Literary devices
In a nutshell
Literary devices are language techniques that allow the writer to convey a meaning that goes beyond the writing that is on the page. In this summary, you will learn how to identify basic literary devices and how to use them in your own writing.
Literary devices
When used correctly, literary devices can help make writing more powerful and effective. Writers use these devices to help communicate an idea or point of view, or to influence the way in which the reader perceives and responds to the text. A sound knowledge of literary devices can be used to interpret and analyse both what the writer is trying to say and how they intend the reader to feel.
Literary devices can be used to:
- Help the reader imagine and visualise a scene.
- Persuade and engage the reader.
- Add some originality to your writing.
- Provide greater context and give more detailed information using fewer words.
Literary devices often convey a meaning that is different to the literal one.
Example
"His love for her was like a burning furnace."
This does not literally mean that his love for her is like an actual burning furnace, but the speaker is trying to communicate the idea that the love of the subject in the text is passionate and intense, as well as other connotations that we might associate with fire and burning.
Comparative literary devices
Writers often draw comparisons between things in their writing. There are a number of ways they can do this that all have different purposes.
Comparative literary device | Purpose | Example |
| Simile | A simile is when two different things are compared using the words 'like' or 'as'. Similes are used to create a vivid image in the reader's mind without using a long list of adjectives.
| "You are like a breath of fresh air."
|
| Metaphor | A metaphor is a direct form of comparison using the word 'is'. Metaphors are used to create vivid imagery that is easier to understand and respond to than literal language. | "You are a breath of fresh air." |
| Allusion | Allusions are references to well-known places, events or characters that are used to conjure up meaning in the mind of the reader. They link to a shared understanding of the world, but must be used appropriately and the writer must use comparisons that the reader would understand. | "Don't be a Scrooge!" |
| Personification | Personification is a type of metaphor used to give human characteristics to something non-human. Personification is used to add detail and imagery to a description. | "After three weeks on holiday, I returned to find my flowers crying out for water." |
| Analogy | Analogies are comparisons used to explain or clarify something. They are more complex forms of similes and metaphors as they do not only make the comparison, but also explain the relationship between those two things. They can be made up of several lines or sentences, as opposed to single phrases like similes and metaphors. They may also include similes or metaphors within them to illustrate the point the writer is trying to make. | "That was as easy as finding a needle in a haystack." |
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration for effect. These exaggerations are not meant to be taken literally. However, they are used to evoke strong feelings and emotions in the reader and to emphasise the point the writer is trying to make.
Examples
| "My shoes are killing me!"
| This does not literally mean that the subject of the sentence's shoes are killing them, however the use of the word 'killing' was intentional to illustrate the amount of pain that the shoes are causing the subject. |
| "Her smile was a mile wide."
| This phrase does not literally mean that her smile was a mile wide, as that would be impossible. It is however conveying to the reader just how happy she was as she smiled widely with joy. |
