Literary Techniques

• What is a literary device?

  A literary device is a technique, style, or strategy used by an author to enhance their writing.
• How can literary devices be recognized in a text?

  Literary devices can be recognized as specific ways of using language or other literary elements.
• What are the two types of literary devices?

  Literary elements and literary techniques.
• What are literary elements?

  Literary elements are "big-picture" devices that extend throughout the entire work.
• Can you name some examples of literary elements?

  Setting, theme, mood, and allegory.
• What are literary techniques?

  Literary techniques are devices that deal with individual words and sentences.
• What is plot in literature?

  Plot is the basic skeleton of a work of fiction.
• What is linear plot structure?

  Linear plot structure proceeds chronologically from the earliest to the latest events.
• How can a linear plot structure be circular?

  A circular linear plot structure starts with an event, circles back in time, and ends with the same initial event.
• What is in media res plot structure?

  In media res plot structure begins in the thick of the action and then moves back and forward in time.
• What are some common literary techniques?

  • Figure of Speech
  • Point-of-view
  • Symbolism
  • Foreshadowing
• What are some common literary devices?

  • Allusion
  • Catharsis
  • Flashback
  • Imagery
• What does imagery refer to in literature?

  Descriptive language that helps readers imagine the world of the piece
• How does imagery enhance a literary work?

  By adding symbolism and engaging the five senses
• What are the five senses that imagery draws on?

  Taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound
• What is kinesthetic imagery?

  Imagery that pertains to movement or a sense of a body in motion
• What does organic imagery refer to?

  Imagery that conveys emotions or sensations of a person
• What is symbolism in literature?

  A literary device that uses symbols to represent something beyond literal meaning
• What can a symbol represent in literature?

  A word, object, action, character, or concept
• How do symbols create imagery in literature?

  By providing visual elements that help readers understand complex themes
• How do symbols connect themes in literature?

  They allow for connections within a single work and across different works
• What effect do symbols have on character attributes?

  They help identify character traits and understand actions
• How does symbolism convey deeper meaning in literature?

  By creating a layered effect of understanding for readers
• How can different readers find significance in a literary work through symbolism?

  By discovering different levels of significance with each exposure
• What are the key functions of imagery in literature?

  • Helps readers imagine the world
  • Adds symbolism to the work
  • Engages the five senses
  • Pertains to movement (kinesthetic imagery)
  • Conveys emotions (organic imagery)
• What are the key functions of symbolism in literature?

  • Represents something beyond literal meaning
  • Creates imagery and visual elements
  • Connects themes within and across works
  • Represents character attributes
  • Conveys deeper meaning for readers
• What is a flashback in literature?

  An occurrence where a character remembers an earlier event.
• What are the two types of flashbacks?

  External analepsis and internal analepsis.
• What does external analepsis refer to?

  Events that happened before the story started.
• What does internal analepsis refer to?

  Events that the character is considering again.
• What is foreshadowing in literature?

  A literary device that gives clues about future events.
• How can foreshadowing be presented in a story?

  Through descriptive details, dialogue, or character names.
• What is an allusion?

  A brief reference to a person, place, or event.
• How does allusion function as a literary device?

  It compresses meaning and significance into a word or phrase.
• What is necessary for an allusion to be effective?

  It must be recognized and understood by the reader.
• What does the term catharsis mean?

  An emotional discharge leading to renewal or liberation.
• What is the origin of the word catharsis?

  It is a Greek word meaning "cleansing."
• How is catharsis used in literature?

  For the cleansing of emotions of the characters.
• What is an epiphany?

  A sudden realization or discovery.
• When do epiphanies typically occur in a story?

  At the climax of the story arc.