Nemesis Definition Nemesis is a literary device that refers to a situation of poetic justice, where the good characters are rewarded for their virtues, and the evil characters are punished for their vices. The term nemesis comes from Nemesis –…
Category: Literary Devices
Motif
Motif Definition Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work. Motif and Theme In a literary work, a motif can be seen as an image, sound, action, or other figures that has a symbolic significance,…
Connotation
Connotation Definition Connotation refers to a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry cultural and emotional associations or meanings, in addition to their literal meanings or denotations. For instance, “Wall…
Syntax
Syntax Definition Syntax is a set of rules in a language. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought. Syntax and Diction Syntax and diction are closely related. Diction…
Doppelganger
Doppelganger Definition Doppelganger, a German word meaning “look-alike,” or “double walker,” originally referred to a ghost, or shadow of a person; but in modern times it simply refers to a person that is a look-alike of another person. Types of…
Anagram
Anagram Definition Anagram is a form of word play in which letters of a word or phrase are rearranged in such a way that a new word or phrase is formed. An anagram is formed by using exactly the same…
Fallacy
Fallacy Definition A fallacy is an erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention. There are many fallacy examples that we can find in everyday conversations. Types of Fallacy Here are a few well-known types of fallacy you might…
Flash-Forward
Flash-Forward Definition Flash-forward, or “prolepsis,” is a literary device in which the plot goes ahead of time; meaning a scene that interrupts and takes the narrative forward in time from the current time in the story. Generally, a flash-forward represents…
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Definition Self-fulfilling prophecy is defined as any expectation, positive or negative, about a situation or event that affects an individual behavior in such a manner that it causes that expectation to be fulfilled. Let us assume a teacher,…
Bildungsroman
Bildungsroman Definition Bildungsroman is a special kind of novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of its main character, from his or her youth to adulthood. A bildungsroman is a story of the growing up of a sensitive…
Syllogism
Syllogism Definition Syllogism is a rhetorical device that starts an argument with a reference to something general, and from this it draws a conclusion about something more specific. Let us try to understand the concept with the help of an…
Stream of Consciousness
Stream of Consciousness Definition The literary device stream of consciousness is the continuous flow of thoughts of a person and recorded, thereof, in literature as they occur. In other words, it means to capture a continuous stream of thoughts into…
Poetic Justice
Poetic Justice Definition In literature, poetic justice is an ideal form of justice, in which the good characters are rewarded and the bad characters are punished, by an ironic twist of fate. It is a strong literary view that all…
Pathetic Fallacy
What is Pathetic Fallacy? Pathetic Fallacy Definition Use of Pathetic Fallacy in Literature Pathetic fallacy is a literary device that attributes human qualities and emotions to inanimate objects of nature. The word pathetic in the term is not used…
Pastiche
What is Pastiche? Pastiche Definition A pastiche is a work of literature that imitates or borrows from another literary work, usually one that is more well-known. Unlike parody, pastiche is intended as a celebration and/or homage. Pastiche also describes a…
Conceit
What is Conceit? Conceit Definition As a literary device, a conceit is a comparison that is convoluted, unconventional, and/or improbable. Conceit is comparable to simile, metaphor, and allegory in that they all make use of comparison or symbolic imagery. However,…
Narrative
What is Narrative? Narrative Definition Narrative is the basis of storytelling. Narratives are oral or written accounts that connect related events or incidents for the purpose of entertaining, educating, communicating, sharing, and/or creating meaning for readers or listeners. Narratives can…
Cliffhanger
What is a Cliffhanger? Cliffhanger Definition Cliffhangers are commonly used in plots of stories, movies, television episodes, etc. A cliffhanger is when a narrative, or part of a narrative, ends in an unresolved and often sudden manner. This typically creates…
Argument
What is Argument? Argument Definition Though most people think of argument as a disagreement between two parties, its definition as a literary device is a bit different. In academic writing, an argument usually represents the writer’s position on a particular…
Aphorism
What is Aphorism? Aphorism Definition An aphorism is a short saying that observes a general truth. Aphorisms are often concise and mildly humorous statements that are intended to appeal to the masses as a message of wisdom or understanding, such…
