Literary devices are essential tools for writers, dating back to the dawn of the written word. These devices, such as metaphors, alliteration, imagery, and foreshadowing, help writers strengthen their ideas, add personality to their prose, and supercharge their writing. Despite their long history and popularity, many writers find literary devices to be mysterious and challenging to use effectively.
So, what exactly is a literary device? Literary devices encompass the strategies, elements, and techniques that writers use to enhance their writing. Just as chefs use unique ingredients and techniques to create culinary masterpieces, skilled writers use literary devices to create works of art that resonate with readers.
For writers looking to enhance their writing, understanding and utilizing literary devices can make abstract ideas memorable, clarify thoughts, and make writing more powerful. These devices can help ideas “stick” in readers’ minds, evoke sensory sensations, or tease what’s to come in a story.
It’s important to note the difference between literary devices and rhetorical devices. While there is overlap between the two, literary devices are narrative techniques, while rhetorical devices are persuasion techniques. For example, alliteration and personification can be found in both literary and rhetorical devices lists.
After extensive research, the top 10 most common literary devices have been identified. These include alliteration, anthropomorphism, dramatic irony, euphemism, flashback, foreshadowing, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and point of view. These devices are used across various forms of literature, from books to films to poems, to enhance storytelling.
In addition to the top 10 devices, there is a comprehensive list of 57 literary devices that writers should know. From allegory to synecdoche, each device comes with a unique definition and enlightening examples curated to help writers understand and apply these techniques in their own work.
One popular literary device is alliteration, which features a series of successive phrases starting with the same letter. Writers like William Shakespeare, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jane Austen have used alliteration in their works to create musicality and impact. Song titles like “Dancing Days” and “Mamma Mia” also demonstrate the use of alliteration to enhance the memorability of a piece.
Another commonly used device is anthropomorphism, where non-human entities are given human traits. This technique is often seen in animated films, such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, where household objects like Lumiere and Cogsworth exhibit human-like qualities.
Dramatic irony, a device where the audience knows something that the characters in the story do not, adds depth and suspense to storytelling. This can be seen in works like Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, where the audience is aware of the characters’ true identities while the characters themselves remain oblivious.
Euphemism, a device that uses mild or indirect expressions to describe something unpleasant, is commonly used to soften harsh realities. Creative euphemisms for death, such as “pushing up daisies” or “kicking the bucket,” highlight humanity’s aversion to discussing mortality in a straightforward manner.
Flashbacks and foreshadowing are narrative techniques that provide insight into characters’ pasts and hint at future events in a story. Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo utilizes flashbacks to reveal crucial plot points, while Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird uses foreshadowing to set the tone for the story from the very first line.
Hyperbole, an exaggeration used for emphasis or humor, can be found in works like Mark Twain’s Old Times on the Mississippi, where he humorously describes his protruding eyes. Onomatopoeia, words that imitate the sounds they represent, is commonly used in children’s books to create vivid and engaging storytelling experiences.
Oxymoron, a literary device that combines contradictory words, is a powerful tool for creating tension and intrigue in writing. Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sounds of Silence” exemplifies this device by juxtaposing contrasting elements to evoke thought and emotion.
Point of view, the perspective from which a story is told, plays a crucial role in shaping the reader’s understanding of the narrative. In novels like The Help, multiple first-person perspectives provide unique insights into characters’ experiences and viewpoints, enriching the storytelling.
Allegory, an extended metaphor that conveys complex messages about real-world events or issues, is commonly used to explore moral and societal themes. George Orwell’s Animal Farm serves as an allegory for communism, using fictional animals to represent political ideologies and power dynamics.
Allusion, a device that refers indirectly to people, events, or things outside the story, adds depth and richness to writing. The Big Bang Theory’s character names allude to real-life TV producers, offering a playful nod to the industry’s behind-the-scenes personalities.
