Literary Devices
What Is an Archetype? Definition and ExamplesThink about characters. Not specific characters like Katniss Everdeen or Atticus Finch. Think about the kinds of characters they...November 22, 2024
What Does “Moral of the Story” Mean?Certain stories, like fables, classic tales, and folklore, are written with the intent to share a moral dilemma that characters...October 22, 2024
The 7 Types of Conflict in LiteratureConflicts are a central part of all stories. Whether it’s a hero fighting evil forces or forbidden lovers overcoming those who...October 21, 2024
What Is the Climax of a Story?Every story has a climax. Without a climax, a narrative isn’t really a story—it’s just a series of events. The climax, the...May 31, 2024
What Is Slang? Definition and ExamplesThe English language is full of weird words. But that’s not the only idiosyncrasy that can confuse people, even for those whom...May 3, 2024
What Is an Epithet? Definition and ExamplesThe notoriously reclusive author of Catcher in the Rye is a man of many names. To loyal literary fans, he’s J. D. Salinger. On...May 2, 2024
What Is an Extended Metaphor? Examples of This Literary DeviceYou may understand what metaphors (and similes) are, but what about extended metaphors? We hear and read them all the time, but...December 27, 2023
Onomatopoeia: Definition & Usage ExamplesHow do you write a sound? We know that a ball against a racket makes a thwack, that a bird tweets, and that thunder goes boom,...December 8, 2023
What Is a Malapropism? Definition and ExamplesChances are you’ve used a malapropism at some point in your life, whether you substituted song lyrics you misheard, inserted your...December 7, 2023
Understatement: Definition and ExamplesAn understatement is a figure of speech in which the writer intentionally downplays or minimizes the significance or intensity of...November 28, 2023