LITERARY DEVICES

Figurative language is an umbrella term for many different literary devices; it implies a deeper level of meaning than literal language. Figurative language can have a powerful impact on
readers, as it works on our senses and awakens our imaginations to strengthen our connection with the subject matter.

DEVICE DEFINITION EXAMPLE

Allegory An allegory is a narrative with a double meaning where abstract ideas are ‘Animal Farm’ is an allegory where the Russian Communist Revolution is
represented through the symbolic use of characters, actions and events. represented by the story of animals who take control of their farm. Orwell’s goal
was to expose the greed and corruption of the revolution.

Alliteration Sound device. Repetition of the same initial sound (first stressed syllable) two The whispering of the west wind.
or more times in short succession. Alliteration is a special type of consonance.

Allusion Reference to an event, person, place or artistic work not directly explained by He was as strong as Hercules.
the composer.

Ambiguity A broad term used to describe language that can be interpreted in more than Fair is foul and foul is fair. (Macbeth – Shakespeare)
one way. Specific types of ambiguity include puns and paradox.

Anaphora Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses Every breath you take / Every move you make / Every bond you break / Every step
or lines. Often used in poetry and speeches. you take / I’ll be watching you. (‘Every Breath You Take’ – The Police)

Analogy Creates a comparison by showing how two seemingly different entities are An author who expects results from a first novel is in a position similar to that of a
alike, and illustrating a larger point due to their commonalities. The purpose is man who drops a rose petal down the Grand Canyon of Arizona and listens for the
not just to make a comparison, but to provide an explanation as well, with echo. (P.G. Wodehouse)
additional information or context.

Assonance Repetition of the same vowel sound two or more times in nearby words. We the people, created equal. (‘Bows and Arrows’ – Kaiser Chiefs)

Caesura Poetic technique: a deliberate pause or break within a line, usually indicated What art's for a woman? To hold on her knees / Both darlings! to feel all their
by a full-stop. arms round her throat (‘Mother and Poet’ – Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

Cliché An over-used, common expression. Many hands make light work.

Colloquial Informal, everyday language; often culturally specific. I’m gonna take a break.
Language I reckon it’s time for smoko.

Consonance Repetition of the same consonant sound throughout a sentence or phrase (not Time present and time past / Are both perhaps present in the future / And time
necessarily at the start of words). future contained in time past… (‘The West Land’ – T.S. Eliot)

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 DEVICE DEFINITION EXAMPLE

Contrast When a composer presents the differences between two or more things. Specific types of contrast include oxymoron and juxtaposition.

Diction Word choices. Usually influenced by a text’s purpose, form and intended In conversation with a friend, I might refer to my car as my “wheels”, but I
audience. would use the word “car” or “vehicle” if I were writing a formal report or article.
Diction can be emotive, forceful, factual, descriptive, graphic, disturbing, etc.

Dissonance The deliberate use of inharmonious syllables, words or phrases to create a The wind flung a magpie away and a black-back gull bent like an iron bar slowly.
harsh-toned effect. Dissonance depends more on the organisation of sound (In these lines from Wind by Ted Hughes, the difficult sequence of sounds prevents
for a jarring effect, rather than on the unpleasantness of individual words. the verse flowing smoothly, reflecting the seagull's struggle against the wind.)

Emotive language Words intended to stir the reader’s emotions. The victims were executed in cold blood (emotive)
vs The men were killed (less emotive)

Enjambment Poetic technique: when a sentence runs over more than one line (or stanza). What art's for a woman? To hold on her knees / Both darlings! to feel all their
arms round her throat (‘Mother and Poet’ – Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

Euphemism Mild (or more socially acceptable) expression used to replace a harsh (or less Passed away vs died.
socially acceptable) expression.

Exclamation Usually ending with an exclamation mark, exclamations convey high emotion. “Go away!” she screamed.

Foreshadowing When a writer gives a hint of what’s to come later in the narrative. When viewers see a close-up of a hidden gun, they understand the gun will have
significance later in the film.

Humour Used to lighten the tone and/or convey deeper meaning. Examples include puns, irony, satire, parody and exaggeration.

Hyperbole Deliberate exaggeration for the sake of emphasis. I have a million things to do.

Icon A person, object or image that represents complex ideas and feelings. Often Virgin Mary
culturally specific.

Idiom An expression that has a figurative meaning unrelated to the literal meaning She was over the moon.
of the phrase. Usually culturally specific.

Imagery Creating vivid pictures or impressions of things using descriptive writing, to The river was roaring. The word roaring appeals to our sense of hearing
appeal to the reader’s physical senses and help the reader clearly visualise (olfactory imagery).
characters/setting/ideas.

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 DEVICE DEFINITION EXAMPLE

Imperative voice Forceful use of a verb at the start of a sentence or phrase. Run for your life!

