature comes from Harry Potter, where the wizarding community refers to the villain Voldemort as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in fear of invoking him. It is often used to create vivid and evocative descriptions that appeal to multiple senses and create a more immersive reading experience for the audience. Example: In Shakespeares Macbeth, Lady Macbeths obsession with washing her hands is a motif that symbolizes her guilt. 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. It smelled of hay and it smelled of manure. Because I could not stop for Death by Emily Dickinson. Syntax can be used to create a range of effects, such as emphasizing certain words or ideas, creating rhythm and flow, and conveying tone and mood. Literary devices are tools and techniques that a writer uses when crafting their story that make elevate it beyond the literal meaning of the words on the page. Explore themes. This can be accomplished through various means, including direct description, dialogue, actions, and interactions with other characters. , tone refers mostly to individual aspects and details, while mood refers to the emotional attitude of the entire piece of work. Examples of epithet: Swift-footed Achilles Homer, Read More , Euphemism uses mild or indirect words or expressions to replace ones that are considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive. If by Rudyard Kipling. Weve 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 were seeing and what they have the potential to become. A symbol can be a concrete object, like a rose, or an abstract concept, like freedom, and it carries a deeper meaning beyond its literal interpretation. It is often created through the use of descriptive language, setting, tone, and imagery, and can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and despair. It makes them ask questions about who the people are in the scene and whats causing the events to unfoldthings theyll learn as they read on through the entire book to the end. Literary Elements: What are the 7 Elements of Literature? >>Read More: Creative Writing 101: Everything You Need to Get Started. Imagery refers to writing that invokes the readers senses with descriptiveword choice to create a more vivid and realistic recreation of the scene in their mind. It often had a sort of peaceful smell as though nothing bad could happen ever again in the world. E. ), it is said the ring of Sauron symbolizes evil, corruption, and greed, which everyday people, symbolized by Frodo, must strive to resist. Pathetic fallacy can also be used to create symbolism and allegory in a work, and to enhance the overall meaning and impact of the writing. Asyndeton can also be used to create a sense of fragmentation or disconnection between ideas or clauses, emphasizing their independence or contrasting nature. These all use informal language to convey something with a different meaning. Below is a list of literary devices with detailed definition and examples. An oxymoron combines two contradictory words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning. Spaces. The Japanese word for the number nine is pronounced the same as the English letter. Example: A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. Whether they are words or phrases of the same sentence, an antithesis is used to create a stark contrast using two divergent elements that come together to create one uniform whole. Theyre tools that the writer uses to engage with the reader on a visceral level, to make them look at the storyand the world around them through the storyin a completely different way. Its a literary device that uses irony and humour as a way to draw attention to prevalent cultural and societal flaws. Personification is when an author attributes human characteristics metaphorically to nonhuman things like the weather or inanimate objects. When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret and analyze a literary work. A weeping willow is an example of attaching a human action to a non-human thing, and to say the weeping willows boughs were lazily sweeping the dust from the road is another. 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. Circumlocution is often used in literature, particularly in dialogue and Read More , Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story, such as characters, ideas, or emotions. This device is often used to create a sense of irony or humor, and to emphasize the contrast between two seemingly opposite concepts. Allegories are often used to convey complex ideas or moral lessons in a way that is more accessible to the reader. Unlike alliteration, which repeats the initial sounds of words, consonance emphasizes the similarity of consonant sounds throughout a phrase or sentence, creating a rhythmic and musical effect. Onomatopoeia is a way of communicating sounds in a way that relates to what they actually sound like. Inversion can be used to create emphasis, suspense, or to draw attention to a particular word or phrase. Literary elements and literary techniques are both types of literary devices. Puns are often used to create wordplay and humor in literature, jokes, and advertisements. Like metaphors, similes also compare two different things to point out their similarities. This creates a sense of suspense and anticipation for the reader, as they are kept in suspense until the end of the sentence or paragraph. Periodic structure is often used in persuasive writing, speeches, and other forms of rhetoric to create a sense of drama and emphasize key points. Example: Words like "blog" (web + log), "paratrooper" (parachute + trooper), "motel" (motor + hotel), and "telethon" (telephone + marathon) are all portmanteaus in common English. It is a technique used to provide background information or to reveal important details about the plot or characters. Literary Devices. Metaphor, metonymy, hyperbole, simile, personification, assonance, alliteration, consonance, onomatopoeia, etc. Fruit flies like a banana. Groucho Marx. The use of syntax in literature can help to establish a particular style or voice, Read More , Theme refers to the underlying message or meaning of a work of literature. Examples of simile: Her smile was like sunshine on a rainy day. This simile Read More , Spoonerism is a literary device in which the initial sounds or letters of two or more words are switched to create a new and often humorous meaning. It involves using more words than necessary to describe a simple concept, often to create a more elaborate or poetic effect. Resist the temptation to skim or skip any sections of the text. Unique words. Rhetorical figures are valuable linguistic data for literary analysis. The technique seeks to replicate the disjointed, fragmented, and often chaotic nature of the human mind. Verses can be used in a variety of poetic forms, from Read More . And they're used by everyone: politicians, businesspeople, even your favorite novelists. 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. films anthropomorphize household objects: talking clocks, singing teapots, and more. Examples of inversion: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. This Read More , Imagery uses sensory details to create a vivid and concrete description of a scene, object, person, or idea. Slow, languid writing can feel like being wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. You see this often in central and supporting characters, such as Batman and RobinBatmans dark, silent moodiness contrasts Robins bright, youthful energy. Aphorisms are often used to convey complex ideas in a simple and direct way, and can be found in various forms of literature, from poetry and prose to speeches and advertising. 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. As you grow in your skill, these literary devices will become a part of your storytelling voice. You may recognize flashbacks in TV series like crime shows or sitcoms, accompanied by subtitles like earlier that day, three days ago, etc. It is often used in modernist literature and is characterized by a lack of linear structure, punctuation, or grammar rules. Imagery is a literary device used in poetry, novels, and other writing that uses vivid description that appeals to a readers' senses to create an image or idea in their head. Any information the reader needs can be slowly released throughout the scene, and the following scenes. Examples of anastrophe: Excited, the children were In this sentence, the usual subject-verb-object order is inverted, Read More , Anecdote is a literary device that involves a short and often personal story or account that is used to illustrate a particular point or theme. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. Example: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy (adapted from Khalil Gibran). Here well show you multiple literary devices and rhetorical devices, with examples, that you can use to create powerful stories. Stanzas are often used to structure a poem, to create a sense of rhythm, to emphasize certain words or ideas, or to indicate a change in tone or subject matter. Deus ex machina is often considered a flawed Read More , Diction is the authors choice and use of words in a literary work. This can be a great way to enhance one's understanding of language, rhetoric and communication in general. Of mans first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree Read More , Hyperbole is a literary device that involves using exaggerated statements or claims to emphasize a point or create a dramatic effect. Euphemisms are often used to convey delicate or sensitive topics, such as death, sex, bodily functions, or social taboos, in a more polite or socially acceptable manner. 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 Arthurs knights. 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. The doppelganger is a powerful Read More , Ekphrastic involves the description or interpretation of a visual work of art in a written form, such as a poem, a story, or an essay. A paradox can also be used to highlight an underlying truth or irony in a situation, and to convey a deeper meaning or message. 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. Time has not stood still. It smelled of the perspiration of tired horses and the wonderful sweet breath of patient cows. This literary device is often used to create tension or suspense in a story, as the doppelganger may be a harbinger of danger or foreshadow a characters downfall. A literary technique that involves interruption of the chronological sequence of events by interjection of events or scenes of earlier occurrence : flashback anaphora | see definition Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect This can include changing the order of adjectives, adverbs, or verbs, and can involve splitting a word or phrase between two parts of a sentence. It is a section that provides additional information, reflection, or commentary on the events that have unfolded throughout the work. (See what we did there?). In Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre, the Read More , Foil is a literary device that involves the use of a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight certain qualities or traits of the other character. Along with the creation of storytelling came the