What are the 15 literary devices?
- Allusion.
- Diction.
- Alliteration.
- Allegory.
- Colloquialism.
- Euphemism.
- Flashbacks.
- Foreshadowing.
- Allusion.
- Diction.
- Alliteration.
- Allegory.
- Colloquialism.
- Euphemism.
- Flashbacks.
- Foreshadowing.
What are the five main literary devices?
Literary Device #4: Repetition of Ideas. Repeating certain events or structures will always help ground truth and reality into your story. Things that happen more than once will not go unnoticed by readers, so use that to your advantage and make those things important. Literary Device #5: Parallelism of Events
What are the most commonly used literary devices?
- A common metaphor: it’s raining cats and dogs.
- From Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”: But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
- Advertising is the rattling of a stick inside a swill bucket. – George Orwell
What are 10 literary devices?
Teaching the Devices
- Metaphor. A Metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things – without using the words like or as – with the intention of offering a stronger understanding to the reader.
- Simile. ...
- Alliteration. ...
- Hyperbole. ...
- Imagery. ...
- Onomatopoeia. ...
- Symbol. ...
- Repetition. ...
- Allusion. ...
- Personification. ...
What are literary devices and their definitions?
Literary Devices List: 12 Common Literary Devices
- Metaphor. Metaphors, also known as direct comparisons, are one of the most common literary devices. ...
- Simile. Similes, also known as indirect comparisons, are similar in construction to metaphors, but they imply a different meaning.
- Imagery. Is imagery a literary device? ...
- Symbolism. ...
- Personification. ...
- Hyperbole. ...
- Irony. ...
- Juxtaposition. ...
- Paradox. ...
- Allusion. ...
What are ten literary devices?
10 most common literary devices used in creative writingSimile.Metaphor.Personification.Hyperbole.Imagery.Symbolism.Flashbacks.Foreshadowing.More items...•
How many literary devices are there in English?
22 Different Types of Literary Devices and How to Use Them. Writers use a wide variety of literary devices across different genres. Each literary device serves a specific purpose. Understanding how to correctly wield these devices can significantly improve your own writing.
What are the eight main literary devices?
In your presentation, you are going to discuss the literary devices that are present in your short story. In the lesson, the following literary devices were discussed: allusion, diction, epigraph, euphemism, foreshadowing, imagery, metaphor, simile, personification, point of view, and structure.
How do you identify a literary device?
How to Identify Literary DevicesReview Figurative Language Forms.Identify the Setting.Explore Themes.Recognize Allegory.Watch for Alliteration.Identify Hyperbole.7 Watch for Paradoxes.Look for Allusions.More items...•
What are other literary devices?
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.
What is this literary device?
What is a Literary Device? In literature, any technique used to help the author achieve his or her purpose is called a literary device. Typically, these devices are used for an aesthetic purpose – that is, they're intended to make the piece more beautiful.
What are the 5 types of literature?
Today, Vista Higher Learning is breaking down the differences to give you a crash course on the five main genres of literature.#1 Fiction. One of the most popular genres of literature, fiction, features imaginary characters and events. ... #2 Nonfiction. ... #3 Drama. ... #4 Poetry. ... #5 Folktale.
What are devices in English?
A device is an object that has been invented for a particular purpose, for example, for recording or measuring something.
How many literary elements are there?
Literary elements include plot, theme, character and tone. In contrast, literary techniques are non-universal features of literature and include figurative language, irony, and foreshadowing.
What are the 12 elements of poetry with definition?
These elements may include, voice, diction, imagery, figures of speech, symbolism and allegory, syntax, sound, rhythm and meter, and structure. While we may discuss these elements separately, please keep in mind that they are always acting simultaneously in a story.
Which literary device is used here?
Answer: The poetic used here is : Personification.
What are the literary devices of a poem?
See Video Explanation of Literary Devices in PoemsAlliterationMetaphorAntithesispersonificationAssonanceRefrainAsyndetonRhymeConsonanceRepetition6 more rows
What are literary devices?
Literary devices are techniques that writers use to express their ideas and enhance their writing. Literary devices highlight important concepts in...
10 of the most common literary devices
1. Simile 2. Metaphor 3. Imagery 4. Symbolism 5. Flashbacks 6. Foreshadowing 7. Motif 8. Allegory 9. Juxtaposition 10. Point of view
What is an 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 mor...
What is 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...
What is Allusion?
An allusion is a passing or indirect descriptive reference to something. You probably allude to things all the time in everyday speech, without eve...
What is an Anachronism?
Anachronism is when something happens or is attributed to a different era than when it actually existed. This is usually a mistake, such as an auth...
What is 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, intend...
What is Anastrophe?
Anastrophe is a figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed. So a typical verb-subject-adjective sentence such as “Are...
What is 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...
What is an Aphorism?
An aphorism is a universally accepted truth stated in a concise, to-the-point way. Aphorisms are typically witty and memorable, often becoming adag...
What are literary devices?
Common literary devices, such as metaphors and similes, are the building blocks of literature, but because they’re analyzed in such stuffy, antiquated ways, many people come out of high school with a disdain for what English classes teach. However, for book nerds like myself, literary devices are what make literature so enchanting.
Why do literary devices pile on top of each other?
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.
What are some examples of comparisons?
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 described as being something other than what it actually is—a tree.
What are the parts of a metaphor?
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.
What is juxtaposition in poetry?
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.
Why do writers use imagery?
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.
What is symbolism in English?
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:
What are literary devices?
Literary devices are techniques that writers use to express their ideas and enhance their writing. Literary devices highlight important concepts in a text, strengthen the narrative, and help readers connect to the characters and themes. These devices serve a wide range of purposes in literature.
What is the difference between rhetorical and literary devices?
