Literary Devices
Point of View
First person: Narrative told from the perspective of the narrator using "I".
Example: "I saw it happen."
Third person omniscient: Narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
Example: "He knew her thoughts."
Third person limited: Narrator knows only one character's thoughts and feelings.
Example: "She felt sad but didn’t understand why."
Narrator Reliability
The credibility of the narrator.
Reliable narrator: Provides accurate information.
Unreliable narrator: May distort reality.
Example: A narrator exaggerating their role in events.
Literary Devices
Flashback: A scene set in a time earlier than the main story, providing context or background.
Example: A character remembers their childhood while reflecting on current events.
Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.
Example: Dark clouds hint at a storm, an omen of upcoming trouble.
Frame Narrative: A story within a story, where an overarching narrative sets the context for another narrative.
Example: "The Canterbury Tales," where various characters share their personal stories within a larger tale.
Exposition: The introduction of background information, setting, and characters.
Example: The beginning of a novel that introduces the main character and setting details.
Figurative Language
Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
Example: "Time is a thief, stealing moments from our lives."
Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Example: "She is as brave as a lion, facing her fears head-on."
Personification: Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.
Example: "The wind whispered through the trees, soothing their branches."
Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
Example: "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse, longing for a feast."
Oxymoron: A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.
Example: "The bittersweet memories flooded back, mixing joy and sadness."
Paradox: A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a hidden truth.
Example: "This statement is false, challenging the nature of truth."
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words.
Example: "She sells sea shells by the sea shore, creating a melodic phrase."
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words.
Example: "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, emphasizing rhythm."
Additional Literary Elements
Diction: The choice of words and style of expression.
Example: Formal diction in a legal document compared to informal diction in a text message.
Tone: The author’s attitude toward the subject and audience.
Example: A sarcastic tone may indicate criticism or mockery.
Mood: The emotional atmosphere created by the author’s word choice and style.
Example: A gloomy setting can create a somber mood for the reader.
Syntax: The arrangement of words to create sentences.
Example: The difference in meaning between "The dog bit the man" and "The man bit the dog" due to word arrangement.
Irony
Verbal Irony: Saying the opposite of what one means for effect.
Example: Saying "Great weather!" during a storm to highlight sarcasm.
Situational Irony: When the actual outcome is opposite to what is expected.
Example: A fire station burns down, defying expectations.
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows more than the characters.
Example: In "Romeo and Juliet," the audience knows Juliet is alive, while Romeo does not, heightening tension.
Satire and Sarcasm
Satire: The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize societal flaws.
Example: A political cartoon exposing government corruption.
Sarcasm: An often bitter expression of disapproval disguised as praise.
Example: Saying "Oh, fantastic!" when witnessing a failure.
Understatement
A figure of speech that intentionally diminishes the significance of something.
Example: Calling a large dent "just a scratch" minimizes the situation.
Character Elements
Protagonist: The main character around whom the story revolves.
Example: Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's series.
Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist.
Example: Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, opposing Harry's journey.
Epiphany: A moment of sudden revelation or insight experienced by a character.
Example: When a character realizes their true feelings after a pivotal event.
Internal vs External Conflict:
Internal conflict: Occurs within a character (e.g., guilt).
External conflict: Occurs between characters or external forces (e.g., hero vs. villain).
Foil Character: A character who contrasts with another to highlight specific traits.
Example: Dr. Watson is a foil to Sherlock Holmes, emphasizing Holmes's brilliance.
Characterization: The method used by a writer to develop a character, through descriptions, actions, and dialogue.
Example: A character’s kindness is shown through selfless acts in the story.
Juxtaposition: Placing two elements close together to highlight their differences or similarities.
Example: A peaceful village next to a devastated battlefield to contrast tranquility with chaos.
New Literary Concepts
Symbolism: The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings.
Example: A dove is often a symbol of peace.
Motif: A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.
Example: The motif of darkness representing ignorance in various literary works.
Allegory: A story with two levels of meaning - the surface of the story and a deeper meaning.
Example: George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is an allegory for the Russian Revolution.
Theme: The central idea or message conveyed in a literary work.
Example: The theme of love and sacrifice in "The Fault in Our Stars."
Archetype: A typical character, action, or situation that represents universal patterns of human nature.
Example: The hero's journey, where the protagonist goes on an adventure, faces trials, and returns transformed.
Imagery: Descriptive language that engages the senses and creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Example: "The golden sun sank beneath the horizon, casting a warm glow over the tranquil sea."