development of narrative elements like plot, character, and tone. But sometimes satires are darker and more biting, such as in dystopian fiction like George Orwells 1984. Literary devices can entail general elements that come back again and again in a work of literature, as well as the specific and precise treatment of words only used once. Its the practice of telling a real, true, relevant story through the filter of fiction. Periphrasis is commonly used in poetry, but can be found in other forms of writing as well. Literary Devices Finder- All quiet on the Western Front 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. Non-English language texts are supported. The setting can affect the mood and atmosphere of a story and help to create a sense of authenticity and realism. The most extreme example of this is anthropomorphism, which is giving human traits to an animal or other non-human character. If youre confused about. 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. Similes are great in descriptive passages because you have a whole world in which to draw inspiration from. It is the objective and factual meaning of a word, rather than its emotional, cultural, or symbolic significance. A motif is a literary device in which recurring symbols, story elements, or ideas support the overall theme. It often had a sort of peaceful smell as though nothing bad could happen ever again in the world. E. It's not just restricted to creative writing either. Internal rhyme is often used to create a musical or rhythmic effect in poetry, and can also serve to connect ideas or reinforce themes. Longer sentences will slow down the pace, so theyre best used for quiet, reflective moments. It is the central idea or insight that the author is attempting to convey to the reader through the characters, plot, and other elements of the text. 31 Common Rhetorical Devices and Examples | Merriam-Webster Write with Grammarly. Buzz for the sound of a bee, ruff for the bark of a dog, and plop for the sound of a drop of water are all words that sound like the action theyre describing. It is often associated with spiritual or mystical practices, and is used as a means of seeking guidance or insight from a higher power or Read More , Bildungsroman refers to a novel or story that tells the coming-of-age or development of a young protagonist. Its closely related to. In your own writing, you can use this kind of repetition to support your storys theme and character arcs. There are several types of conflict in literature, including internal conflict (a struggle within a characters own mind or emotions), external conflict (a struggle between a character and an outside force), and interpersonal conflict (a struggle between two or more characters). Chiasmus can involve a range of linguistic elements, such as words, phrases, clauses, or even entire sentences. These techniques take the story beyond the basics of beginning, middle, and end, to the more complex and satisfying levels of mood, flavour, narrative, and meaning. It was a dark and stormy night is an infamous opening line that immediately sets the tone for the story. But there are dozens of them, in addition to literary elements and techniques, and things can get more confusing than a simile embedded within a metaphor! Example: In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalkers vision of himself wearing Darth Vaders mask foreshadows the later revelation that Vader is in fact Lukes father. While a metaphor is used to stand in place for something else, a simile is used only in description: he was as brave as a lion, for instance, is a simile, while he had a lions heart is a metaphor. This technique helps to immerse readers in a story, allowing them to suspend their disbelief and fully engage with the Read More , Verse refers to a single line or stanza of poetry. Read More , Antithesis involves the writer employing two sentences of contrasting meanings in close proximity to one another. T. Trope: Trope has two definitions. is a figure of speech that compares two different things to show their similarities by insisting that theyre the same. Examples of Read More , An epilogue appears at the end of a book, play, or other written work. 45+ Literary Devices and Terms Every Writer Should Know - Reedsy This technique is often used to subvert expectations and to highlight the Read More , Verisimilitude is used to create the appearance of truth or reality in a work of fiction or nonfiction. Oscar Wildes famous on-brand quote, I can resist anything except temptation, is an example of a paradox. This device is commonly used in poetry, prose, and drama, and can add Read More , Pathetic fallacy is a literary device in which human emotions, traits, or intentions are attributed to inanimate objects or natural phenomena. By personifying non-human entities, writers can help readers relate to them on a more personal level and make abstract concepts more concrete. Your writing, at its best For a complete list of the poems by established poets, contact The Poetry Assessor. It is often used in literature, particularly in mystery, suspense, and horror genres, but can be found in all types of writing. Show, Dont Tell: Meaning, Examples & Differences, What is Alliteration? Tone can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, such as humor, irony, sadness, anger, or nostalgia, and can shape the readers interpretation of the text. Dramatic irony happens when the story reveals information but keeps it hidden from the charactersfor example, the dramatic irony of watching someone open a door in a horror film when you know the monsters waiting behind it. Tip 1: Read Closely and Carefully. You