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techniques depending on his or her goals for the piece. To have a better understanding of Literary Techniques, it is useful to look at their definition and examples. Definition of different Literary Techniques: 1. Allegory: A literary technique in which an abstract idea is given a form with characters, actions or events. For example: • Animal ...
A mode of writing in which the composer writes to gain a sense of relief from tension for therapeutic effect, or similarly when the effect is created in the responder. The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning
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- 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.
ENG125: Introduction to Literature List of Literary Techniques Technique Description Allusion A reference to a recognized literary work, person, historic event, artistic achievement, etc. that enhances the meaning of a detail in a literary work. Climax The crisis or high point of tension that becomes the story’s
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- Allegory
- Alliteration
- Allusion
- Ambiguity
- Analogy
- Antithesis
- Archetype
- Assonance
- Atmosphere
- Characterisation
- Cliché
- Connotations
- Contrast
- Context
- Dramatic Irony
- Emotive Language
- Euphemism
- Exclamation
- Frame Narrative
- Foil
- Foreshadowing
- Form
- Sound Devices
- Fractured Sentences
- Hyperbole
- Icons
- Intertextuality
- Irony
- Juxtaposition
- Language choices
- Metaphor
- Metonymy
- Modality
- Mood or Tone
- Motifs
- Omission
- Onomatopoeia
- Oxymoron
- Parallels
- Pathetic Fallacy
- Person or Narrative Perspective
- Personification
- Rhetorical question
- Setting
- Sibilance
- Simile
- Symbolism
- Syntax (sentence structure)
- Theme
A story or narrative with two meanings; the obvious or literal meaning that is immediately clear, and a second, usually hidden meaning. The second meaning often acts as a commentary on real world events or issues or relates to a specific topic/theme being dealt with. Example: Many people claim Lord of the Rings is an allegory for the World War I be...
Repetition of consonants at the beginning of successive words or within sentences/phrases to create a sense of rhythm, though they can be overdone (as in tongue twisters). Also common in poetry. Example: “Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
A subtle or passing reference to an event, person, place, other text, etc. that is intended to be noticed by readers (though isn’t always picked up on). Religious allusions are some of the easiest to spot, especially Christian religious allusions due to the oversaturation of Christian imagery in texts and media. Example: Remus Lupin in Harry Potter...
When something is left to the reader’s imagination. Often this involves the author not stating explicitly what is happening, what has been said, etc. This boosts reader interest as they are encouraged to make up their own mind about what is happening, or they become suspicious of what they have not been explicitly told. Common in poetry. Example: T...
Uses two similar concepts or ideas to create a relationship or draw comparisons between the two. Can also be used to contrast two ideas, however it’s most commonly used to prove how something is similar or use one idea to explain another. Often features the phrase “is to”, though not always. “A sword is to a warrior as a pen is to a writer.”
Using two sentences with contradictory or contrasting meanings close to one another, sometimes even in immediate succession. This creates strong contrast, however the two sentences are usually designed to balance each other out through opposite connotations and then represent a whole idea. Antitheses often show how a character or idea may be contra...
An archetype is an immediately recognisable character, concept or object that makes it easy for audiences to categorise them based on what they resemble in literature. Character archetypes are most common, with popular ones including: the femme fatale, the average joe, the class clown, the anti-hero, the bad boy, etc. Most characters fit into at le...
Similar to alliteration, however in this case it is vowel sounds that are repeated. This may be at the beginning of words/phrases, or within the words themselves. Very common in poetry. Example: “A long song.” has a repeated long ‘o’ sound in the last two words that creates assonance, however the name “Rita Skeeter” from Harry Potter also features ...
Atmosphere and mood are often used interchangeably, as they are similar but used in different ways and have different results. Atmosphere refers to the feeling or mood created by a place, situation or text – it usually changes from scene to scene and is built by sensory imagery and word choices. This is what makes dark, stormy nights in novels feel...
The process by which characters are introduced, described and then fully formed through their choices, interactions, etc. Characterisation is what makes characters feel like real people, and is often based in their morals, values and personality traits. If a character has strong characterisation it is easy to imagine how they would react in any giv...
A common and/or overused expression, often found in similes and metaphors. While they can sometimes be used ironically or to symbolise a character themselves being unoriginal, clichés are often a sign of lazy or unimaginative writing. Clichés should only be used if there’s a reason for them. Example: “He ran like the wind.”
The ideas, feelings or concepts associated with specific words, phrases or situations that go beyond their literal meaning. Word choices are often made with the connotations of each word in mind to create a particular atmosphere or tone. In some instances an interaction or situation may have underlying connotations as well. Example: ‘Beautiful’ and...