Anachronism, the inclusion of out-of-time elements in a story, can create narrative inconsistencies if not carefully managed. Forrest Gump’s investment in Apple before the company went public is an example of an anachronistic detail that challenges the story’s historical accuracy.
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses or sentences, enhances rhythm and emphasis in writing. Charles Dickens’ iconic opening line in A Tale of Two Cities showcases the power of anaphora to create a memorable and melodious effect.
Anastrophe, a poetic device that alters the normal order of speech, can lend a sense of sophistication and uniqueness to writing. Yoda’s iconic speeches in Star Wars exemplify anastrophe’s use to convey wisdom and authority through unconventional sentence structures.
Aphorism, a concise and witty saying that conveys universal truths, offers readers wisdom in a compact and impactful form. Benjamin Franklin’s aphorisms, such as “Little strokes fell great oaks,” distill complex ideas into memorable phrases that resonate with audiences.
Archetype, the original pattern or model for a character or situation, serves as a blueprint for creating compelling and relatable storytelling elements. Beowulf’s portrayal of Grendel as the archetypal monster embodies themes of darkness, conflict, and heroism in classic literature.
Asyndeton, the omission of conjunctions in a series of phrases for rhythmic effect, adds a sense of urgency and momentum to writing. Abraham Lincoln’s powerful address in Gettysburg demonstrates the impact of asyndeton in creating a sense of unity and purpose.
Chiasmus, a literary device that reverses word order to create symmetry and emphasis, showcases the artistry of language in conveying nuanced meanings. Socrates’ aphorism, “Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live,” illustrates the elegance and depth of chiasmus in philosophical discourse.
Cliffhanger, a narrative device that leaves readers in suspense at the end of a chapter or scene, builds tension and anticipation for future events. J.K. Rowling’s cliffhanger in Harry Potter keeps readers engaged by hinting at unexpected developments that drive the story forward.
Colloquialism, informal language used in everyday conversations, adds authenticity and character to dialogue and narrative. Regional colloquialisms like “ain’t” and “y’all” reflect cultural nuances and dialects, enriching storytelling with a sense of place and identity.
Cumulative sentence, a structure that layers clauses and phrases to build on a central idea, creates a sense of progression and depth in writing. The cumulative sentence in literature, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s description of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, paints a vivid and detailed portrait of characters and settings.
Diction, the choice of words and language style in writing, shapes the tone and atmosphere of a piece. Formal diction, as seen in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, conveys elegance and sophistication, while informal diction, as in Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, captures colloquialism and authenticity in dialogue.
Epigraph, a brief quotation at the beginning of a book or chapter, sets the tone and themes for the narrative. Lemony Snicket’s use of darkly humorous epigraphs in A Series of Unfortunate Events foreshadows the whimsical and tragic elements of the story.
Epistrophe, the repetition of words or phrases at the end of sentences for emphasis, enhances rhythm and impact in writing. Beyoncé’s lyrics in “Single Ladies” use epistrophe to drive home the message of empowerment and self-respect in a catchy and memorable way.
Extended metaphor, a sustained comparison between two dissimilar objects or concepts, deepens the meaning and symbolism in writing. Will Ferrell’s comedic speech about the “University of Life” in a “School of Hard Knocks” in his Harvard commencement address employs an extended metaphor to humorously reflect on life’s challenges and lessons.
Exposition, the introduction of background information in a straightforward manner, provides context and clarity for readers. J.R.R. Tolkien’s exposition in The Hobbit establishes the world and characters with concise and informative details, setting the stage for the adventure to come.
Frame story, a narrative structure that frames a smaller story within a larger narrative, adds layers of complexity and depth to storytelling. William Goldman’s framing of The Princess Bride as an old Florinese tale within a contemporary setting enriches the story with metafictional elements and narrative intrigue.
Humor, a literary device that amuses readers and elicits laughter, adds levity and entertainment to writing. The use of humor in iconic scenes like the Black Knight’s bravado in Monty Python and the Holy Grail showcases the power of wit and comedy in engaging audiences and conveying themes.
