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| An allegory is a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. |
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| Alliteration is 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 alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. |
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| An allusion 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. |
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| Amplification refers to a literary practice wherein the writer embellishes the sentence by adding more information to it in order to increase its worth and understandability. When a plain sentence is too abrupt and fails to convey the full implications desired, amplification comes into play when the writer adds more to the structure to give it more meaning. |
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| An analogy is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy 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 understanding regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner. |
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Anastrophe is a form of literary device wherein the order of the noun and the adjective in the sentence is exchanged. In standard parlance and writing the adjective comes before the noun but when one is employing an anastrophe the noun is followed by the adjective. This reversed order creates a dramatic impact and lends weight to the description offered by the adjective.
He spoke of times past and future, and dreamt of things to be. |
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An antithesis is used when the writer employs two sentences of contrasting meanings in close proximity to one another.
When Neil Armstrong walked on the moon it might have been one small step for a man but it was one giant leap for mankind. |
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| rchetypes are literary devices that employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning. |
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Repetition of sounds produced by vowels within a sentence or phrase.
“A long song”. (Where the ‘o’ sound is repeated in the last two words of the sentence) |
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A figure of speech containing two phrases that are parallel but inverted to each other.
You can take the patriot out of the country but you cannot take the country out of the patriot. |
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| If in a suspense novel the protagonist suddenly finds a solution to his dilemmas because of divine intervention. |
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| A foil is another character in a story who contrasts with the main character, usually to highlight one of their attributes. |
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| Foreshadowing is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story. |
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The purpose of hyperbole is to create a larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point.
“I am so tired I cannot walk another inch” or “I’m so sleepy I might fall asleep standing here”. |
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| Juxtaposition is a literary device wherein the author places a person, concept, place, idea or theme parallel to another. The purpose of juxtaposing two directly or indirectly related entities close together in literature is to highlight the contrast between the two and compare them. This literary device is usually used for etching out a character in detail, creating suspense or lending a rhetorical effect. |
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| Malapropism in literature refers to the practice of misusing words by substituting words with similar sounding words that have different, often unconnected meanings, and thus creating a situation of confusion, misunderstanding and amusement. |
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Metaphors are 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 a metaphor, one subject is implied to be another so as to draw a comparison between their similarities and shared traits.
“Henry was a lion on the battlefield”. |
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Oxymoron is a significant literary device as it allows the author to use contradictory, contrasting concepts placed together in a manner that actually ends up making sense in a strange, and slightly complex manner.
Sometimes we cherish things of little value.
He possessed a cold fire in his eyes. |
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A paradox in literature refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels.
High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king. |
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This refers to the practice of joining two or more words in order to create an entirely new word
smog = smoke + fog
liger = lion + tiger |
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| Making fun od human weakness or a character flaw. Even though it is humorous, its purpose is to derive a reaction of contempt from the reader. |
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Drawing parallels between two unrelated things/people/places/concepts.
He is like a mouse in front of the teacher. |
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