Definition of Illusion An illusion is a false illustration of something, a deceptive impression, or a false belief. Literally speaking, an illusion is something that is false and not factual. It tricks the human brain into thinking an unreal into…
Category: Literary Devices
Distortion
Definition of Distortion Distortion is a literary device that twists, exaggerates, changes, and makes something quite different from what it actually is. Writers can distort a thought, an idea, a situation, or an image. They may use symbolism, satire, and…
Context
Definition of Context Context is the background, environment, setting, framework, or surroundings of events or occurrences. Simply, context means circumstances forming a background of an event, idea, or statement, in such a way as to enable readers to understand the…
Coherence
Definition of Coherence Coherence is a Latin word, meaning “to stick together.” In a composition, coherence is a literary technique that refers to logical connections, which listeners or readers perceive in an oral or written text. In other words, it…
Catastrophe
Definition of Catastrophe Catastrophe is a final resolution that appears in a narrative plot or a long poem. It unravels the mystery or intrigue, and brings the story toward a logical end. In a tragedy, it could be the death…
Wit
Definition of Wit Wit has originated from an old English term wit, which means “to know.” It is a literary device used to make the readers laugh. Over the years, its meanings have kept changing. Today, it is associated with…
Autobiography
Definition of Autobiography Autobiography is one type of biography, which tells the life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person’s…
Audience
Definition of Audience An Audience is the person for whom a writer writes, or composer composes. A writer uses a particular style of language, tone, and content according to what he knows about his audience. In simple words, audience refers…
Anthology
Definition of Anthology The term anthology originates from a Greek word, anthologia, meaning a “collection of flowers.” An anthology is a compilation of literary works such as poems, plays, short stories, excerpts, including television programs, dramas, movies and songs. There…
Parallel Structure
Definition of Parallel Structure Parallel structure is a stylistic device, and a grammatical construction having two or more clauses, phrases or words, with similar grammatical form and length. It is similar to parallelism. In parallel structure, sentences have a series of…
Explication
Definition of Explication Explication is a literary technique in criticism and research, used for a close analysis of an excerpt or text taken from a lengthy piece of work. It originates from the French word, “explication de texte,” meaning explanation…
Novella
Definition of Novella In literature, a novella is a type of prose fiction, which is shorter than full length novels and longer than short stories. It originates from an Italian word “novella“, which means “new.” It is a well-structured yet…
Dissonance
Definition of Dissonance Dissonance is the use of impolite, harsh-sounding, and unusual words in poetry. In other words, it is a deliberate use of inharmonious words, phrases, or syllables intended to create harsh sounding effects. Dissonance is opposite of assonance,…
Undertone
Definition of Undertone Undertone is an attitude that lies under the ostensible tone of a literary work. In simple words, it is an implied meaning that usually points towards the underlying theme of a work. It is because mostly writers…
Resolution
Definition of Resolution The literary device resolution means the unfolding or solution of a complicated issue in a story. Technically, resolution is also known as a “denouement.” Most of the instances of resolution are presented in the final parts or…
Enumeration
Definition of Enumeration Enumeration is a rhetorical device used for listing details, or a process of mentioning words or phrases step by step. In fact, it is a type of amplification or division in which a subject is further distributed…
Canto
Definition of Canto Canto is a subdivision or part in a narrative or epic poem, consisting of five or more lines such, as a stanza, which could also be a canto. The word “canto” originates from the Latin word cantus,…
Procatalepsis
Definition of Procatalepsis Procatalepsis is a figure of speech that is also known as “prebuttal,” or a “prolepsis,” in which the speaker or writer gives response to the objection of an opponent in his speech by repeating his objection. It…
Lampoon
Definition of Lampoon Lampoon is a form of virulent satire in verse or prose, which is sometimes a malicious or unjust attack on a person, an institute, or an activity. Simply, when a writer or an artist makes fun of…
Balanced Sentence
Definition of Balanced Sentence A balanced sentence is made up of two segments which are equal, not only in length, but also in grammatical structure and meaning. It could be a periodic or cumulative sentence. A reader finds both parts…