Hypophora, a rhetorical device where a writer asks a question and immediately answers it, creates a conversational and engaging style in writing. Charlotte’s Web uses hypophora to pose existential questions about life and mortality, inviting readers to reflect on profound and thought-provoking themes.
Imagery, descriptive language that evokes sensory experiences in readers’ minds, creates vivid and immersive visuals in writing. T.S. Eliot’s imagery in Preludes paints a bleak and atmospheric portrait of urban life, using sensory details to convey mood and tone in the poem.
Irony, a literary device that conveys meanings opposite to the literal interpretation, adds depth and complexity to narratives. Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony in Romeo and Juliet intensifies the tragic events of the play by highlighting the characters’ misunderstandings and misfortunes.
Isocolon, a writing technique that uses parallel structures for rhythmic effect, enhances the flow and cadence of sentences. Julius Caesar’s famous declaration “Veni, vidi, vici” exemplifies the power of isocolon in creating memorable and impactful statements.
Juxtaposition, a literary device that places contrasting elements side by side to highlight differences, emphasizes thematic contrasts and complexities in writing. Pixar’s juxtaposition of characters like Carl and Russell in Up creates dynamic relationships and narrative tension through their contrasting personalities and motivations.
Litotes, a figure of speech that uses understatement to emphasize a point, adds nuance and subtlety to writing. Jonathan Swift’s use of litotes in A Modest Proposal satirizes social issues by downplaying the severity of his proposed solution, creating a darkly humorous and ironic effect.
Malapropism, a comedic device that involves the unintentional misuse of words, generates humor and absurdity in dialogue. Amelia Bedelia’s literal interpretation of instructions, such as “drawing the drapes,” showcases the comedic effect of malapropisms in misunderstanding and miscommunication.
Metaphor, a comparison between two dissimilar objects without using “like” or “as,” creates vivid and imaginative associations in writing. Pixar’s Inside Out uses metaphors like Headquarters to represent the brain, providing a visual and conceptual framework for exploring emotions and memories in the film.
Metonymy, a literary device that substitutes a related term for the actual word, conveys complex concepts and associations through symbolic language. Mark Antony’s appeal for the audience’s ears in Julius Caesar uses metonymy to invoke unity and support in a time of crisis, employing rhetorical devices to sway opinions and emotions.
Mood, the emotional atmosphere created by a piece of writing, evokes feelings and reactions in readers. Edgar Allan Poe’s dark and foreboding mood in The Tell-Tale Heart sets a suspenseful and eerie tone, immersing readers in a world of guilt and paranoia.
Motif, a recurring symbol, theme, or element that contributes to the narrative’s depth and cohesion, reinforces central ideas and motifs throughout a literary work. Ready Player One’s use of pop culture motifs from the 1980s immerses readers in a nostalgic and immersive world, enriching the story with intertextual references and thematic connections.
Paradox, a statement that appears to contradict itself but reveals a deeper truth, challenges readers’ assumptions and perceptions. In Hamlet, the paradoxical phrase “I must be cruel to be kind” reflects the complex moral dilemmas and conflicting emotions faced by characters in the play, highlighting the nuances of human nature and decision-making.
Personification, a literary device that attributes human qualities to non-human entities, creates empathy and connection between readers and characters. Eliza Doolittle’s use of personification in Pygmalion humanizes objects and concepts, adding depth and personality to the narrative through anthropomorphic descriptions.
Polysyndeton, a writing technique that uses repeated conjunctions for emphasis and rhythm, conveys urgency and intensity in writing. Maya Angelou’s use of polysyndeton in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings underscores the relentless and chaotic nature of her experiences, enhancing the emotional impact of her storytelling.
Repetition, the reiteration of words or phrases for emphasis and impact, reinforces key ideas and themes in writing. The Beatles’ repetitive chorus in “Let It Be” conveys a message of acceptance and resilience through musical and lyrical repetition, creating a sense of unity and universality in the song.
