-
Literary Devices
Allegory
Definition:
An allegory is a
symbolism device where the meaning of a greater,
often abstract, concept is
conveyed
with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea
being used as an example. Usually
a
rhetoric device, an allegory suggests a meaning
via metaphoric examples.
Example:
Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a
single stumble might send you sprawling but belief
and
steadfastness will see you to the
very top.
Alliteration
Definition:
Alliteration
is
a
literary
device
where
words
are
used
in
quick
succession
and
begin
with
letters
belonging
to
the
same
sound
group.
Whether
it
is
the
consonant
sound
or
a
specific
vowel
group,
the
alliteration
involves
creating
a
repetition
of
similar
sounds
in
the
sentence.
Alliterations are also created when the
words all begin with the same letter.
Alliterations
are used to add character
to the wri
ting and often add an element
of ‘fun’ to the piece..
Example:
The Wicked Witch of
the West went her own way. (The ‘W’ sound is
highlighted and repeated
throughout the
sentence.)
Allusion
Definition:
An
allusion
is
a
figure
of
speech
whereby
the
author
refers
to
a
subject
matter
such
as
a
place,
event,
or
literary
work
by
way
of
a
passing
reference.
It
is
up
to
the
reader
to
make
a
connection
to the subject
being mentioned.
Example:
It
’s no wonder everyone
refers to Mary as another Mother Teresa in the
making; she loves to
help and care
after people everywhere- from the streets to her
own friends.
In the example the author
uses the mention of Mother Teresa to indicate the
sort of qualities
that Mary has.
Amplification
Definition:
Amplification
refers to a literary practice wherein the writer
embellishes the sentence by
adding more
information to it in order to increase its worth
and understandability. When a
plain
sentence is too abrupt and fails to
convey the full implications desired,
amplification
comes into play when the
writer adds more to the structure to give it more
meaning.
Example:
Original
sentence- The thesis paper was difficult. After
amplification- The thesis paper was
difficult: it required extensive
research, data collection, sample surveys,
interviews and
a lot of fieldwork.
Anagram
Definition:
Anagrams are an
extremely
popular
form of
literary device wherein the writer jumbles
up
parts
of the
word to create a new word. From the syllables of a
phrase to the individual letters
of a
word, any fraction can be jumbled to create a new
form. Anagram is a form of wordplay
that allows the writer to infuse
mystery and a little interactive fun in the
writing so that
1
the reader can decipher the
actual word on their own and discover a depth of
meaning to the
writing.
Example:
An
anagram
for
card
is
credit
As
you
can
see,
both
phrases
use
the
same
letters.
By mixing the letters a bit of humor is
created.
Analogy
Definition:
An analogy is a
literary device that helps to establish a
relationship based on similarities
between
two
concepts
or
ideas.
By
using
an
analogy
we
can
convey
a
new
idea
by
using
the
blueprint
of an old one as a
basis for understanding. With a mental linkage
between the two, one can
create
understanding regarding the new concept in a
simple and succinct manner.
Example:
In the same way as one cannot have the
rainbow without the rain, one cannot achieve
success
and riches without hard work.
Anastrophe
Definition:
Anastrophe is a
form of literary device wherein the order of the
noun and the adjective in
the sentence
is exchanged. In standard parlance and writing the
adjective comes before the
noun
but
when
one
is
employing
an
anastrophe
the
noun
is
followed
by
the
adjective.
This
reversed
order
creates a dramatic
impact
and lends weight to
the
description offered by
the adjective.
Example:
He spoke of times past and future, and
dreamt of things to be.
Anecdote
Definition:
The word
anecdote, phonetically pronounced , means a short
verbal accounting of a
funny, amusing,
interesting event or incident. The story is
usually a reminiscence from the
teller's
life
but
at
best
is
a
related
story
of
fact,
as
opposed
to
a
contrived
work
of
fiction.
The origin of the
word anecdote comes from the Greek Byzantine
period, A.D. 527 to 565 during
the
reign of emperor Justinian. In his court,
Justinian had a historian named Procopius who
was a gifted writer who wrote many
witty, amusing and somewhat bawdy accounts of
court life.
Never intending for this
stories to become public he entitled his writings
as “Anecdota”
which was Greek for
unpublished and kept secret. After his secret
writings did indeed become
public and
published, the term anecdote became commonly used
for similar accounts.
Example:
Amusing anecdotes many times find their
way into wedding receptions, family reunions and
any
other
gathering
of
people
who
know
each
other
well.
Teachers
and
educators
often
tell
classrooms
of pupils
anecdotes about famous people. The anecdotes are
not always flattering, but are
usually
revealing
of
character
and
invariably
amusing.
Here
is
an
example
of
an
anecdote
about
Winston Churchill:
Winston
Churchill
was
very
fond
of
his
pet
dog
Rufus.
He
ate
in
the
dining
room
with
the
family
on a special cloth
and was treated with utmost respect. When enjoying
movies, Rufus had the
best
seat
in
the
house;
on
Winston
Churchill
's
lap.
While
watching
“Oliver
Twist,”
Churchill
put his hands over
Rufus' eyes during the scene where Bill Sike's
intends to drown his dog.
1