Any situation wherein two different or opposing things are presented together in order to highlight their differences. This can occur with ideas, settings, characters, objects, concepts, themes, etc. and often serve to make the audience more aware of the individual parts of the two things that make them different. Timon and Pumbaa (The Lion King) a...
The time, place and social setting within which a text was created, including the values of the time, the world events, major topics of discussion, key figures, etc. There are three kinds of context; literary (what was happening in the literary world at the time), historical (what year it was and what major world events were occurring) and personal...
Any situation wherein the audience is privy to some sort of information that the characters do not know, building audience tension, suspense, etc. This is usually achieved by cutting away from the main character to see what another character is doing/planning, then returning to the uninformed character and watching the results play out, all the whi...
Words chosen to create a specific emotional response in the reader, often linked to the word’s connotations and commonly used in highly emotional or descriptive scenes/situations. Emotive language can become awkward when used too much in character dialogue, as it doesn’t sound like something a person would realistically say. Very common in poetry. ...
A mild or ‘proper’ expression used to replace one that is harsh, blunt or otherwise offensive in order to not cause trouble or appear vulgar. Euphemisms are commonly used to more politely refer to topics of an unsanitary, sexual or ‘improper’ nature. Example: “I have to see a man about a dog.” is often said euphemistically when leaving a room or co...
A sentence ending with an exclamation mark (“!”) or said with a tone of shock/excitement is used to express high emotion – e.g. sudden revelations, important discoveries or enthusiasm. This is often used to better express the tone of dialogue or show emotional outbursts. Example: “I can’t believe you!” may be said when someone has done something sh...
This is essentially a ‘story within a story’, wherein the main narrative is being told, remembered, etc. by someone in the ‘outside narrative. This is much easier to see and understand in films, though it is also very popular in written texts and novels – especially those that ‘jump’ between time settings from chapter to chapter. Example: Titanic (...
A foil is another character in a story that specifically contrasts the main character in order to emphasise the main character’s attributes and values or compare the values of the two characters. Oftentimes a character’s foil will have vastly differing ideas on the same topics, share some kind of similar background or experience, deal with the same...
The act of hinting at or setting up a situation, event or action that will later be extremely important in the narrative but doesn’t seem important at the time. Audiences are usually made to notice a particular object/comment/situation/etc. as being of some level of importance, but not realise how important it will be until later in the narrative. ...
The construction and structure of a text based on the text type, the context and the author’s personal stylistic choices. This can include language choices, sentence structures, film choices, poetic styles (limerick, free verse, etc.) and is often influences by the context and literary styles of the time it was written. Example: Lord of the Rings (...
Any techniques that focus on the sounds produced by words and/or how they relate to one another. Incredibly common in poetry. Example: onomatopoeia, resonance, rhythm, rhyme, etc.
Incomplete or broken off sentences used most commonly in dialogue to replicate regular speech patterns and being cut off or trailing off while speaking. Also used outside of dialogue to build suspense, tension or a sense of urgency. Very common in poetry. Example: “Wait, what are you-” he began, but she cut him off. “I know what I’m doing.”
The purposeful over-exaggeration of a statement in order to create a more intense or over-the-top effect. Hyperbole can be paired with similes or metaphors and are most commonly used in highly emotive situations or dialogue to create an even greater emotional reaction. Can also be humorous if used in mundane settings. Example: “I’m so exhausted I c...
An object, image or person that symbolises something larger, usually a complex concept or theme. This is most often seen in ‘hero’ characters, as they are intended to symbolise certain ideas and values. Example: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) is an icon to the audience of strength, survival and perseverance, but is also an icon within the worl...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
The overall message or moral of a narrative which is intended to cause audiences to think on real-life issues or moral questions. Generally these are what defines the story and is a reoccurring feature throughout the text. There can be more than one theme. Example: The themes of Harry Potter include ‘love conquers all’, good vs evil, death and the ...
List of Literary Techniques https://schoolnotes.xyz Page 2 of 7 Apostrophe The interruption of a though to directly address a person Archetype An archetype is an immediately recognisable character, concept or object that makes it easy for audiences to categorise them based on what they resemble in literature Eg.
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Literary devices are specific language techniques which writers use to create text that is clear, interesting, and memorable. Alliteration - repeated consonant sound at the beginning of words or within words; used to establish mood and rhythm in a story; true alliteration has three words beginning with the same sound (two words beginning with ...
