Definition of Denouement Denouement is derived from the French word denoue, which means “to untie.” Denouement is a literary device that can be defined as the resolution of the issue of a complicated plot in fiction. The majority of examples…
Category: Literary Devices
Villanelle
Definition of Villanelle Villanelle is derived from the Italian word villano, which means “peasant.’ In fact, a villanelle is a dance song coupled with pastoral themes. In literature, it is defined as a poetic device that which requires a poem…
Style
Definition of Style The style in writing can be defined as the way a writer writes. It is the technique that an individual author uses in his writing. It varies from author to author and depends upon one’s syntax, word…
Rhythm
Definition of Rhythm The word rhythm is derived from rhythmos (Greek) which means, “measured motion.” Rhythm is a literary device that demonstrates the long and short patterns through stressed and unstressed syllables, particularly in verse form. Types of Rhythm English…
Syncope
Definition of Syncope Syncope is a literary device that can be defined as the contraction or the shortening of a word by omitting sounds, syllables or letters from the middle of the word, such as bos’n for the word “boatswain.”…
Half Rhyme
Definition of Half Rhyme Half rhyme is one of the major poetic devices. It is also called an “imperfect rhyme,” “slant rhyme,” “near rhyme,” or “oblique rhyme.” It can be defined as a rhyme in which the stressed syllables of…
Anecdote
Definition of Anecdote Anecdote is defined as a short and interesting story, or an amusing event, often proposed to support or demonstrate some point, and to make the audience laugh. Anecdotes can include an extensive range of tales and stories.…
Double Entendre
Definition of Double Entendre A double entendre is a literary device that can be defined as a phrase or a figure of speech that might have multiple senses, interpretations, or two different meanings, or which might be understood in two…
Evidence
Definition of Evidence Evidence is a type of literary device that appears in different categories of essays and theses, in the form of paraphrase and quotations. It is presented to persuade readers, and used with powerful arguments in the texts…
Innuendo
Definition of Innuendo Innuendo can be defined as an indirect or a subtle observation about a thing or a person. It is generally critical, disparaging, or salacious in nature, and its use is almost always derogatory. However, it must be…
Non Sequitur
Definition of Non Sequitur Non sequitur is a literary device that includes statements, sayings, and conclusions that do not follow the fundamental principles of logic and reason. They are frequently used in theater and comedies to create comedic effect. In…
Palindrome
Definition of Palindrome The term palindrome is derived from two Greek words, palin, which means “again,” and dromos, which means “way,” or “direction.” It is defined as a number, a word, a sentence, a symbol, or even signs that can…
Utopia
Definition of Utopia The literary term utopia denotes an illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect society to the reader. Here, the “perfect society” refers to ideal conditions achieved within the material world, as opposed to the expected…
Verse
Definition of Verse The literary device verse denotes a single line of poetry. The term can also be used to refer to a stanza or other parts of poetry. Generally, the device is stated to encompass three possible meanings, namely…
Refutation
Definition of Refutation The literary term refutation refers to that part of an argument where a speaker or a writer encounters contradicting points of view. Alternatively, refutation can be described as the negation of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine, or…
Slang
Definition of Slang Words that are not a part of standard vocabulary or language, and which are used informally, are called “slang.” These words are more commonly used in speech than in writing. Every culture and every region across the…
Invective
Definition of Invective The term invective denotes speech or writing that attacks, insults, or denounces a person, topic, or institution. It involves the use of abusive and negative language. The tool of invective is generally employed in both poetry and…
Induction
Definition of Induction Induction is known as a conclusion reached through reasoning. An inductive statement is derived using facts and instances which lead to the formation of a general opinion. Though all the facts upon which the conclusion is based…
Concession
Definition of Concession Concession is a literary device used in argumentative writing, where one acknowledges a point made by one’s opponent. It allows for different opinions and approaches toward an issue, indicating an understanding of what causes the actual debate…
Extended Metaphor
Extended Metaphor Definition The term “extended metaphor” refers to a comparison between two, unlike things that continue throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph, or lines in a poem. It is often comprised of more than one sentence and…
