Analysing language and structure in fiction

In a nutshell

Specific language is used by writers to create different effects for the reader. Authors may use many varied language features and structure their texts in different ways. In this summary, you will learn various features of language and structural elements to help you analyse fiction.

Language features

When reading and analysing a fiction text you should be on the lookout for the following features of language.

Terminology	Definition	Example
Emotive language	Affective words that are used to evoke an emotional response from the reader.	Justice, pride, freedom
Rhetorical question	Questions that have an obvious answer and are asked for effect without requiring or expecting an actual answer.	Does money grow on trees?
Repetition	Words or phrases that are repeated for effect.	Fair is foul and foul is fair.
Hyperbole	Exaggerating something to an extreme extent.	I've told you a million times.
Rule of three	Words that are grouped in a three are memorable and they emphasise a particular idea.	Blood, sweat and tears.
Alliteration	Repetition of the same sound usually at the beginning of words.	Tasty tacos, buzzing bees
Pathetic fallacy	A character's emotion is reflected by the weather.	The flower danced in the breeze.
Personification	When a non-human object, animal or idea is given human characteristics.	The sun smiled down on us.
Onomatopoeia	Words that create sound to express sensory, usually sonic, meaning.	Bash, boom, crash
Metaphor	Making a comparison and equating two things without using 'like' or 'as'.	His words cut deeper than a knife.
Simile	Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'.	As quiet as a mouse.

Analysing language

It is important to be able to pick out different language features from a text so you can properly understand the intentions of an author. When writing about language features, remember to link it back to how it effects the reader.

Structure

Structure is important as it allows writers to develop the plot, or flow of their writing in an organised way. Structure is key as it allows writers to present their ideas in a clear way and keeps it from becoming too messy. Just like authors, at GCSE level, you need to be able to structure your writing properly so that your ideas are organised on the page. Not only should you know how to structure a text well, but also how to pick out structural features in a text.

Structural features

Feature	Purpose
Opening	The opening of a text must draw the attention of the reader. That way, they want to keep reading.
Contrast	Contrast tells you the difference between two things.
Repetition/pattern	This feature is used to emphasise a key idea or theme.
Pace	How slow or fast the narrative feels.
Ending	The ending of a text may complete the narrative or it may leave the reader with many questions.