Literary Devices Definitions

Irony: when a statement is used to express an opposite meaning than the one literally expressed by it.
There are
three types of irony in literature:
Verbal irony: When someone says something but means the opposite (similar to sarcasm).
Situational irony: When something happens that's the opposite of what was expected or intended to happen.
Dramatic irony: When the audience is aware of the true intentions or outcomes, while the characters are not. As
a result, certain actions and/or events take on different meanings for the audience than they do for the characters
involved.
Imagery: when an author describes a scene, thing, or idea so that it appeals to our senses (taste, smell, sight,
touch, or hearing). This device is often used to help the reader clearly visualize parts of the story by creating a
strong mental picture.
Hyperbole: an exaggerated statement that's not meant to be taken literally by the reader. It is often used
for comedic effect and/or emphasis.
Euphemism: when a more mild or indirect word or expression is used in place of another word or phrase that is
considered harsh, blunt, vulgar, or unpleasant.
Allusion: 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.
Alliteration: 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. You’ll often come across alliteration in poetry, titles of
books and poems (Jane Austen is a fan of this device, for example—just look at Pride and Prejudice and Sense
and Sensibility), and tongue twisters.
Euphemism: when a more mild or indirect word or expression is used in place of another word or phrase that is
considered harsh, blunt, vulgar, or unpleasant.
Metaphor/Simile: when ideas, actions, or objects are described in non-literal terms. In short, it’s when an author
compares one thing to another. The two things being described usually share something in common but are
unalike in all other respects. Both metaphors and similes are often used in writing for clarity or emphasis.
A simile is a type of metaphor in which an object, idea, character, action, etc., is compared to another thing
using the words "as" or "like."
Onomatopoeia: a word (or group of words) that represents a sound and actually resembles or imitates the sound
it stands for. It is often used for dramatic, realistic, or poetic effect.
Oxymoron: a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. This device is often used
for emphasis, for humour, to create tension, or to illustrate a paradox (see next entry for more information on
paradoxes).
Paradox: a statement that appears illogical or self-contradictory but, upon investigation, might actually be true
or plausible. Note that a paradox is different from an oxymoron: a paradox is an entire phrase or sentence,
whereas an oxymoron is a combination of just two words.
Personification: when a nonhuman figure or other abstract concept or element is given human-like qualities or
characteristics. It is used to help the reader create a clearer mental picture of the scene or object being described.
Repetition: when a word or phrase is written multiple times, usually for the purpose of emphasis. It is often used
in poetry (for purposes of rhythm as well).
Symbolism: refers to the use of an object, figure, event, situation, or other idea in a written work to represent
something else—typically a broader message or deeper meaning that differs from its literal meaning. The things
used for symbolism are called "symbols," and they’ll often appear multiple times throughout a text, sometimes
changing in meaning as the plot progresses.
Paradox: refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together
hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness of paradoxes lies in the fact that a deeper level of
meaning and significance is not revealed at first glance, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing
insight. Example: High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king.
Puns: a word is used in a manner to suggest two or more possible meanings. This is generally done to the effect of
creating humor or irony or wryness. Puns can also refer to words that suggest meanings of similar-sounding
words. The trick is to make the reader have an “ah!” moment and discover 2 or more meanings.
Example: Santa’s helpers are known as subordinate Clauses.
Assonance: refers to repetition of sounds produced by vowels within a sentence or phrase. In this regard
assonance can be understood to be a kind of alliteration. What sets it apart from alliterations is that it is the
repetition of only vowel sounds. Assonance is the opposite of consonance, which implies repetitive usage of
consonant sounds.
Example: “A long song”. (Where the ‘o’ sound is repeated in the last two words of the sentence)
Pathetic Fallacy: a type of literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his or
her characters to nonhuman objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur
more by accident and less on purpose. Example: The softly whistling teapot informed him it was time for
breakfast.

Literary Devices Definitions

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Literary Devices Definitions

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Irony: when a statement is used to express an opposite meaning than the one literally expressed by it.

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