Literary Devices: 50+ Devices To Enrich Your Writing

All writing is made up of literary devices. Literary devices intentionally level-up your writing by making it better, more impactful, and allowing you to hook readers from the introduction. You can use literary devices to guide your readers in a specific direction. This helps them interpret your words the way you want them to

Literary devices can also add color to your words to get more readers hooked from the first line. Plus, they help you sell more of your self-published books (if you want to get serious about it). Although the term “literary devices” can be a wee bit intimidating, they’re actually pretty simple.

In fact, you likely use a ton of these elements while writing your book and you don’t even realize it…(hint: your favorite TV shows use these all the time). So, what are different literary devices and how do you use them?

Literary devices: what you learn

• What are some literary devices?
• What devices are used in literature?
• Literary devices: FAQs

What are some literary devices?

Literary devices are tools used by writers to convey their messages in a simple manner to their readers. When employed properly, the different literary devices help readers to appreciate, interpret, and analyze a literary work. Below is a list of literary devices, most of which you’ll often come across in both prose and poetry.

When it comes to writing, you always want to be learning more. That’s why it’s important to learn about literary devices. The more you know about them, the better your writing will be.

As you learn how to use literary devices, it’s important to recognize that there’s no need to use every single literary term in your book. But by knowing what’s available for you to use and how to use literary devices strategically, your writing will become stronger and therefore, more captivating to readers.

What devices are used in literature?

There are so many literary devices used in literature, such as allusion, diction, and alliteration. Below are 50+ literary devices you can incorporate into your own writing.

1. Allusion

No, this is not an illusion, though the two can be confused with one another. An allusion is a literary device that references a person, place, thing, or event in the real world. You can use this to paint a clear picture or to even connect with your readers.

When learning how to use literary devices, use allusions to help connect the reader. By referencing something the reader may be familiar with in the real world, this invests them more than if you didn’t have any connections.

Allusion Examples:

“Careful, now. You don’t want to go opening Pandora’s Box.”

In this example, the allusion is Pandora’s Box. Because this is a reference to a real-life element, it’s considered an allusion.

“He was a real goodguy ball-buster, the Deadpool of his time.”

In this example, the narrator is using Deadpool as the allusion by referencing the person they’re describing as being like the super-hero (if you can call him that) Deadpool.

2. Diction

Diction is a literary device that’s the choice of words or style used by the writer in order to convey their message. Of all the literary devices, diction is a fancy way of saying the way in which the author wants to write to a specific audience.

Here are the different types of diction and what they mean:

• Formal diction: This is when the word choice is more formal or high class. Oftentimes, writers use formal diction as a literary device when more educated individuals are speaking or the content is for those with higher education.
• Informal diction: When your characters (or you, if you’re writing nonfiction) are speaking directly to everyday people, this type of diction would be used as it’s more conversational.
• Slang diction: Slang is commonly used for a younger audience and includes newly coined words or phrases. An example of this would be use of the word, “cap” or other new slang phrases.
• Colloquial diction: This is when words that are used in everyday life are written. These may be different depending on the culture or religions present in the writing.

Diction Example:

“I bid you adieu.”

The diction present here is formal diction, as most people don’t use “bid” and “adieu” regularly in everyday speach.

“I remember her hair in particular, because it was on fleek!“

Here, “fleek” is a slang term used to describe a woman’s hair, which means it’s slang diction.

3. Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary device that uses the same letters or sounds at the beginning of words in a sentence or title. There are many nursery rhymes that use alliteration, but of the many literary devices, this one is also useful for creating something memorable within your writing.

You can use alliteration when choosing the title of your book, as it makes it easier to remember, as you can see in the example of alliterative titles below.

Alliteration Examples

 

4. Allegory

An allegory is a figure of speech where abstract ideas are described using characters, events, or other elements. That’s a way of saying that instead of being literal with an idea, you use characters, events, or other elements to describe it in a way the reader can better understand.

Think of it as a story within a story. You use characters, events, or other means to represent the literal meaning. This one is a little better understood with examples than a definition.

Allegory Examples:

 

One of the most famous works using allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The perceived story is about a group of farm animals who rise up and defeat humans, but the underlying story is about the Russian Revoluation.

Using an allegory is often telling a darker story in a way that’s easier to understand and for readers to receive.

5. Colloquialism

One way to increase the world-building in your book is to use colloquialisms. Colloquialisms are expressions, words, and phrases that are used in informal, everyday speech, including slang.

