Literary Devices`
A conclusion reached on the baasis of evidence and reasoning
Inference
These are needed when referencing possession.
Apostrophes
Words that begin dependent clauses:
after * although * as * as if * as long as * as soon as *because * before * if * in order that * that * so that * than * though * unless * until * when * since * where * wherever * while
Subordinating Conjunctions
A literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. It uses an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.
Symbol
These are one of the most commonly used literary devices; referring to the practice of drawing parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, places, beings, places and concepts. By using this device a greater meaning and understanding is attached to an otherwise simple sentence. The sentiment is more easily conveyed by the reader. They are marked by the use of such words: as * such as * like.
Simile
A statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true premises, leads to a seemingly self-contradictory or a logically unacceptable conclusion.
Paradox
Used at the end of a sentence. Indicates the end of a complete thought.
Punctuation / Period
Bridge between two independent clauses:
And * But * Or * Nor * For * So * Yet
Coordinating Conjunctions -- aka FANBOYS
In any literary work, this is the base that acts as a foundation for the entire literary piece. It links together all the aspects of the literary work with one another and is basically the main subject. It can also be used as an enduring pattern or motif throughout the literary work, occurring in complex, long winding manner or it can be short and succinct to provide a certain insight into the story.
Theme
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.
Hyperbole
The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
Personification
Used in each of these cases: Names, places, ethnicities, states, towns, months, days, titles, businesses, languages, events, etc.
Capitalization
These words join two independent clauses with a semicolon and a comma.
(Meanwhile * Although * Nonetheless * Therefore * However * Likewise * Otherwise * Furthermore * Thus * Hence * Moreover * Nevertheless )
Conjunctive Adverbs
The use of theis device refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Often, this device 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.
Irony
A device used when the writer employs two sentences / ideas of contrasting meanings in close proximity to one another. Whether they are words or phrases of the same sentence, this device is used at create one uniform whole. It plays on the complementary property of opposites to create one vivid picture. Its purpose is to creat ebalance between opposite qualities and lend a greater insight to the subject.
Antithesis
One subject is implied to be another so as to draw a comparison between their similarities and shared traits. The first subject, which is the focus of the sentence is usually compared to the second subject, which is used to convey a degree of meaning that is used to characterize the first.
Metaphor
The subject of the sentence completes tha action of the verb.
Active Voice
These words answer the questions who, what, where and when. **These phrases have no power to determine sentence type -- they only have a subject / noun - they do not have a verb.
In * By * On * For * Into * At * With * After * Below * From * Toward * Outside * Along * Beneath * Over * Inside * Above * Before * Off * Down *About * Across * Behind * Of * To
Prepostions / Prepositional Phrases
This device is defined as when an audience watching a play understands what's going on in a situation while the characters are unaware of what is happening.
Dramatic Irony
The associations people make with words that go beyond the literal or dictionary definition. Many words which create emotions or feelings in the reader utilize this device.
Connotation
A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
Oxymoron
The subject of the sentence does not complete the action of the verb. The object of the preposition completes the action of the verb.
Passive Voice
The Infinitive form of a verb plus any complements and modifiers -- they have no power to determine sentence type - they only have a verb - they do not have. subject.
Infinitive Phrases
The literary device refers to the use of indicative word or 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. It is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.
Foreshadowing
One of the strongest devices an author uses to create "mental pictures" for the reader. This device helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author's writings. The use of metaphors, similes, allusions and descriptive words amongst other literary forms in order to "tickle" and awaken the reader's sensory perceptions refer to this device.
Imagery