What is Literary Devices?

Literary elements, also known as literary devices, are writing techniques used to create artistic
special effects, that immerse the reader into a narrative, story, or text. Literary elements are specific
ways that storytellers use words in specific patterns to tell their stories. They are considered the main
tools in a writer's toolbox.

Why do authors use literary devices?

Authors use literary devices to enhance their creative expression, and to add artistic flair to their
writing, which provides an unforgettable reader’s experience.

Here are the main reasons to use literary devices in your writing:

Add special effects to your writing. Part of showing, and not telling, through your story involves the use
of literary devices and other techniques in your storytelling.

Connect with the reader. Through literary elements, you can draw the reader into your story, and
encourage them to engage with the text. Literary devices can stimulate the reader's mind, and giving
them a deeper reading experience.

Make your writing more interesting to read. No one likes to read or hear a boring story. By
incorporating literary techniques in your writing, you add life to your words, and avoid being a bore.

Convey abstract information. More common in fiction stories, literary devices can help the author
convey abstract concepts or information to the reader. They can help communicate the work's overall
meaning or theme, without the writer having to directly state the purpose.

Paint a vivid picture with your words. Literary devices can help paint a visual picture or image in the
reader's imagination. Again, it all comes back to showing the reader what's happening, rather than
simply telling.

Here are the 10 most common literary devices:

 Simile
 Metaphor
 Personification
 Hyperbole
 Imagery
 Symbolism
 Flashbacks
 Foreshadowing
  Motif
 Allegory
1. Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things by highlighting the similarities.
Similes use “like” and “as” to establish the similarity relationship. Whenever you see the use of
“as” in a sentence, it is most likely a simile. The purpose of a simile is to help paint the picture in
the readers’ mind by comparing the characteristics with another well-known subject.
Example: Dyna's skin is white as a rabbish.

2. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true but
helps explain an idea or make a point. It states that one thing is another thing even when literally it is
not.The purpose of a metaphor is to paint striking images in the readers’ mind to help better express the
ideas and to make the writing more effective.

Example:

“Martha’s new school English teacher is a dragon”

3. Personification

Personification is when something non-human, object or animal, is given human-like qualities like
yelling, howling, waving, crying etc. It’s a way of describing something as if it was a person to make the
sentence sound more exciting.The purpose of personification is to evoke human emotions for non-
human things so that the readers can better connect to the things. It helps to convey ideas in a way that
people can relate to.

Example: The tree dances as the winds blow.

4. Hyperbole

The art of exaggerating or stretching the truth to express a feeling or idea even though literally it is not
possible.The purpose of hyperbole is to amplify personal response by the method of exaggeration.

Example: She is thinner than a toothpick.

5. Imagery

Imagery is a powerful sensory language technique that helps the reader imagine the world using
descriptive details of the five senses i.e. taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound. Imagery can also pertain to
movement, emotions and feelings.The purpose of imagery is to bring the writing to life, create the
mood, help the reader visualise the imaginary world and make the reader feel like they are part of the
experience that the author has created.
Example: Her lips glistened red like ripe cherries.” Writers invoke color, size, etc., to help readers
visualize scenes more vividly.

6. Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of symbols to depict deeper meanings and qualities. Like, the dove is the symbol of
peace, black is the symbol of evil. Most symbols are not universal and may be used to signify different
ideas and qualities. The purpose of symbolism is to signify ideas and qualities that are different from
their literal sense.

Example: The color white stands for purity, black represents evil, roses stand for romance, a butterfly
symbolizes transformation and a dog can represent loyalty.

7. Flashbacks

Flashbacks are used to introduce past events. It is either used to introduce events that happened before
the story or to reflect on the events that happened earlier in the story.The purpose of a flashback is to
convey to the reader some information about the characters background or the motives for the existing
conflicts in the story.

Example: A mother takes pictures during her daughter’s graduation, she begins telling her husband
about memories she has of her daughter starting kindergarten. She has interrupted the present action
of graduation in order to tell about a past event.

8. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is the technique used by writers to inform their readers about an event that has to
happen later in the story. It is a hint to what is going to happen later in the story. The purpose of the
foreshadowing is to help readers develop some expectations from the story or build suspense.

Example: Parents who recently moved to San Fransisco, reassures their daughter that everything at her
new school is going to be fine.” – foreshadows that something might happen at the school.

9. Motif

A motif is a recurring pattern or an idea that repeats in the story to reinforce the theme.The purpose of
a motif is to reinforce the core theme and remind the readers of what the whole idea of the story is
about.

Example: In William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the motif of revenge is central, with the characters of
Hamlet and Laertes seeking revenge for the deaths of their fathers.

10. Allegory

An allegory is a literary device to express a deeper meaning, concept or a hidden idea. In other words, it
is a type of writing that speaks to imply a different idea that represents a larger point about human
nature or society.The purpose of the allegory is the make the reader understand a deeper concept that
is not directly represented in the surface story.

Example: One of the most famous works using allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The perceived
story is about a group of farm animals who rise up and defeat humans, but the underlying story is about
the Russian Revolution. Using an allegory is often telling a darker story in a way that’s easier to
understand and for readers to receive.