You can use these in a couple of different ways. Firstly, you can use these as slang in the real world, and secondly, you can even create your book’s own colloquialisms for their world and culture, and even when learning how to write dialogue.

Colloquialism Examples

 

• Bamboozle – to deceieve
• Gonna – going to
• Be blue – to be sad
• Bugger off – go away
• Over yonder – over there
• Da bomb – the best

You can create your own coloquialisms within your own world to increase the realism.

6. Euphemism

We tend to think of euphemisms as sexual euphemisms, which is how they’re often used. However, euphemisms are actually any term that refers to something impolite or unpleasant.

We create phrases or other words in order to avoid using the actual term because they’re impolite, rude, or indecent. Those alternatives are considered euphemisms. This is often why we think of sexual euphemisms when we hear of this literary device.

Most individuals would rather make a much lighter comment when referring to something as “indecent” as sex, but the same case is made for when someone dies.

Euphemism Examples

 

• Before I go – before I die
• Do the dirty – have sex
• Rear-end – butt
• perspiration – sweating
• Thin on top – bald
• Tipsy – drunk
• Having a loose screw – being dumb

7. Flashbacks

Flashbacks in literature are when the narrator goes back in time for a specific scene or chapter in order to give more context for the story.

Oftentimes, we see flashbacks in books where the past greatly impacts the present or as a way to start a story off on an interesting note. This is seen in Harry Potter whenever Harry gets to see a memory of the past from Dumbledore or even Snape.

Flashbacks Example

For example, in Vicious by V.E. Schwab, she uses flashbacks as a recurring element in her book. Every other chapter goes back in time and then back to the present for the next chapter as a way to structure the story itself.

So in this instance, Schwab is using this literary device to shape the entire narrative of her story instead of simply using it as a single piece, which is a unique take on flashbacks.

 

8. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is when the author places elements within the writing that gives clues about what will happen in the future of the story. Foreshadowing is important in the line of literary devices, as it can play a big role in the story.

These can often be small bits and pieces that some readers might not pick up on the first read-through. They might even look back and realize that certain elements were foreshadowing once they hit the climax or a big plot twist was revealed. Foreshadowing can be both literal and thematic.

You can write a scene where there’s a conversation that the reader can’t fully understand the meaning of until more is revealed. You can also write a scene that has symbolic elements that foreshadow events, like placing a black crow in a scene that foreshadows a death, as crows are symbolic of this.

If you really want to up your creative writing, you can even create themes to foreshadow within your own world. As an example of this literary device, you can create a culture in which rabbits are a “known” sign of change and conspicuously place a rabbit in a later scene.

Foreshadowing Examples

In Back to the Future, one of the clocks in the opening credits has actor Harold Lloyd from the silem film Safety First hanging from the minute hand. This foreshadows Doc Brown hanging from the Hill Valley clock tower later in the movie as he tried to send Marty McFly back to the 1980s.

In The Avengers Tony Stark makes a comment about one of the ship’s engineers playing a game called Galaga as they all get together for the first time. The objective of the game in real life is to defend Earth from alien invaders, which is what happens later in the movie.

We put together this video about using foreshadowing in your novels—specifically how to use it effectively without giving away the good stuff. If you like to learn from videos, I cover a ton of great info below:

9. Imagery

This is one that we briefly touched on above and also one you likely learned in school, though it may have been a while since you studied literary devices! I’ll give you a refresher.

Imagery is when you use visually descriptive or figurative language in your writing. Think of it more like showing versus telling in writing, where you use more sensory language versus blunt, plain words. You would also use stronger verbs in order to present stronger imagery in your writing.

Imagery Example

Here’s an example of imagery

 

 

Notice how Kidder uses visuals to bring life to her words. You’re very easily able to picture where this scene takes place and exactly what those rocks look like.

10. Personification

Personification is a literary device where you give human-like qualities to non-human elements.

This is one of the most well-known literary devices and it’s useful for a number of reasons, as it:

• Creates a stronger visual
• Pulls readers further into your world
• Helps the readers relate to and understand what’s going on
• It can allow readers to have a new perspective
• You can give readers a new view on a typical visual/occurrence

Personification Examples

• The wind whistled past my ears like a familiar tune I’d long forgotten.
• The moon yanked a blanket of silver light over the forest.
• Squatting in the corner was a felt chair covered in the dust and damp of abandonment.

11. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition means placing contrasting elements next to one another in order to emphasize one or both, including words, scenes, or themes. Among the many literary devices, this one can sound overly fancy but it’s quite simple. Many times, authors will use juxtaposition in order to create a stronger emotional reaction from readers.

