Literary devices

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 1

Literary devices

Lesson goals: At the end of the lesson you'll know the definition of some literary devices.

At the end of the lesson, you'll be able to write a story using literary devices.

Do you have any idea what a literary device is?

Literary devices

When authors want to convey emotions, engage readers, and enhance their writing, they use techniques and strategies.

These techniques and strategies are called literary devices.

"Time is a thief" 

Does the time physically wanders around stealing? No.

Metaphor 

Literary devices we'll discuss today

- Metaphor

- Simile

- Symbolism

- Irony

- Foreshadowing

- Imagery

- Flashback

- Theme

Metaphor

A comparison that is indicated as something else to emphasize the similarities.

"All the world's a stage"- William Shakespeare, As You Like It.

Function: To create a deeper meaning to your text.

Simile

Think of the word "similar".

You use simile to explicitly compare two things with words such as "like" and "as".

"Her smile was as bright as the sun."

Function: To create a visual.

Symbolism

It can be an object, a person, or an event that represents something bigger than itself.

"The white colour in our flag represents peace" 

Function: To give your text layers 

Which literary device is used here:
"He was as red as a tomato."

1. Symbolism
2. Metaphor
3. Simile

Which literary device is used here:
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree"

1. Simile
2. Symbolism
3. Metaphor

Which sentence is an example of this literary device: Symbolism

1. "The broken mirror in his hands reflected not just his face, but his shattered dreams."
2. "Her voice was a warm blanket on a cold winter night."
3. "Her smile was like the first rays of sunlight on a crisp morning."

Irony

Think of something opposite. If I were to give a workshop about camera safety and then I trip and fall, it would be ironic that that happened. <-- Situational Irony

Dramatic Irony: The reader knows something that a character doesn't. Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the public knows Juliet isn't dead, but Romeo doesn't.

Situational Irony:  Something unexpetedly happens.

Verbal Irony: Whatever is said, the opposite; "Oh, great! Another homework assignment—I really needed more work to do!

Function: Create excitement and humour.

Foreshadowing

Hints of an event that will/may occur in the future.

In the series Brooklyn 99, a character named Gina said to her co-worker Charles, "I'd rather get hit by a bus than to read your text messages". At the end of the episode she got hit by a bus.

Function: To keep the reader engaged and to build excitement.

Imagery

To create an image to sounds and senses (touch, taste, sound, sight, smell).

"The crisp autumn leaves crunched under her feet as the cool breeze brushed against her face" 

Function: To create a living world and to strengthen the emotions you're trying to convey.

Which form of Irony is used here:
"The "helpful" employee was anything but helpful!"

1. Situational Irony
2. Verbal Irony
3. Dramatic Irony

Write a sentence using "Imagery"

Flashback

To look back at a previous event.

Example: When Simba returns to Pride Rock as an adult, he sees his reflection in the water, which triggers a flashback of his father's death. <-- The Lion King

Function: To give a character/event a backstory.

Theme

The main message of a text/film/story/etc.

Example: In Romeo and Juliet, love is stronger than hate.

Function: To give direction to the story.

What is the difference between "Foreshadowing" and "Flashback"?

Simile

Imagery

Symbolism

The breeze was cool, it smelled fresh, like the earth after rain.

The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the trees swaying in the wind made everything feel calm and peaceful. 

In her hand, she held a small, dried flower, its petals falling off, reminding her that all things, no matter how beautiful, don’t last forever 

Can you think of a sentence using a literary device to convey emotions and/or enhance your writing?

Exercise

Write a short story using at least 5 literary devices.

Minimum of 350 words.

Submit your work in Teams.

* This LessonUp can be found in Teams.

Exit Ticket

Just as last week, fill in your exit ticket. 

You can find it in Teams!