Feminine Rhyme Definition Feminine rhyme is an unstressed two syllable rhyme followed by another unstressed syllable rhyme. They are used between the stressed rhyme to create a rhythm. In other words, feminine rhyme is also a double rhyme. For example,…
Category: Literary Devices
Romanticism
Romanticism Definition Romanticism is one of the recurring themes that are linked to either imagination, idealism, inspiration, intuition, or individualism. The theme often criticizes the past, stresses upon sensibility, isolation of the writer and pays homage to nature. Preceded by…
Main Idea
Main Idea Definition Main Idea includes the overall message of the text that a writer intends to convey to the audience. Almost all genres of literature have one or two main ideas in them. However, the main idea in literature…
Short Story
Short Story Definition A short story is a fully developed story that is shorter than a novel and longer than a fable. It typically takes just a single sitting for reading. Short Story focuses on the incidents bigger or smaller…
Novel
Novel Definition A Novel is a long narrative work of fiction with some realism. It is often in prose form and is published as a single book. The word ‘novel’ has been derived from the Italian word ‘novella’ which means…
Bias
Bias Definition Bias is as an undue favor, support or backing extended to a person, group or race or even an argument against another. Although bias mostly exists in the cultural context, it can creep into various other forms of…
In Medias Res
In Medias Res Definition In Medias Res means narrating a story from the middle after supposing that the audiences are aware of past events. The etymology of this literary device goes back to the Roman lyric poet, Horace, who used…
Lyric Poem
Lyric Poem Definition A lyric poem or lyrical poem in literature is a poem in which the poet either expresses his feelings and emotions. The poet also presents a character in the first person to express his emotions. It is…
Existentialism
Definition of Existentialism Existentialism is a philosophy that focuses on the existence of mankind. It deals with their efforts of finding a way in this hostile universe. The writers apply existentialist philosophy in their texts to underpin the efforts of…
Dramatic Monologue
Definition of Dramatic Monologue Dramatic monologue means self-conversation, speech, or talks which include an interlocutor presented dramatically. It means a person, who is speaking to himself or someone else speaks to reveal specific intentions of his actions. However, in literature,…
Narrative Poem
Definition of Narrative Poem A narrative poem in literature is a poem which tells a story. It has a full storyline with all the elements of a traditional story. These elements include characters, plot, conflict and resolution, setting and action. Although…
Black Humor
Definition of Black Humor Black humor is a literary device used in novels and plays to discuss taboo subjects while adding an element of comedy. Cambridge dictionary defines it as a non-serious way of treating or dealing with serious subjects.…
Comic Relief
Definition of Comic Relief Comic relief is a literary device used in plays and novels to introduce light entertainment between tragic scenes. It is often used in the shape of a humorous incident, a funny incident, a tricky remark or…
Tercet
Definition of Tercet A tercet is a three-lined verse, or a group, or unit of three lines. These three lines are often rhymed together, or they rhyme with another triplet. It has a flow of words as rolling waves. Creating…
Ordinal Number
Definition of Ordinal Number An ordinal number refers to a number that indicates the position or order of things or objects, such as first, second, third, fourth, and so on. Ordinal numbers do not indicate quantity as cardinal numbers do.…
Iambic Pentameter
Definition of Iambic Pentameter Iambic Pentameter is made up of two words, where pentameter is a combination of ‘pent,’ which means five, and ‘meter,’ which means to measure. Iambic, on the other hand, is a metrical foot in poetry in…
Hypothetical Question
Definition of Hypothetical Question A hypothetical question is based on supposition, opinion, personal belief, or conjecture, and not facts. It is not based on reality. It mostly deals with actions and scenarios that might happen, or something that might not…
Subjective
Definition of Subjective A subjective point of view is something based on one’s opinions, perspectives, beliefs, discoveries, desires, and feelings. It has no concern with right or wrong, other than the person’s opinion of what is right and wrong. Likewise,…
Octave
Definition of Octave Octave has been derived from the Latin word octāva, which means “eighth part.” It is a verse form that contains eight lines, which usually appear in an iambic pentameter. In simple words, it can be any stanza…
Explicatory Essay
Definition of Explicatory Essay “Explication” means to explain the work of an item of literature. An explication, or “explicatory” essay is used to explain and interpret a piece of literature such as a poem, a play, a novel, or a…