Definition of Exposition Exposition is a literary device that is designed to convey important information, within a short story or novel, to the reader. Writers utilize exposition to provide essential backstory for characters, plot, and other narrative elements. This background…
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Fiction
Definition of Fiction In literature, fiction encompasses written works that are defined by narratives or stories that are created, invented, and made up by the writer. Essentially, fictional works feature elements such as plot, characters, setting, and theme. These elements…
Antithesis
Definition of Antithesis Antithesis is a literary device that refers to the juxtaposition of two opposing elements through the parallel grammatical structure. The word antithesis, meaning absolute opposite, is derived from Greek for “setting opposite,” indicating when something or someone…
Idiom
Definition of Idiom An idiom is a saying or expression that is widely used among speakers of a certain language and whose figurative meaning is different from its literal meaning. Idioms are found in nearly all languages and cultures, which…
Monologue
Definition of Monologue Monologue is a literary device featuring a “speech” made by a single character in a work of literature or dramatic work (for theater or film). Monologues allow a character to address other characters present in the scene…
Dystopia
Definition of Dystopia Dystopia is a literary device and genre used by writers to present a vision of the future that challenges readers to reflect on the current social and political environments in which they live. Dystopian literature often portrays…
Setting
Definition of Setting Setting is a literary device that allows the writer of a narrative to establish the time, location, and environment in which it takes place. This is an important element in a story, as the setting indicates to…
Theme
Definition of Theme As a literary device, theme refers to the central, deeper meaning of a written work. Writers typically will convey the theme of their work, and allow the reader to perceive and interpret it, rather than overtly or…
Apostrophe
Definition of Apostrophe As a literary device, an apostrophe is a poetic phrase or speech made by a character that is addressed to a subject that is not literally present in the literary work. The subject may be dead, absent,…
Prose
Definition of Prose Prose is a literary device referring to writing that is structured in a grammatical way, with words and phrases that build sentences and paragraphs. Works wrote in prose feature language that flows in natural patterns of everyday…
Tautology
Definition of Tautology Tautology is a literary device used by writers to say something more than once, using the same words or synonymous words. The intent of this device is to emphasize a point or idea for an audience or…
Epic
Definition of Epic An epic is a long narrative poem that is elevated and dignified in theme, tone, and style. As a literary device, an epic celebrates heroic deeds and historically (or even cosmically) important events. An epic usually focuses…
Biography
Definition of Biography A biography is the non-fiction, written history or account of a person’s life. Biographies are intended to give an objective portrayal of a person, written in the third person. Biographers collect information from the subject (if he/she…
Dialogue
Definition of Dialogue Plato initially used the term “dialogue” to describe Socratic dialectic works. These works feature dialogues with Socrates, and they were intended to communicate philosophical ideas. As a current literary device, dialogue refers to spoken lines by characters…
Mood
Definition of Mood As a literary device, mood refers to the emotional response that the writer wishes to evoke in the reader through a story. This response can range anywhere from feelings of calm, fear, anger, or joy depending on…
Point of View
Definition of Point of View Point of view is utilized as a literary device to indicate the angle or perspective from which a story is told. Essentially, point of view refers to the “eyes” of the narrative voice that determine…
Tragic Flaw
Definition of Tragic Flaw Tragic flaw is a literary device that represents a flaw or deficiency in character that results in the downfall of the hero in a tragic literary work. A tragic flaw is the principal defect in character…
Tone
Definition of Tone Tone is a literary device that reflects the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter or audience of a literary work. By conveying this attitude through tone, the writer creates a particular relationship with the reader that, in…
Comedy
Definition of Comedy Comedy is generally defined as a literary work that is written to amuse or entertain a reader. In a comedy, characters can certainly suffer misfortune, but they are typically comedic situations with positive outcomes. Not all examples…
Plot
Definition of Plot Plot is a literary device that writers use to structure what happens in a story. However, there is more to this device than combining a sequence of events. Plots must present an event, action, or turning point…