Setting refers to the time and place in which a narrative takes place. The setting can be as particular as a tiny cottage in the countryside, or as broad a region or time period. Different aspects of setting can also include weather conditions, social conditions and environment, historical time period, geographical location and timing. Setting is often vital to a narrative. Show
For example, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights relies heavily upon its setting, as the surroundings directly reflect the mood of the characters and their actions, lending to the overall atmosphere of the narrative. simileA simile is a figure of speech that draws vivid and often dramatic comparison between two very different things. It differs from a metaphor in that is draws resemblance between the two things using words such as “like”, “as” or “than”. In Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita, he employs the following simile – solecismAnother word derived from Greek, Solecism originates from the word soloikismos, meaning to speak incorrectly. It is a stylistic device which deviates from conventional grammar, syntax or pronunciation for dramatic effect. It is often used to add authenticity to a setting or character. For example, Hagrid, from the Harry Potter series, has solecism employed in his dialogue – soliloquyA soliloquy is used to reveal a character’s innermost thoughts to the reader, often portrayed as the character talking to themselves without the presence of another person. It is often used to create a revelation or manifestation to the reader. The most famous soliloquy, without question is from Shakespeare’s Hamlet – symbolismSymbolism refers to a character, object or action that is concealing a different meaning that is generally much deeper and more significant to the narrative. Examples of every day symbolism include the use of red roses, or the colour red in general, to symbolise love, and the dove as a symbol of peace. toneTone often refers to the attitude that a writer has towards a particular subject or audience, made obvious through the delivery, figurative language and organisation. Tone can vary from formal to informal, playful to serious or sad to cheerful. While every narrative contains a central theme, the way in which the writer approaches this theme provides the overall tone of the piece. For example, in Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken, the last stanza begins with “I shall be telling this with a sigh”, setting the tone as unhappy, or perhaps leading the reader to thinking that the speaker had to make a difficult choice.
I love a good list, don’t you? I love lists on places to visit, and lists of activities to do, and I especially love lists of things to look for in fiction and include in my own work. And with that in mind, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of literary devices. A list of literary devices is one of the best things to have at your fingertips — whether you’re a writer or a reader. There are hundreds and hundreds of literary devices, so in this article, I’ll go over the most common ones, and when you should use them. I’ll also give you some well-known examples from literature, TV, and song. But before we get carried away, let’s take a look at what a literary device is. What are Literary Devices?A literary device is an element or technique that authors use to produce a particular effect in their writing. Literary devices add color and depth to a work and bring attention to important dialog or action. Literary devices are either a literary element or a literary technique. What’s the difference? Well, a literary element is something that is used to develop a narrative, and a writer cannot craft a story without them. Literary elements include plot, setting, character, dialog, and conflict. A literary device is something the writer uses to bring greater understanding or depth to their work, such as aphorism, metaphor, or personification. A writer can write a story without using a literary device — but when they improve your work, why wouldn’t you use them? Understanding literary devices gives the reader a better understanding of what the author really thinks or intends to say. Once you have a good grasp on technique, you can change the way you read… for the better. So without further ado, let’s get on with it! The Great Big List of Literary Devices1. AllegoryDefinition When to use this literary device Example 2. AlliterationDefinition When to use this literary device Example
3. AllusionDefinition When to use this literary device Example
4. AnachronismDefinition When to use this literary device Example 5. AnaphoraDefinition When to use this literary device
Example
6. AnastropheDefinition When to use this literary device Example
Yes, Yoda does this all the time, but when it’s less pronounced than the little green Jedi’s strange vernacular, it can be very effective. Here’s Will Shakespeare using anastrophe to poetic effect in Romeo and Juliet.
