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Find definitions of literary terms like metaphor, simile, irony, satire, plot, allegory, motif and literary devices used in poetry in the SparkNotes glossary.
Concise definitions, usage tips, and lots of examples for 136 literary devices and terms.
Ever feel a bit lost when other writers start flinging literary terms around? Don't stress. We've got a list of the must-know terminology, with crystal-clear definitions, examples, and even a few tips for putting these concepts to work in your own writing.
- Abi Wurdeman
Mar 20, 2020 · A literary device is a writing technique that writers use to express ideas, convey meaning, and highlight important themes in a piece of text. A metaphor, like we mentioned earlier, is a famous example of a literary device. These devices serve a wide range of purposes in literature.
- Allegory. An allegory is a story that is used to represent a more general message about real-life (historical) issues and/or events. It is typically an entire book, novel, play, etc.
- Alliteration. Alliteration is a series of words or phrases that all (or almost all) start with the same sound. These sounds are typically consonants to give more stress to that syllable.
- Allusion. Allusion is when an author makes an indirect reference to a figure, place, event, or idea originating from outside the text. Many allusions make reference to previous works of literature or art.
- Anachronism. An anachronism occurs when there is an (intentional) error in the chronology or timeline of a text. This could be a character who appears in a different time period than when he actually lived, or a technology that appears before it was invented.
Example: her nose was needle sharp, with nostrils as small and black as a mouse’s eyes. Character - a person or player (it can also be an animal, an imaginary creature) in a story; character can also be used as a word meaning “personal traits,” as in “Write a paragraph about the character of the Big Bad Wolf.”.
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Sep 22, 2022 · From similes and metaphors to anthropomorphism and foreshadowing, find examples of literary devices and how to teach them to students.