Think of when a happy moment in a movie or book is followed by a sad, heart-wrenching scene. That scene is made even worse by the fact that we just had our emotions on a high.

Juxtaposition can also be used on a smaller scale, with contrasting words or phrases next to each other in order to emphasize both, like in the first example below. However, when it comes to giving your book that “rollercoaster” ride of emotional effect, learning how to use juxtaposition on a larger scale can make a huge difference.

Juxtaposition Examples

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness.” -A Tales of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
• I hate loving you.
• You will soon be asked to do great violence in the cause of good. – The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers

12. Metaphor/Simile

This is the most popular of the literary devices. However, it has to be used with caution because if used too much, metaphors and similes can reek of cliches and amateur writing. Metaphors and similes are comparisons used to create better clarification and understanding for readers. While these are similar, they’re quite different.

13. Onomatopoeia

While its name may be the most confusing of the literary devices, this one is actually easy to understand once you get past its difficult spelling. An onomatopoeia is a word or phrase that shows you the sound something makes. Since we can’t hear books, this literary device is best used to paint a clear picture and include the sense of hearing in your writing.

When using this literary element in writing, the correct formatting is almost always to have the word italicized to show emphasis of the sound.

Onomatopoeia Examples

 

• Buzz
• Zap
• Splat
• Boom
• Splash
• Zing
• Crank
• Whoosh
• Bang
• Creak

14. Symbolism

Every story uses symbolism in some way. Of the literary devices, this one is the use of a situation or element to represent a larger message, idea, or concept. Many times, authors use symbolism as a way to convey a broader message that speaks to more readers. You can also use symbolism to foreshadow what will happen later in the story.

Symbolism Examples

 

• Crows are used to symbolize a bad omen, like death
• The color purple symbolizes royalty
• The color red can symbolize death, struggle, power, passion
• Spiders can symbolize spying, sneaky, or untrustworthiness

15. Tone

The tone of a book is something that conveys the narrator’s opinion, attitude, or feelings about what is written. This literary device has the power to shape the entire narrative.

For example, if you want to catch a reader off-guard when something traumatic or intense happens, keeping the tone light and humorous before the event can increase the sensation of shock and tension. A great way to use tone is to guide your readers right into the emotion you want them to feel in a particular scene.

16. Synecdoche

This big and nearly unpronounceable word refers to a part of “something” being used to represent the whole of that “something.” Let’s replace the word “something” with a few examples to help make things clearer than mud. 

A foreman asks, “How many hired hands do we need for that upcoming project?” The synecdoche is “hands,” with hands representing the term “workers.” 

A General tells his fellow strategists, “We need more boots on the ground.” The synecdoche here is boots, a part of a soldier’s uniform. The boots refer to the soldier as a whole, or in this case, many soldiers.

17. Polysyndeton

Polysyndetons emphasize the constant continuation of a character’s long-winded dialogue, and thoughts, and feelings, and clothing choices, and schedules, and the dishes need to get done, and the laundry needs switching to the dryer, and the plumber needs calling…

Oh, right, polysyndetons. You may have noted the repetitive use of “and” to connect a series of words, clauses, or statements in the above-mentioned paragraph. This repetitive use of the same conjunction is how you utilize the literary device known as a polysyndeton. 

Writers use polysyndetons to engage the reader by creating a sense of never-ending. It can project an adult’s sense of anxiety over their to-do list; and then it can express the naivety of a child who is excited to tell you every teeny tiny minuscule aspect of their day; and then you have feature films like Dude Where’s My Car where the polysyndetons are used to great comedic effect in the Chinese Drive Through scene; and then, well the possibilities are endless. 

Polysyndeton examples: 

“You had me worried sick, Peter! I couldn’t get a hold of you! For all I know, you could have been in a car accident, or stranded on the highway, or abducted by some serial killer!” said Sandy. 

“Mom, I’m fine. I’m still in one piece. Nice use of polysyndeton by the way. Why don’t you get some sleep?” 

18. Metonymy

While some literary devices are hard to pronounce, this one is not as hard as saying anemone, but still might appear to equate to Greek, probably because it is, in a sense.

The word metonymy stems from the Greek word metōnumíā where metō means “other,” and ónoma means “name.” With this said, a metonymy is when a writer substitutes the name of something with something else that is also familiar. One of the more common uses of metonymy arises when we address political institutions. 

Metonymy examples:

“The White House” is used to symbolize the Executive Branch of the US government.

“The Kremlin” is associated with the Russian Government.