Satire, a literary device that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique and expose societal issues, challenges readers’ perceptions and beliefs. South Park’s satirical humor lampoons cultural norms and conventions through irreverent and subversive storytelling, inviting audiences to question and reconsider established norms.
Simile, a comparison between two dissimilar objects using “like” or “as,” creates vivid and evocative imagery in writing. The poetic similes in Song of Solomon convey emotional depth and richness through imaginative and descriptive language, enhancing the narrative’s sensory impact and thematic resonance.
Soliloquy, a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, offers insight into characters’ inner thoughts and emotions. Romeo and Juliet’s soliloquy captures Juliet’s conflicted feelings and desires, allowing audiences to empathize with her struggles and dilemmas.
Suspense, a narrative technique that creates tension and anticipation in storytelling, keeps readers engaged and invested in the plot. Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful shower scene in Psycho builds tension and fear through suspenseful pacing and cinematography, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Symbolism, a literary device that uses symbols to represent abstract ideas and themes, adds depth and complexity to storytelling. Harry Potter’s lightning scar symbolizes Harry’s identity and destiny, serving as a potent symbol of power, sacrifice, and resilience throughout the series.
Synecdoche, a literary device that uses a part to represent the whole or vice versa, conveys complex ideas and relationships through symbolic language. Mark Antony’s plea for “Friends, Romans, countrymen” in Julius Caesar employs synecdoche to appeal to a diverse and collective audience, uniting individuals under a common cause or purpose.
Tautology, a literary device that repeats the same idea in different words, highlights key points and emphasizes concepts in writing. Edgar Allan Poe’s tautological phrases in The Raven create a haunting and repetitive refrain, reinforcing themes of loss and longing through rhythmic and repetitive language.
Tmesis, a literary device that inserts a word between parts of a word or phrase, adds emphasis and rhythm to writing. Pygmalion’s Eliza Doolittle uses tmesis in playful and colloquial expressions like “fan-bloody-tastic” and “abso-blooming-lutely” to convey character and personality through inventive and creative language.
Tone, the writer’s attitude towards the subject or audience, shapes the mood and atmosphere of a piece of writing. Edgar Allan Poe’s dark and anxious tone in The Tell-Tale Heart conveys a sense of foreboding and unease, immersing readers in a world of guilt and madness.
Tragicomedy, a genre that blends tragic and comedic elements in storytelling, offers a nuanced and complex portrayal of human experiences. Shakespeare’s tragicomedies like The Tempest and The Winter’s Tale combine themes of loss, redemption, and reconciliation with humor and levity, creating a rich and multifaceted narrative tapestry.
Verisimilitude, a literary device that creates the appearance of reality in fiction, enhances the believability and authenticity of storytelling. Brandon Sanderson’s detailed and intricate magic systems in fantasy novels like Mistborn demonstrate verisimilitude through logical rules, consistency, and internal coherence, grounding fantastical elements in a sense of realism and plausibility.
Vignette, a short and evocative scene or episode that captures a moment in time, offers snapshots of characters and settings without a traditional narrative arc. Pixar’s Wall-E vignettes showcase whimsical and humorous interactions between characters and objects, inviting viewers into the film’s imaginative and charming world.
Zoomorphism, a literary device that attributes animal-like qualities to non-animal entities, adds depth and symbolism to characters and objects in writing. Comic book superheroes like Spider-Man and Black Panther embody zoomorphic characteristics, drawing on animal symbolism and archetypes to convey strength, agility, and other traits in storytelling.
By understanding and incorporating these literary devices into their writing, authors can enhance their storytelling, engage readers, and create memorable and impactful narratives that resonate on multiple levels. From allegory to satire, symbolism to synecdoche, each device offers a unique and powerful tool for crafting compelling and evocative stories that captivate and inspire audiences.