Useful Literary Devices & Techniques To Recognise

A fundamental skill to ace any English examination is to understand and recognise the literary devices being used by a writer. This informs the examiner that you have knowledge of literary techniques, can identify them in text and explain their purpose or effect. A writer will use literary devices to convey meanings, thoughts, emotions, themes or to create atmosphere and tone, so it is vital that you can recognise the technique used and crucially explain why the writer has used this particular technique in this situation. Always explain the WHY!!!

I have collated a short list of some of the most widely used and popular literary devices below which will be invaluable to any preparation for your English exam: -

1). The good old Simile - some might argue this technique is over-used, but it is a highly effective device for drawing comparisons. Spot a simile by the use of the words `like` or `as`. Some common similes you may have heard include, `as blind as a bat` and `slept like a log`. Charles Dickens uses a simile in `A Christmas Carol` to perfectly convey Scrooge`s delight at being given another chance at life when Scrooge states that he feels, `as light as a feather`. This shows us that Scrooge feels happy, unburdened and joyous.

2) Metaphor - This is often confused with the simile as they are similar devices. However, a Metaphor goes further than a comparison by suggesting one thing as if it were actually another. A metaphor can be more intense and impactful and often conveys strong emotions. Shakespeare uses metaphor to demonstrate the intensity of the love between Romeo and Juliet. Romeo declares his love for Juliet by stating that, `Juliet is the sun`. He is suggesting that to him, Juliet is the sun in his life which shows a powerful love. How often have we described a loved one as `the sunshine in my life`.

3). Imagery - A very important device that is used to appeal to the senses of the reader. Imagery creates a vivid picture for the reader, or evokes a taste or smell with the use of descri ptive words. Often, Simile and Metaphor is used to create Imagery. A good way to understand the impact of Imagery is through music lyrics and Ed Sheeran is a master at using imagery in his music to evoke a picture in the listeners` mind. In `Castle on the Hill`, Sheeran uses the lyrics, `I`m on my way. Driving at 90 down those country lanes. Singing to Tiny Dancer... When we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.` This creates a vivid image of a person`s joy at going back to their hometown and memories of our own journey`s home and the image of watching the sunset creates a feeling of warmth and contentment.

4). Symbolism - This is a way of using an `object` to stand for an emotion or idea. There have been many objects that through time have become symbols to us. For example, a White Dove often symbolises peace, freedom or love whereas the Black Crow is often associated with hate, death and horror. Sometimes a character themselves can symbolise a particular type of person in society or reflection on society. We see this throughout the play, `An Inspector Calls , Eva Smith is a powerful symbol of the failings of the social class system in protecting those less fortunate from the power and greed of the wealthy.

5). Irony - A tricky concept to grasp or explain but often widely used and easily recognised in text. Irony is a contradiction, the opposite of what is expected/thought. It can be saying one thing but meaning the opposite, as in sarcasm. It can be when events are completely different to what we expect. Then there is dramatic Irony, when an audience or reader may know something that a character is unaware of that makes their actions or words important but without them knowing. Dramatic Irony is a favourite technique of Gothic Horror genre when the character runs towards the murderer without realising but we as the audience know this is happening and are willing them to run the other way - A great way to build suspense and interest. I always enjoy playing the lyrics of Alanis Morrissette s song `Ironic` to my class as it has some obvious examples of irony that everybody can understand. Lyrics such as, ` a black fly in your chardonnay` or a `death row pardon two minutes too late`. Now isn`t that ironic, don`t ya think?

This is just a snapshot of some of the most common devices but hopefully they will help with your understanding and you can begin to identify more examples of their use in your studies. I hope I have explained them in an engaging way and you are inspired now to search for these wonderful devices that are used all around us every day, from Shakespeare to Sheeran or the great Dickens to DiCaprio.