35 Literary Devices and Literary Terms (with Definitions and Examples)

35 Literary Devices and Literary Terms (with Definitions and Examples) 35 Literary Devices and Literary Terms (with Definitions and Examples) A clear list of literary devices is a good resource for any writer to have on hand. Strong device usage can help elevate a book from a story people forget, to a piece of literature that stays with them long after they've turned the final page.After all, in  As You Like It, Shakespeare could have simply written, "Everyone has a role in life." But instead, he used a literary device and penned one of the famous metaphors of all time:All the world’s a stage And all the men and women merely playersAnd the rest is history. 35+ literary devices to turn you into Shakespeare What are literary devices?Literary devices are tools writers use to express their ideas with artistic depth. These devices can clarify and emphasize concepts, create resonance within a narrative, and invite readers to dig a little deeper into the story’s themes.While all of the tools below fall under the umbrella of â€Å"literary devices,† the purpose and impact of them varies wildly. Some might underscore a narrative and work on an intellectual level, while others have more of a subtle, visceral, or emotional effect. Finally, they might also work to simply enhance the flow and pacing of your writing. No matter what, if you're looking to inject something special into your prose, literary devices are a great place to start. You can also check out our list of 30 rhetorical devices right here!List of literary devices1. AllegoryThe Tortoise and the Hare is about more than just a turtle, a rabbit, and a race. It also aims to teach the lesson: slow and steady wins the race. That’s what an allegory does  - it’s a type of narrative that uses characters and plot to exemplify abstract ideas and themes, such as patience. In an allegorical story, events and characters tend to represent more than they appear on the surface.Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell. This dystopian novella is one of modern literature’s best-known allegories. A commentary on the events leading up to Stalin's rise and the formation of the Soviet Union, the pigs at the heart of the novel blatantly represent figures such as Stalin, Trotsky, and Molotov. Litotes (pronounced lie-toe-teez) is the signature literary device of the double negative. Writers use litotes to express certain sentiments through their opposites, by saying that that opposite is not the case. Don’t worry, it makes more sense with the examples. Example: â€Å"You won’t be sorry† (meaning you’ll be happy); â€Å"you’re not wrong† (meaning you’re right); â€Å"I didn’t not like it† (meaning I did)21. MalapropismIf Shakespeare is the king of metaphors, Michael Scott is the king of malapropisms. This is when similar-sounding words replace their appropriate counterparts, typically to comic effect - one of the most commonly cited is â€Å"dance a flamingo,† rather than a â€Å"flamenco.† Malapropisms are usually employed in dialogue when a character flubs up their speech.Example: â€Å"I am not to be truffled with.† Similar term: metonymy 35+ literary devices to lend resonance to your writing Readers and writers alike can get a lot out of understanding literary devices and how they're commonly used. If you’re a reader, you can use this knowledge to your advantage, as you pore over fiction and gain insight into the author’s intended meaning and motivation behind their work. Meanwhile, writers can use literary devices to connect with readers, giving their words a boosted opportunity of providing audiences with lasting meaning.Have you ever struggled to use a literary device in your writing? Let's get technical - share your questions or thoughts in the comments below!