LITERARY DEVICES

Literary devices refers to specific aspects of literature, in the sense of its universal function as an art form which expresses ideas through language, or with regard to a particular work, which we can recognize, identify, interpret and/or analyze. Both literary elements and literary techniques can rightly be called literary devices.

Literary elements refers to particular characteristics of a whole text. They are not “used,” per se, by authors; these are the elements of storytelling which are common to all literary and narrative forms. For example, every story has a theme, every story has a setting, every story has a conflict, every story is written from a particular point-of-view, etc. In order to be discussed legitimately as part of a textual analysis, literary elements must be specifically identified for that particular text.

Literary techniques refers to any specific, deliberate constructions or choices of language which an author uses to convey meaning. An author’s use of a literary technique usually occurs with a single word or phrase, or a particular group of words or phrases, at one single point in a text. Unlike literary elements, literary techniques are not necessarily present in every text; they represent deliberate, conscious choices by individual authors.

Some of the most used are:

Allegory - a symbolic representation

example: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice

Simile - figure of speech involving a comparison between unlike things using like, as, or as though.

example:  It floated in like a cloud. 

Metaphor - A comparison in which one thing is said to be another

example: The cat's eyes were jewels, gleaming in the darkness

Hyperbole -  Is simply a phrase with an exaggeration that is meant to have impact

examples:   --I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse!

- You snore louder than a freight train.

- He sleeps like a log.