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Aug 17, 2021 · Learn what literary devices are and how to identify and use them in your writing. This guide covers the meanings and examples of 28 different literary devices, from allegory to zeugma.
- Metaphor. Metaphors, also known as direct comparisons, are one of the most common literary devices. A metaphor is a statement in which two objects, often unrelated, are compared to each other.
- Simile. Similes, also known as indirect comparisons, are similar in construction to metaphors, but they imply a different meaning. Like metaphors, two unrelated objects are being compared to each other.
- Analogy. An analogy is an argumentative comparison: it compares two unalike things to advance an argument. Specifically, it argues that two things have equal weight, whether that weight be emotional, philosophical, or even literal.
- Imagery. Is imagery a literary device? Absolutely! Imagery can be both literal and figurative, and it relies on the interplay of language and sensation to create a sharper image in your brain.
Learn about the techniques and elements that writers use to create literature, poetry, speeches, and more. Browse the alphabetical list of literary devices and terms, from acrostic to zeugma, with explanations and examples.
- 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.
6 days ago · 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.
- What are literary devices?Literary devices are techniques that writers use to express their ideas and enhance their writing. Literary devices highlight important concepts in...
- 10 of the most common literary devices1. Simile 2. Metaphor 3. Imagery 4. Symbolism 5. Flashbacks 6. Foreshadowing 7. Motif 8. Allegory 9. Juxtaposition 10. Point of view
- What is an Allegory?An allegory is a type of narrative that uses characters and plot to depict abstract ideas and themes. In an allegorical story, things represent mor...
- What is Alliteration?Alliteration describes a series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound. It lends a pleasing cadence to prose and...
- What is Allusion?An allusion is a passing or indirect descriptive reference to something. You probably allude to things all the time in everyday speech, without eve...
- What is an Anachronism?Anachronism is when something happens or is attributed to a different era than when it actually existed. This is usually a mistake, such as an auth...
- What is Anaphora?Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a series of clauses or sentences. It’s often seen in poetry and speeches, intend...
- What is Anastrophe?Anastrophe is a figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed. So a typical verb-subject-adjective sentence such as “Are...
- What is Anthropomorphism?To anthropomorphize is to apply human traits or qualities to a non-human thing such as objects, animals, or the weather. But unlike personification...
- What is an Aphorism?An aphorism is a universally accepted truth stated in a concise, to-the-point way. Aphorisms are typically witty and memorable, often becoming adag...
Learn the definition and examples of literary devices and terms used by writers to convey their messages. Browse the alphabetical list of literary devices from A to Z and find out how they are employed in literature.
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Learn what literary devices are and how they are used in literature to create effects and meanings. Browse through various categories of literary devices, such as allegory, alliteration, anaphora, and more, and see examples and explanations.