Intertextuality When a text makes a reference to other texts, either implicitly or explicitly. Many texts refer to elements of Shakespeare’s plays.

Irony Using words in such a way that the intended meaning is very different to the The biggest dog in town was a Great Dane called Tiny.
literal meaning. Irony encourages the reader to focus on the difference
We were fighting for peace.
between the appearance of things and the reality – the difference between
what is said and what is meant.

Juxtaposition Placing two things (e.g. objects, ideas, images, scenes) side by side with the Hard bitumen around your feet / Rather you should be/ In the cool world of leafy
purpose of comparing or contrasting them for dramatic impact. forest halls. (‘Municipal Gum’ – Oodgeroo Noonuccal)

Malapropism The use of an incorrect word in place of a word that sounds similar but has a very I resemble that remark.
different meaning, usually with humorous effect.
I want to be effluent.
From the French mal a propos (which means “inappropriate”); first used by the
character Mrs Malaprop in Richard Sheridan’s 1775 play The Rivals.

Metaphor A comparison in which the name or qualities of one thing are attributed to War is a destructive monster.
another, to emphasise their similar qualities. Adds layers of meaning.
She is a busy bee.

Metonymy The substitution of a word which refers to a characteristic of the thing that is The crown refers to royalty.
meant.

Modality The force with which words are delivered (the verb indicates the level of High modality: You are drunk so you must not drive.
modality).
Low modality: It might rain tomorrow.

Onomatopoeia A word makes the sound associated with it. The reader can hear what is Bloop. Crash! Buzz.
happening.

Oxymoron A contradictory phrase; placing two opposite or contradictory terms side by Organised chaos.
side, for emphasis. From the Greek oxus (sharp) and moros (foolish).
All animals are equal but some are more equal than others. (‘Animal Farm’ –
Paradox A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true;
George Orwell)
opposites that seem to contradict each other but also make sense.

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 DEVICE DEFINITION EXAMPLE

Parody Parody mimics a subject to produce a comical effect. ‘Scary Movie’ is a parody of a number of horror movies.

Personification Human attributes are given to an animal, inanimate object or abstract idea. The flowers danced beside the lake.

Pun A pun is a “play on words” – an expression intended for humorous effect by I wondered why the ball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
exploiting different meanings of words.

Repetition A word or phrase deliberately repeated to emphasise its importance or to Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep – the innocent sleep… (‘Macbeth’ –
persuade. Shakespeare)

Rhetorical A question where no answer is expected. Its purpose is usually to engage the Will any good come of this?
question reader and persuade them to consider a particular point of view.

Sarcasm The use of irony to mock or convey contempt. This bread is as soft as stone.

Satire Composition which ridicules in a scornful and humorous way, without direct Most ‘South Park’ episodes satirise elements of American culture.
imitation. Satire aims at exposing and criticising shortcomings in society.

Sibilance Repetition of the s, z or sh sound. Can sound melodious and sweet, or cold and The snake slithered on the sunburnt sand.
icy, depending on the context.

Simile The direct comparison of one thing with another, using like or as, emphasising War is like a destructive monster.
similarities between the two. Adds layers of meaning.
She is as busy as a bee.

Symbolism Symbols are tangible things (e.g. objects, characters, figures, colours) used to A lamb can represent innocence; an egg can represent new life; a flower can
represent abstract ideas or concepts. represent beauty.

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 OTHER COMMON TEXTUAL FEATURES

ELEMENT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION

Tone The author’s, narrator’s or persona’s attitude towards the subject (often indicated by diction and other language choices).

Mood The overall atmosphere of a text, with the purpose of evoking certain feelings in the reader (often indicated by tone, setting, voice and theme).

Theme The fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a text; usually the message or main points the composer wishes to make.

Motifs Recurring structures and literary devices (e.g. symbolism, imagery, repetition) that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Syntax Sentence structure. Short, simple sentences or truncated sentences create tension, haste or urgency. Complex sentences are ‘slower’ and often feature in formal texts.

Fractured Incomplete sentences used to increase tension or urgency, or reflect casual conversation.
sentences

Gaps and What is not said? Whose voices aren’t heard and whose voices dominate?
silences

Register The level of language. An informal register might include abbreviations and slang (How ya goin, mate?), while a more formal register will use more complex syntax
and expansive vocabulary (Good evening, sir; how are you on this fine evening?)

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 COMMON ELEMENTS IN A NARRATIVE

ELEMENT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION

Plot The sequence of events that develops the story. Is it linear, sequential or non-linear, non-sequential? Why?

Setting The time and place in which the story occurs.

Protagonist The main character; e.g. Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Antagonist The character in conflict with the protagonist; e.g. Claudius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Narrator The character/persona who tells the story. Is it first, second or third person; limited, omniscient, subjective, objective? Which tense?

Dialogue Where characters speak to one another.

Conflict An issue around which the story revolves.