Literary Devices and Concepts: Allegory, Allusion, Archetypes, and More

Allegory

An extended metaphor in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract qualities or moral concepts; the story operates on both a literal and symbolic level.

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work that the reader is expected to recognize.

Archetype

A universal symbol, character type, or pattern that recurs across cultures and literature (e.g., the hero, the mentor, the journey).

Carpe

Diem A Latin phrase meaning "seize the day," encouraging people to make the most of the present moment.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural associations attached to a word beyond its literal meaning.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Deus Ex Machina

A plot device where an unexpected power or event resolves a seemingly unsolvable problem; literally "god from the machine."

Diction

The author's choice of words and style of expression in writing.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows information that the characters do not, creating tension or humor.

Elliptical Construction

A sentence structure that omits words which are implied by the context, often for stylistic or rhythmic effect.

Eponymous

When a character gives their name to the title of a work (e.g., Hamlet or Jane Eyre).

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word or phrase used to replace one considered too harsh or blunt.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another (usually the protagonist) to highlight particular traits.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues that suggest events that will occur later in the story.

In Medias Res

A narrative technique that begins in the middle of the action.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere or feeling created in a literary work.

Motif

A recurring image, idea, or symbol that helps develop a theme.

Pathetic Fallacy

Attributing human emotions or traits to nature or inanimate objects (e.g., angry storm clouds).

Perspective

The vantage point or lens through which the story is told, shaped by the narrator's attitudes and experiences.

Point of View

The position from which a story is narrated (first person, third person limited, third person omniscient, etc.).

Prose

Ordinary written or spoken language that is not in verse or poetic form.

Satire

A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human folly or societal flaws.

Situational Irony

When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected.

Stream of Consciousness

A narrative style that presents a character's thoughts and feelings as a continuous, often chaotic, flow.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

Verbal Irony

When what is said is the opposite of what is meant.

Verisimilitude

The appearance of being true or real; how believable or realistic a work of fiction seems.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which the speaker directly addresses an absent person, abstract idea, or inanimate object.

Conflict

The struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot (internal or external).