Authors use literary devices to produce particular effects in their writing
. Literary devices are techniques or tools that writers use to enhance their writing, convey meaning, or evoke emotion through stylistic and structural choices
. Literary elements and literary techniques are both types of literary devices; literary elements refer to big-picture aspects like theme and setting, while literary techniques refer to specific applications like euphemisms and allusions used within sentences
. There are many different types of literary devices, including:
- Metaphor A direct comparison of two things
- Simile An indirect comparison of two things using "like" or "as"
- Analogy A comparison between two things that are alike in some way
- Imagery Descriptive language that appeals to the reader’s senses
- Symbolism The use of objects to represent abstract concepts
- Personification Giving human qualities to non-human things
- Hyperbole An exaggeration
- Alliteration The repetition of initial sounds for effect
- Irony A contradiction between the apparent and underlying meaning of words or situations
- Satire Using humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize flaws in human behavior and society
- Juxtaposition Placing two elements side by side for comparison or contrast
- Euphemism Replacing a harsh or offensive word with a milder one
- Allusion A passing reference to a well-known person, event, or literary work
- Foreshadowing Hinting at events that will happen later
