Irony in Children’s Literature Irony is one of those things that younger children don’t really understand. However, their books are filled with irony that makes only the adults laugh and will cause the children to look back on with wonder…
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10 Examples of Irony in Shakespeare
Shakespeare is one of the prevailing masters of irony – he uses dramatic, situational, and verbal irony in such a way that few others have been able to replicate. Truly, when one talks about irony, if they do not talk…
You Are What You Eat
The Essence of “You Are What You Eat” The widely recognized phrase “You are what you eat” is more than a simple dietary guideline. It’s a powerful statement about the profound connection between nourishment and existence, extending beyond physical health…
Legend
Stories have always been a powerful part of the human experience. Some stories, passed down through generations, become more than just tales – they become legends. But what exactly is a legend, and how does it differ from a myth…
Hero
Stories have always captivated us, and at the heart of many great tales lies a compelling figure—the hero. But what exactly makes a character a hero? It’s more than just bravery or strength. Let’s explore this crucial literary device and…
Canon
Have you ever heard someone talk about the “classics” of literature? Or a list of “must-read” books? That idea, the collection of works considered the most important and influential in a particular national literature or historical period, is often referred…
Hamlet Act-I, Scene-III Study Guide
Plot Overview This scene takes place at the residence of Polonius, in a room in the castle of Elsinore. His son, Laertes, offers overprotective advice to his sister, Ophelia, who is in love with Prince Hamlet. His tone shows that…
Raining Cats and Dogs
Understanding “Raining Cats and Dogs” The phrase raining cats and dogs is a vivid idiom used to describe exceptionally heavy rainfall. It is a common expression that is easily understood, yet it carries a rich history of origin stories and…
Push the Envelope
Understanding “Push the Envelope” The phrase “push the envelope” is a common idiom, but its origins and nuances are often misunderstood. It signifies going beyond established boundaries, challenging limitations, and striving for innovation. However, its roots are surprisingly technical, and…
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Origin of Curiosity Killed the Cat The phrase Curiosity Killed the Cat boasts a surprisingly long history, tracing back to at least the late 16th century. Its earliest known appearance is not the proverb we know today. In Ben Jonson’s…
To Justify the Ways of God to Men
Understanding “To Justify the Ways of God to Men” This profound phrase originates from the opening lines of John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost. Specifically, it appears in Book I, where Milton states, “I may assert eternal providence, / And…
Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark
“Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark” This evocative phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. Marcellus, a guard, utters these words to Horatio in Act I, Scene IV, after witnessing the ghost of the late King Hamlet. The…
10 Poems All About Alliteration
Poetry is filled with alliteration because it lends itself naturally to the tone and musicality of the poetry. Take a look at these poems that are filled with alliteration, and see how it affects not only the sound, but also…
10 Fun Examples of Personification in Poetry
Personification is used more frequently than not in poetry, and it is often overlooked for other types of figurative language that adds unique sounds. Take a look at these poems that use personification to add to the overall meaning in…
10 Songs with Meaningful Personification
Personification is a great tool for songs – which is why it is a shame that more singers and songwriters don’t use it. See how this literary device makes these songs that much better: #1: Hummingbird Heartbeat (by Katy Perry) When…
Hamlet Act-I, Scene-II Study Guide
This scene opens in the court of King Claudius. The king is engaged in preaching ethics to his family members and courtiers regarding balancing life between sorrows and everyday preoccupations. He vows to combine and sustain the grief he feels…
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
The Origin of “Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining” The phrase “every cloud has a silver lining” first appears in John Milton’s masque Comus (1634). Milton does not state the proverb in full; instead a character observes, “Was I deceived,…
Silence is Golden
The Enduring Wisdom of “Silence is Golden” The phrase “Silence is Golden” resonates across cultures and time, offering a powerful insight into human communication and understanding. It’s a deceptively simple statement with layers of meaning, applicable to personal interactions, creative…
Ignorance is Strength
Understanding “Ignorance is Strength” The phrase “Ignorance is Strength” is perhaps one of the most unsettling and thought-provoking slogans in modern literature. It originates from George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece, 1984, appearing as part of the Party’s core tenets: “War is…
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem The phrase “Carpe Diem,” resonating through centuries of literature and everyday life, originates from Horace’s Odes Book I. Specifically, within Ode 11, he writes, “Dum loquimur, fugerit invida aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.” This translates to…