LIT-HANDOUT10
Topic: Stylistic Literary Devices
I. Introduction
What makes us understand literary pieces? There are many styles in understanding the power of prose and poetry. These styles will lead us to get many beautiful insights from the literary pieces that we are interested in.
In this lesson, you will be able to identify and analyze what are those literary devices and techniques present in a particular literary piece. It is very important for the students and readers to identify and analyze each of them particularly its function or role present in a text for deeper understanding and as well as appreciation of the beauty of a certain literature. For you to be able to understand a literary piece, it is necessary that we should know what the different literary devices are, so that we can eliminate confusion and struggle in understanding the text in depth.
II. Literary Devices
Literary devices are forms of expression used to convey meaning. Why are literary devices important? Writers use literary devices in expressing ideas to enhance their writing skill. Literary devices highlight important concepts in a text, strengthen the narrative, and help readers connect to the characters and themes. These devices serve a wider range of purposes in literature.
Below is a list of more literary devices and their meanings, most of which you’ll often come across in both prose and poetry.
* SIMILE - simile in which an object, idea, character, or action is compared to another thing using the words “as” or “like”.
Example: “She is as vicious as a lion” is an example of simile.”
* METAPHOR – When ideas, actions, or objects are described in non-literal terms is Metaphor.
Example: “He is a walking encyclopedia.”
* PERSONIFICATION – is when a nonhuman figure or other abstract concept or element is described as having human-like qualities or characteristics.
Example: The angry clouds march across the sky.
* HYPERBOLE – is an exaggerated statement that’s not meant to be taken literally by the reader.
Example: “Her smile is a mile wide.”
* ALLITERATION – is a series of words or phrases that all start with the same sound.
Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
* IRONY – is when a statement is used to express an opposite meaning that the one literally expressed by it.
Example: “A police station got robbed.”
* ONOMATOPOEIA - its meaning is derived from a sound (such as buzz, hiss)
Example: “I hate the sound of buzzing bees.”
* ALLUSION – is when an author makes an indirect reference to a figure, place, event, or idea originating from outside the text.
Example: “She was a good Samaritan when she helped the old lady.”
* EUPHEMISM – is when a more mild or indirect word or expression is used in place of another word or phrase that is considered harsh, blunt, vulgar, or unpleasant.
Example: “Downsizing” is a euphemism for firing someone.
* OXYMORON – is a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning.
Example: “Cruelly kind”
Reference:
Labayoga, D. (2020) 21st Century Literature from the
Philippines and the World Quarter 1 Module 1: Lesson 1. Department of Education.