Lesson-7-Literary-Devices-vs-Literary-Techniques

Literary Devices VS. Literary Techniques

Difference Between Literary Elements, Devices, and Techniques

  • Literary Devices: Typical structures used by writers to convey messages simply to readers.

  • Purpose: Helps readers appreciate, interpret, and analyze literary works.

Two Kinds of Literary Devices

Literary Elements

  • Exist inherently in literary pieces.

  • Essential for developing a literary piece.

  • Examples include:

    • Plot: The logical sequence of events in a story.

    • Setting: The time and place of the story.

    • Characters: Protagonist, antagonist, narrator, etc.

    • Mood and Theme: General atmosphere and central ideas of the narrative.

Literary Techniques

  • Structures (words or phrases) employed for artistic effectiveness.

  • Helps readers grasp and appreciate literary works.

  • Examples include:

    • Metaphor

    • Simile

    • Alliteration

    • Hyperbole

    • Allegory

Examples of Common Literary Elements

  1. Plot: Logical sequence of events.

  2. Setting: Time and place in which the story occurs.

  3. Protagonist: Main character (e.g., Hamlet in 'Hamlet').

  4. Antagonist: Character in conflict with the protagonist (e.g., Claudius in 'Hamlet').

  5. Narrator: Individual who tells the story.

  6. Narrative Method: Presentation manner of narrative (includes plot and setting).

  7. Dialogue: Conversations between characters.

  8. Conflict: Central issue around which the story revolves.

  9. Mood: General atmosphere of the narrative.

  10. Theme: Central idea or concept of the story.

Examples of Common Literary Techniques

  1. Imagery: Use of figurative language to create sensory representations.

    • E.g., "The room was dark and gloomy."

    • E.g., "The river was roaring in the mountains."

  2. Simile and Metaphor:

    • Simile: Compares using "like" or "as" (e.g., "My love is like a red rose.").

    • Metaphor: Direct comparison without these words (e.g., "He is an old fox.").

  3. Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration (e.g., "Your bag weighs a ton!").

  4. Personification: Ascribes human qualities to nonhuman entities (e.g., "The flowers are dancing.").

  5. Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., "Better butter always makes the batter better.").

  6. Allegory: Abstract concept represented through characters/events (e.g., 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell).

  7. Irony: Words' intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning (e.g., "The bread is soft as a stone.").

Function of Literary Devices

  • Universal Artistic Structures: Commonly employed to add meaning and logical framework.

  • Reader Engagement: Enhances recognition and appreciation of literature.

  • Comparison: Allows comparison between works of different writers.

  • Visual Imagination: Motivates readers to visualize characters/scenes clearly.

Specific Literary Devices

Metaphor

  • Direct comparison of two unrelated objects (e.g., "This tree is the god of the forest.").

  • Provides weight and value beyond direct descriptions.

Simile

  • Indirect comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "This tree is like the god of the forest.").

  • Each serves distinct purposes in literature.

Imagery

  • Combines literal and figurative language appealing to all five senses.

    • Sight: "The tree spread its gigantic, sun-flecked shoulders."

    • Sound: "The forest was hushed, resounding with echoes of the tree's silence."

    • Touch: "The tree felt smooth as sandstone."

    • Taste: "The tree's leaves tasted bitter, like unroasted coffee beans."

    • Smell: "The air around it smelled crisp and precise."

Symbolism

  • Use of an object to represent a concept; more concise than metaphors.

    • Common examples:

      • "Peace" with a white dove.

      • "Love" with a red rose.

Personification

  • Attribution of human qualities to nonhuman objects.

    • E.g., "The car ran a marathon down the highway."

    • Fosters empathy by providing human traits to nonhuman things.

Hyperbole

  • Exaggerated statements used for emphasis (e.g., "I could eat a horse!").

    • Engages readers emotionally through dramatic effect.

Irony

  • Describing something using opposite language; often employed in dialogue and satirical situations.

Juxtaposition

  • Placement of contrasting ideas to produce an ironic/thought-provoking effect; often seen in antithesis.

Paradox

  • Contradictory ideas that challenge understanding and provoke deeper thought.

    • E.g., "One has to die in order to live."

Oxymoron

  • Figure of speech pairing two contradictory terms (e.g., "only choice", "controlled chaos").

Activity 1: Symbo-Poem

Objective

  • Create a poem symbolizing your life using figures of speech.

Guidelines

  1. Compose a 4-stanza free verse poem.

  2. Print on bond paper.

  3. Title in a chosen font.

Criteria

  • Content: 50%

  • Creativity: 30%

  • Originality: 20%