Lauren F. Winner once said, “God is a novelist. He uses all sorts of literary device: alliteration, assonance, rhyme, synecdoche, onomatopoeia. But of all of these, his favourite is foreshadowing…… he was laying traps, leaving clues, clues I could have seen had I been perceptive enough.” It is a beautiful representation of how a writer uses literary devices and what their readers perceive.
In literature, these devices fulfil a variety of functions. Some might work on an intellectual level, while others have a more emotional influence. They may also help to improve the flow and pacing of your writing in a subtle way. In any case, literary devices are a terrific place to start if you want to add something unique to your prose.
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A literary device is a technique used by writers to express ideas, convey meaning, and highlight essential topics in a piece of writing. It helps the writers to employ to allude to bigger themes, ideas, and meaning in a tale or piece of literature. Literary devices come in a variety of styles, each providing a specific purpose. Some function at the sentence level, while others serve the entire piece of text.
There are many literary devices that writers use but we have picked 15 most used ones that you can easily come across as you read –
- Aliiteration
- Irony
- Synechdoche
- Allusion
- Personification
- Anaphora
- Imagery
- Simile
- Consonance
- Hyperbole
- Paralleism
- Oxymoron
- Foreshadowing
- Paradox
- Satire
But what is the purpose of using Literary Devices?
Using literary devices is similar to seasoning food: it enhances the flavour and makes the work more fascinating.
Every writer employs literary methods.
Literary devices are words or phrases that produce specific effects or emotions. You’ve read a lot of books and stories, and you’re familiar with these phrases. Literary devices can sometimes make a story more intriguing or exciting.
They might pique your interest or assist you in better understanding characters. An excellent book should contain a few dramatic moments that serve as the highlights of the plot.
Literary devices enable a writer to deliver a message from an unusual perspective. You can use these strategies to highlight the most significant concept in a sentence, paragraph, or complete essay.
Literary devices, when employed effectively, can help you connect theme and characters and enrich your narrative. Literary devices can readily pique readers’ interest and keep them reading your story.
Furthermore, because they comprehend the message you’re attempting to communicate, it makes it easier for them to develop a greater connection between characters and ideas in a tale on a deeper level.
How to identify literary devices when you’re reading?
You don’t have to understand literary methods to appreciate a good novel. Certain devices, such as personification, onomatopoeia, and anthropomorphism, are nonetheless enjoyable to read even if you don’t know what they’re called.
Identifying literary devices, on the other hand, allows you to reflect on the artistry of a piece of writing and grasp the author’s motivations. The more literary techniques you recognise, the better you understand the work as a whole. Recognizing literary techniques allows you to spot nuances and piece together a larger meaning that you might have missed otherwise.
It’s best to become acquainted with as many literary devices as possible before attempting to identify them while reading. The first step is to know what to look for, and then it’s only a matter of practise through reading various works and styles. With practise, you’ll be able to detect literary devices instinctively without interfering with your enjoyment or focus while reading.
How to use Poetic Devices in your writing?
To use literary devices in your own work, you must first recognise them “in the wild.” Read the list below to make sure you know what you’re looking for, and then pay close attention when reading. Examine how literary devices are utilised by skilled writers.
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When you’re ready to try your hand at literary devices, the most vital suggestion is to employ them naturally. In order to appear more accomplished, beginner writers frequently use literary devices into their work.
The truth is that misusing literary devices stands out more than effectively employing them. Wait for a moment when a literary device can emerge naturally rather than being forced into places where it does not fit.
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