can use motifs to connect with readers on a subconscious, cultural level and help them immerse themselves even deeper in the story world. This device is often used in poetry and prose to add emphasis to certain words, create a specific mood or tone, or to simply make the language more memorable and Read More , Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, without any additional connotation or associated meanings. This can involve placing the verb before the subject or using a different word order to create a more dramatic or poetic effect. It is often represented by a series of letters, where each letter corresponds to a particular rhyme. , Lady Macbeths obsession with washing her hands is a motif that symbolizes her guilt. Similar to an oxymoron, a paradox combines two contradictory ideas in a way that, although illogical, still seems to make sense. 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. It is used to create a musical or rhythmic effect, to add emphasis to certain words, or to make a phrase more memorable. By providing subtle hints Read More , Hubris is a literary device that refers to excessive pride or arrogance that leads to a characters downfall. Cliffhangers are one great way to make this happen. He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man, a quote by Samuel Johnson, is the epigraph that opens Hunter S. Thompsons. Literary elements are big-picture literary devices that extend throughout the entire work, such as setting, theme, mood, and allegory. Similar to an analogy, ametaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things to show their similarities by insisting that theyre the same. The setting is a literary device that denotes the time and place of a story. Whats the difference between literary devices and literary elements? In an allegorical story, things represent more than they appear to on the surface. 30+ Rhetorical Devices Everyone MUST Know - Reedsy What about the cook or the gardener? Examples of euphemism: He passed away instead of He died a common euphemism for death. The reader has to start the next chapter to discover the protagonists fate. They are often used to create a sense of connection or empathy with the audience, and can be a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions in a simple and Read More , Anthropomorphism is a literary device that involves attributing human characteristics, emotions, or behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or natural phenomena. Example: In Shrek the Third, Pinocchio uses circumlocution to avoid giving an honest answer to the Princes question. , but motifs are specific objects or events, while themes are abstract ideas. Sometimes this is done because the idea is too sensitive to lay out overtly. Writers use a wide variety of literary devices across different genres. Its different than simply overstating something, where the context teeters on the edge of being a lie. The resulting words or phrases usually have some connection or relevance to the original word or phrase. Literary devices are everything that gives these outlines life and form. Example: The title of Haruki Murakamis novel, is itself an allusion to George Orwells novel, . Synesthesia can be achieved through the use of metaphors, similes, and other forms of figurative language that compare or combine sensory experiences, such as the sound of her voice was like velvet or Read More , Syntax refers a to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. Allegory is a literary device used to express large, complex ideas in an approachable manner. The use of themes in literature can serve to provide a Read More , Tone refers to the authors or narrators attitude towards the subject matter or audience. to avoid giving an honest answer to the Princes question. For example, words such as buzz, hiss, and boom are examples of onomatopoeia. It is a type of figurative language that can create a more specific or impactful image, and is often used to highlight a particular aspect of the thing being described. Writers, both professional and casual, regularly use literary devices. Whether youre improving your writing skills or studying for a big English exam, literary devices are important to know. Example: I know only one thing, and that is I know nothing. Socrates in Platos Apology. literary devices refers to the typical structures used by writers in their works to convey his or her messages in a simple manner to the readers. The term Bildungsroman is a German word that translates to novel of education or novel of formation, emphasizing the educational and developmental aspects of the genre. Analyze My Writing Understatement is achieved through the use of language that is less expressive or emotional than what is expected, and it can create a sense of understated humor, sarcasm, or satire. The 20 Poetic Devices You Must Know - PrepScholar Suspense is created by withholding information or revealing it slowly, creating a sense of mystery or uncertainty about what will happen next. Examples of irony: Oedipus Rex by Read More , Juxtaposition involves placing two contrasting things or ideas side by side to highlight their differences or similarities. Examples of chiasmus: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can Read More , Circumlocution is a literary device that involves the use of indirect or roundabout language to express an idea, often with the intention of being more polite, tactful, or evasive. One of the most famous metaphors of all time is Shakespeares All the worlds a stage, which uses a literal theatrical performance as a comparison to illustrate the tragedies and comedies of everyday life.