Basically, literary devices are artistic ; rhetorical devices are informative and persuasive. That said, there can still be quite a bit of overlap between the two.
What is alliteration in poetry?
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 poetry both. And if you have any doubts about the impact of alliteration, consider the following unforgettable titles: Love’s Labour’s Lost, Sense and Sensibility, and The Haunting of Hill House.
Why do writers use satire?
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.
What is an allegory in a story?
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.
Why is imagery important?
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.
Why do we use flashbacks in stories?
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.
What are literary devices?
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.
Why do we use epigraphs in nonfiction?
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.
What is alliteration in writing?
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.”.
What is the job of a nonfiction author?
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.
Why do we use flashbacks in anecdotes?
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.
What is the goal of an author?
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.
Why is onomatopoeia important in storytelling?
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.
Why do authors use literary devices?
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.
Why are literary techniques important?
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.
What is anaphora in writing?
Anaphora. 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.
What is alliteration in poetry?
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.
What is an allusion in literature?
Allusion. 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.".
Why is it important to know the techniques authors use?
Being able to identify when different literary techniques are being used helps you understand the motivation behind the author's choices .
What is an anachronism in a text?
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.
Allusion
- No, this is not an illusion, though the two can be confused with one another. An allusion is a literary device that references a person, place, thing, or event in the real world. You can use this to paint a clear picture or to even connect with your readers. Allusionsare often used as literary ele…
Diction
- Dictionis a literary device that’s the choice of words or style used by the writer in order to convey their message. Basically, that’s a fancy way of saying that diction is the way in which the author wants to write to a specific audience. Here are the different types of diction and what they mean: 1. Formal diction –This is when the word choice is more formal or high class. Oftentimes, writer…
Alliteration
- Alliterationis a literary device that uses the same letters or sounds at the beginning of words in a sentence or title. There are many nursery rhymes that use alliteration but this is also useful for creating something memorable within your writing. You can also use alliteration when choosing the title of your book, as it makes it easier to remember, as you can see in the example of allitera…
Allegory
- An allegory isa figure of speech where abstract ideas are described using characters, events, or other elements. That’s more of a fancy way of saying that instead of being literal with an idea, you use characters, events, or other elements in order to describe it in a way the reader can better understand. Think of it as a story within a story. You use characters, events, or other means to re…
Colloquialism
- One way to increase the world-buildingin your book is to use colloquialisms. Colloquialismsare expressions, words, and phrases that are used in informal, everyday speech, including slang. You can use these in a couple of different ways. Firstly, you can use these as slang in the real world, and secondly, you can even create your book’s own colloquialisms for their world and culture, an…
Euphemism
- We tend to think of euphemisms as sexual euphemisms, which is how they’re often used. However, euphemisms are actually any terms that refer to something impolite or unpleasant. We create phrases or other words in order to avoid using the actualterm because they’re impolite, rude, or indecent. Those alternatives are considered euphemisms. This is often why we think of …
Flashbacks
- Flashbacksin literature are when the narrator goes back in time for a specific scene or chapter in order to give more context for the story. Oftentimes, we see flashbacks in books where the past greatly impacts the present or as a way to start a storyoff on an interesting note. This is seen in Harry Potter whenever Harry gets to see a memory of the past from Dumbledore or even Snape.
Foreshadowing
- Foreshadowing is when the author places elements within the writing that gives clues about what will happen in the future of the story. These can often be small bits and pieces that some readers might not pick up on the first read-through. They might even look back and realize that certain elements were foreshadowingonce they hit the climax or a big plot twist was revealed. Foreshad…
Imagery
- This is one that we briefly touched on above and also one you likely learned in school, though it may have been a while since then so we’ll give you a refresher. Imagery is when you use visually descriptive or figurative language in your writing. Think of it more like showing versus telling in writingwhere you use more sensory language versus blunt, plain words. You would also use stro…
What Are Literary devices?
Literary Devices List: 14 Common Literary Devices
- There are a lot of literary devices to cover, each of which require their own examples and analysis. As such, we are only focusing on common literary devices for this article: literary devices that can be found in both poetry and prose. Let’s get started! Each section has literary devices examples, exercises, and an analysis of its role in literature.
15–26. 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: 1. Anaphora 2. Conceit 3. Apostrophe 4. Metonymy/Synecdoche 5. Enjambment 6. Zeugma 7. Repetition 8. Rhyme 9. Alliteration 10. Consonance/Assonance 11. Euphony/Cacophony 12. Meter
27–36. Common Literary Devices in Prose
- The following 10 devices show up in verse, but are far more prevalent in prose. Learn more about: 1. Parallelism 2. Foil 3. Diction 4. Mood 5. Foreshadowing 6. In Media Res 7. Dramatic Irony 8. Vignette 9. Flashback 10. Soliloquy
37–46. Repetition Literary Devices
- Though they have uncommon names, these common literary devices are all forms of repetition. 1. Anadiplosis 2. Anaphora (prose) 3. Antanaclasis 4. Antimetabole 5. Antistrophe 6. Chiasmus 7. Epimone 8. Epizeuxis 9. Polyptoton 10. Symploce
47–55. Dialogue Literary Devices
- While these literary elements pertain primarily to dialogue, writers use euphemisms, idioms, and neologisms all the time in their work. 1. Colloquialism 2. Vernacular 3. Dialect 4. Slang 5. Jargon 6. Idiom 7. Euphemism 8. Proverb 9. Neologism
56–65. Word Play Literary Devices
- The following literary devices push language to the limits. Have fun with these! 1. Anthimeria 2. Double Entendre 3. Kenning 4. Malapropism 5. Metalepsis 6. Oxymoron 7. Palindrome 8. Paraprosdokian 9. Portmanteau 10. Spoonerism
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