Literary devices

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 1

Literary devices

Lesson goals: At the end of the lesson you'll know the definition of some literary devices.

At the end of the lesson, you'll be able to write a story using literary devices.

Do you have any idea what a literary device is?

Literary devices

When authors want to convey emotions, engage readers, and enhance their writing, they use techniques and strategies.

These techniques and strategies are called literary devices.

"Time is a thief" 

Does the time physically wanders around stealing? No.

Metaphor 

Literary devices we'll discuss today

- Metaphor

- Simile

- Symbolism

- Irony

- Foreshadowing

- Imagery

- Flashback

- Theme

Metaphor

A comparison that is indicated as something else to emphasize the similarities.

"All the world's a stage"- William Shakespeare, As You Like It.

Function: To create a deeper meaning to your text.

Simile

Think of the word "similar".

You use simile to explicitly compare two things with words such as "like" and "as".

"Her smile was as bright as the sun."

Function: To create a visual.

Symbolism

It can be an object, a person, or an event that represents something bigger than itself.

"The white colour in our flag represents peace" 

"The melting iceberg became the symbol of our climate denial"

Function: Gives emotional layers to factual events

Which literary device is used here:
"He was as red as a tomato."

1. Symbolism
2. Metaphor
3. Simile

Which literary device is used here:
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree"

1. Simile
2. Symbolism
3. Metaphor

Which sentence is an example of this literary device: Symbolism

1. "The broken mirror in his hands reflected not just his face, but his shattered dreams."
2. "Her voice was a warm blanket on a cold winter night."
3. "Her smile was like the first rays of sunlight on a crisp morning."

Irony

Think of something opposite.

Dramatic Irony: The reader knows something that a character doesn't. Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the public knows Juliet isn't dead, but Romeo doesn't.

Situational Irony:  Something unexpetedly happens.

Verbal Irony: Whatever is said, the opposite; "Oh, great! Another homework assignment—I really needed more work to do!

Function: Create excitement and humour.

Foreshadowing

Hints of an event that will/may occur in the future.

In the series Brooklyn 99, a character named Gina said to her co-worker Charles, "I'd rather get hit by a bus than to read your text messages". At the end of the episode she got hit by a bus.

Function: To keep the reader engaged and to build excitement.

Imagery

To create an image to sounds and senses (touch, taste, sound, sight, smell).

"The crackling fire warmed our cold hands as the flames danced."

Function: To create a living world and to strengthen the emotions you're trying to convey.

Which form of Irony is used here:
"Henry: Pierce, are you scared?
Hawkeye: Don't be silly. I'm too frightened to be scared."

1. Situational Irony
2. Verbal Irony
3. Dramatic Irony

Write a sentence using "Imagery"

Flashback

To look back at a previous event.

Example: “Ten years earlier, the same company had promised change.”

Function: To give a character/event a backstory.

Theme

The main message of a text/film/story/etc.

Example: In Romeo and Juliet, love is stronger than hate.

Function: To give direction to the story.

What is the difference between "Foreshadowing" and "Flashback"?

Simile

Imagery

Symbolism

The breeze was cool, it smelled fresh, like the earth after rain.

The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the trees swaying in the wind made everything feel calm and peaceful. 

In her hand, she held a small, dried flower, its petals falling off, reminding her that all things, no matter how beautiful, don’t last forever 

Can you think of a sentence using a literary device to convey emotions and/or enhance your writing?

Exercise

Write a short story (or use your text from your previous assignment) using at least 5 literary devices.

Minimum of 200 words.