Literary Devices, Postcolonialism, and Cultural Symbols in Literature

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Purpose of Imagery

Helps the reader visualize and feel what the character feels.

Example of Imagery

Macbeth seeing "gouts of blood" on the dagger.

Symbolism

When an object, action, or image represents a deeper idea.

Example of Symbolism in Exit West

The doors in Exit West symbolize escape, uncertainty, and transformation.

Diction

The author's word choice.

Example of Diction

Yeats uses violent diction ("blood‑dimmed tide") to create a chaotic tone.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, shown through diction and imagery.

Example of Tone

The tone of "The Second Coming" is fearful and apocalyptic.

Allusion

A reference to a well‑known person, event, or text.

Example of Allusion

Macbeth comparing himself to Tarquin (a Roman tyrant) to show moral corruption.

Hallucination

A false sensory experience that reveals a character's mental state.

Example of Hallucination

Macbeth's imaginary dagger shows guilt and ambition taking over.

Postcolonialism

A lens that examines the effects of colonization: power imbalance, cultural erasure, and resistance.

Example of Postcolonialism

The sculpture glorifies the colonizer while minimizing Indigenous presence.

Colonial hierarchy

A system where colonizers place themselves above Indigenous people.

Example of Colonial hierarchy

The mounted figure towering over Native figures in the sculpture.

Cultural erasure

When a dominant power suppresses or replaces another culture's identity.

Example of Cultural erasure in TFA

In Things Fall Apart, missionaries call Igbo religion "evil."

Modernism

A literary movement focused on chaos, fragmentation, and the breakdown of old systems.

Example of Modernism

"The Second Coming" shows a world where "the centre cannot hold."

Odysseus's Code

Honor + reputation — he reveals his name to the Cyclops out of pride.

Example of Retribution

He believes the Cyclops "had it coming."

Example of Glory

Odysseus Wants credit for the victory over the cyclops.

Greek Culture

Kleos (glory) is essential.

Hospitality (xenia)

Is sacred — the Cyclops violated it.

Pride in Greek Heroes

Can be heroic but dangerous.

Epic Hero Model Connection

The Road of Trials — Odysseus faces consequences for his pride.

The Abyss/Ordeal in The Odyssey

Poseidon's curse sets up the suffering that defines his journey.

the Abyss (also called the Ordeal)

The hero’s lowest point

Retribution

Justice/Punishment for a wrongdoing

When do the missionaries call igbo religion evil?

the missionaries call Igbo religion “evil” in Chapter 17, when Mr. Kiaga and the Christian converts describe the Igbo gods as “false”, “pieces of wood,” and “evil.”

When is another time they call Igbo religion “evil” in Chp 22

Reverend Smith replaces Mr. Brown and is even harsher, calling Igbo practices “darkness” and “heathenism.”

example of excessive pride in the Odessey #1

Odysseus boasting after escaping Scylla and Charybdis — His pride shows heroic confidence, but it nearly gets his remaining men killed.

Example of excessive pride #2

Odysseus shouting his name at the Cyclops — His pride wins him glory, but it angers Poseidon and causes years of suffering.