7. AnthropomorphismDefinition Anthropomorphism aims to make an animal, object, or thing appear like it’s a human, whereas personification is where an animal or thing merely has human characteristics. When to use this literary device ExampleName a beloved children’s character that isn’t a human, and you’re probably describing anthropomorphism. Danger Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Donald Duck — all anthropomorphic characters. For more information on anthropomorphism, check out Thinking with Animals: New Perspectives on Anthropomorphism (affiliate link) 8. AphorismDefinition When to use this literary device
9. AssonanceDefinition When to use this literary device Example
10. CaesuraDefinition There are two types of caesura. The feminine, where the pause happens after a non-stressed syllable, and the masculine where the pause follows a stressed syllable. When to use this literary device Example
5. ConsonanceDefinition When to use this literary device Example
11. ChiasmusDefinition When to use this literary device Example
13. ColloquialismDefinition When to use this literary device Colloquialism is like slang, but the key difference is that colloquialism is generally recognized across age and socioeconomic barriers, whereas slang is specific to social groups. Example
14. DictionDefinition When to use this literary device Example
15. EpigraphDefinition When to use this literary device
16. EuphemismDefinition When to use this literary device Example
17. FlashbackDefinition When to use this literary device Example 18. ForeshadowingDefinition When to use this literary device Example 19. HyperboleDefinition When to use this literary device Example
20. HypophoraDefinition When to use this literary device Example
21. IronyDefinition Verbal irony is where what we say is the complete opposite of what we mean. It’s sarcasm when it’s used in a witty manner — dramatic irony, where we know as a reader what’s going to happen before the characters. And situational irony is when we expect a particular outcome, but we are surprised by what happens. When to use this literary device Example In Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, we know that the witch has poisoned the apple and disguised herself as an old lady, but Snow White doesn’t. BAM! Snow becomes a victim of dramatic irony. In the first act of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo only wants to go to the ball to see Rosaline, but he goes there and falls in love with Juliet instead. BAM! That’s situational irony. “Like rain, on your wedding day?” No, Alanis, that’s just unfortunate. Commonly misused, The Oatmeal does a great job of explaining what is and is not ironic. 22. IsocolonDefinition When to use this literary device Example
23. ImageryDefinition Example
24. JuxtapositionDefinition When to use this literary device Example Here’s another excellent example of juxtaposition — this Teletubby video with the music replaced with Joy Division. It takes something joyful and replaces it with something depressing, creating an effect that’s both comical and creepy. 25. LitotesDefinition When to use this literary device Example “He’s not the sharpest knife in the box.” i.e., he’s stupid.
26. MalapropismDefinition When to use this literary device Example
27. MetaphorDefinition When to use this literary device Example
28. MetonymyDefinition When to use this literary device Example
Here, pen stands for writing and sword stands for physical force. 29. MotifDefinition It may be the same reference (e.g., the central character keeps seeing a black crow), or several symbols all meaning similar things (e.g., a black crow, a skull, a clock to symbolize the futility of man). Motifs can be concrete or abstract and are used to emphasize a central message and drive an idea home. When to use this literary device Example 30. OnomatopoeiaWhen to use it Definition When to use this literary device Example
31. OxymoronDefinition When to use this literary device Example
32. ParadoxDefinition When to use this literary device Example
33. PersonificationDefinition Personification is not to be confused with anthropomorphism, where human characteristics are given to an animal. Personification is much more abstract. When to use this literary device Example
34. Point of ViewDefinition There are four different points of view:
When to use this literary device
Example
36. PolysyndetonDefinition When to use this literary device Example
37. SatireDefinition When to use this literary device Example In literature, look towards Animal Farm by George Orwell, The World According to Garp by John Irving, and Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. 38. SimileDefinition When to use this literary device Example
39. SoliloquyDefinition Popular in Elizabethan drama, soliloquies appear less in more modern, naturalistic drama. Why? Well, because they’re usually used to divulge information about how the character is feeling. When to use this literary device To illustrate the thoughts and feelings going on in a character’s head when narration just won’t cut it. Example Shakespeare also loved a good soliloquy. Romeo demonstrates his love for Juliet in the famous balcony scene, beginning But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? , Hamlet contemplates life and death in To be or not to be, and Macbeth shows us that he decided to kill Duncan in the soliloquy Is this a dagger I see before me?. 40. SymbolismDefinition When to use this literary device Example 41. ZoomorphismDefinition When to use this literary device Example When to Use Literary DevicesWhether you’re a reader or a writer, knowing more about literary devices is a bonus. As a writer, you can use this list of literary devices to add meaning to your work, allowing you to connect deeply with your audience. As a reader, you can use this list of literary devices to better understand the true meaning of a novel, play, or poem. |