Literary Devices

A

100

a literary device where words are used in quick succession and begin with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the it involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. This device is also created when the words all begin with the same letter. It is also used to add character to the writing and often add an element of ‘fun’ to the piece..

What is alliteration?

200

This is the perspective or attitude that the author adopts with regards to a specific character, place or development. It can portray a variety of emotions ranging from solemn, grave, and critical to witty, wry and humorous. It helps the reader ascertain the writer’s feelings towards a particular topic and this in turn influences the reader’s understanding of the story.

What is tone?

300

The literary device refers to a definitive stance the author adopts in shaping a specific emotional perspective towards the subject of the literary work. It refers to the mental and emotional disposition of the author towards the subject, which in turn lends a particular character or atmosphere to the work. The final tone achieved thus is instrumental in evoking specific, appropriate responses from the reader.

What is mood?

400

This term refers to a literary device where the author creates a character whose primary purpose is to create a contrast to another character by laying emphasis or drawing attention to the latter’s traits and characteristics through the former’s obviously contradictory ones.

What is a foil?

500

The use of this technique in literature refers to the practice of making fun of a human weakness or character flaw. The use of this technique is often inclusive of a need or decision of correcting or bettering the character that is on the receiving end of the statement. In general, even though this might be humorous and may “make fun”, its purpose is not to entertain and amuse but actually to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader.

What is satire?

B

100

One of the most commonly used literary devices; referring to the practice of drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. The reader is able to better understand the sentiment the author wishes to convey. This literary device is marked by the use of the words ‘as’ or ‘such as’ or ‘like’.

What is a simile?

200

A literary device wherein the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize the basic crux of the statement in order to produce a grander, more noticeable effect. The purpose of this technique is to create a larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point. Such sentences usually convey an action or sentiment that is generally not practically/ realistically possible or plausible but helps emphasize an emotion.

What is hyperbole?

300

It is one of the most extensively used literary devices. A metaphor refers to a meaning or identity ascribed to one subject by way of another. In this literary technique, one subject is implied to be another so as to draw a comparison between their similarities and shared traits. The first subject, which/who is the focus of the sentences is usually compared to the second subject, which is used to convey/carry a degree of meaning that is used to characterise the first. The purpose of using this device is to take an identity or concept that we understand clearly (second subject) and use it to better understand the lesser-knownelement (the first subject).

What is Metaphor?

400

This is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using this technique we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the two, one can create comprehension regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner.

What is an analogy?

500

This refers to expressing a meaning or the significance of a part of a story in a straightforward, clear-cut manner. There is no roundabout, covert manner employed and hence this is the opposite of connotation.

What is Denotation?

C

100

This is the base topic or focus that acts as a foundation for the entire literary piece. It links all aspects of the literary work with one another and is basically the main subject. It can be an enduring pattern or motif throughout the literary work, occurring in a complex, long winding manner or it can be short and succinct and provide a certain insight into the story.

What is theme?

200

This concept refers to a pattern of beats that is created by using words that produce the same, or similar sounds. These two devices together refer to the recurrence of similar sounds in prose and poetry, creating a musical, gentle effect.

What is rhythm and rhyme?

300

The term refers to a single, related chunk of lines in poetry. It basically refers to one unit or group of lines, which forms one particular faction in poetry. The most basic of this literary device is usually 4 lines per group, with the simplest rhyme scheme “a-b-a-b” being followed.

What is a stanza?

400

This is a complex literary device wherein the intended meaning is not stated clearly and is instead conveyed through covert, indirect means. This device leaves a little of the meaning unstated so that the reader can decode it for himself.

What is a Connotation?

500

This is an inherent part of any story or poem and are essential to the structure of any written form. It is an important literary tool that acts as the afterword once the last chapter is over. The purpose of an this is to add a little insight to some interesting developments that happen once the major plot is over. This often acts as a teaser trailer to any possible sequels that might be created later. Sometimes the it is used to add a little bit about the life/future of the main characters after the story itself has unfolded and wrapped up. They are an interesting faction because they can be written in a number of ways: sometimes the same narrative style as adopted in the story is continued while at other times one of the characters might take up the narrative or speak one-to-one with the audience.

What is an epilogue?

D

100

The term refers to words whose very sound is very close to the sound they are meant to depict. In other words, it refers to sound words whose pronunciation to the actual sound/noise they represent

What is onomatopoeia?

200

It is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects/ concepts/ traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. It is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.

What is symbolism?

300

The literary device is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using this refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. These are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.

What is motif?

400

This refers to repetition of sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase. In this regard consonance can be understood to be a kind of alliteration. What sets it apart from alliterations is that it is the repetition of only consonant sounds. It is the opposite of assonance, which implies repetitive usage of vowel sounds.

What is Consonance?

500

This is a figure of speech whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.

What is an allusion?

E

100

In literature, the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. It helps the reader to visualise and therein more realistically experience the author’s writings. The usage of metaphors, allusions, descriptive words and similes amongst other literary forms in order to “tickle” and awaken the readers’ sensory perceptions is referred to as this literary device. It is not limited to only visual sensations, but also refers to igniting kinesthetic, olfactory, tactile, gustatory, thermal and auditory sensations as well.

What is imagery?

200

In literature this refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence/word is actually different from the literal meaning derived. Often, it is used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth. The deeper, real layer of significance is revealed not by the words themselves but the situation and the context in which they are placed.

What is irony?

300

It is a literary device wherein the writer/ author depicts the occurrence of specific events to the reader, which have taken place before the present time the narration is following, or events that have happened before the events that are currently being unfolded in the story. This device is commonly used as past narratives by characters, depictions and references of dreams and memories and a sub-device known as authorial sovereignty wherein the author directly chooses to refer to a past occurrence by bringing it up in a straightforward manner. It is also used to create a background to the present situation, place or person.

What is a flashback?

400

The literary device that refers to the use of indicative words/phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. This is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.

What is foreshadowing?

500

A type of literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his/her characters to non-human objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur more by accident and less on purpose.

What is pathetic fallacy?