“The Crown” represents the UK’s Monarchy as a whole.  

19. Malapropism

When your spouse gives an odd look because you told them the terminator stopped by when you meant to say exterminator, you have experienced the joys of a literary device known as a malapropism.

Malapropisms replace appropriate words with similar-sounding words. However, a malapropism is not a pun—the difference between the two lies in the intent. A malapropism occurs by accident or through a misunderstanding of a word’s meaning. In contrast, a pun occurs intentionally to bring forth laughs. 

A writer can and often does incorporate a malapropism into a well-meaning character’s dialogue. This can appear as an off-handed slip-up or an intentional statement with a mispronounced word.

Malapropism example:

“I’m a very modest person,” said Cynthia.

“I think you mean a moderate person,” said Kevin as they walked stark naked, hand in hand, along the nudist beach. 

20. Litotes

Litotes are verbal irony that expresses the opposite of what is meant by presenting the subject in a dimmer light, i.e., “He isn’t the brightest bulb.” However, it must be noted that litotes only occur when we express an understatement through negation.

Without negation, there is irony but no litote. Litotes are often seen in the biting remarks presented with pretty bows to soften the blow. Let’s look at a few more examples to understand better that litotes are not rocket science.

Litote examples:

“How is Hannah handling being in the hospital?” asked Ann.

“Well, she isn’t thrilled about it,” said Carl. 

We use them to state the contrary without telling someone they are flat-out wrong.

“I can never get you to agree to anything,” said Wendy.

“I wouldn’t say no to a drink,” said Sarah.  

We use them to confront reality when life gets a little sticky. 

Jim watched his son run headlong into the goalpost and collapse in a heap. A moment later, though, the boy returned to his feet. Jim sighed in relief. His son wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but at least the boy knew how to bounce back from adversity. 

21. Isocolon

Isocolons, a Greek term meaning “of equal members or clauses,” are phrases that often become common sayings or occur as slogans in advertisements because of their poetic, catchy, and pithy nature. They also arise as calls to action in great speeches and demonstrate a sense of deliberation and forethought on the narrator’s part. 

There are three noted variations of an isocolon: bicolon, tricolon, and tetracolon. A bicolon is split into two phrases; a tricolon is split into three phrases, and a tetracolon is split into four phrases. Let’s look at an example of each below.

Isocolon examples: 

Example of bicolon: 

“American by birth. Rebel by choice.” —Harley Davidson

Example of tricolon:

“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.” —Dwight Eisenhower

Example of a tetracolon: 

“I’ll give my jewels for a set of beads, My gorgeous palace for a hermitage, My gay apparel for an almsman’s gown, My figured goblets for a dish of wood…” —Richard II by William Shakespeare.

Isocolons beyond four clauses:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…” —A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

22. Tautology

A tautology occurs when a writer uses the same words or synonyms through repetition to emphasize a point. This specific one of the literary devices can be tricky because although some writers use repetition to emphasize a point poetically, others use repetition to emphasize a point in a way that may appear redundant.

When learning how to use literary devices, be aware of this nuance. For example, this paragraph uses repetition to emphasize a point in a way that some may call redundant, others would consider clever, but all would agree is a tautology. Let’s look at a few shorter examples of tautology that use synonyms and occur in our everyday language.

Tautology examples:

With the groceries in the car, we could return back home.

Enjoy your free gift!

Do you know what your VIN number is?

What can I say, redundant or not, for better or worse, it is what it is, a tautology. In fact, I’m sure you’ll find more and more tautologies than you bargained for now that you know what they are. Happy repeating!

23. Tmesis

The tmesis takes wordplay to a-whole-nother level and is one of the most a-dork-able literary devices you can use. Not sure what a tmesis is? What a co-wink-a-dink. Neither are most people, but nearly everyone has heard of or used them at some point. 

Tmesis, another Greek word, means “to cut”. If you think a tmesis is a literary device that allows writers to cut into multi-syllable words with clever one-word quips, you’d be exact-attack-ly right! 

The lengths some writers may go to to butcher words may appear un-freaking-believable, but the tmesis doesn’t mean you can carve into letters just anywhere.

In fact, to make a tmesis, you need to insert your stitches into your Frankenstein after a stressed syllable, preferably the most stressed syllable or just before the last stressed syllable in the word, franken-under-stein? Good!

24. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. It is very common among literary devices and allows writers to convey strong feelings, make a point, or simply create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. Hyperboles are often used in poetry, prose, and everyday speech to create an impact through overstatement.

Hyperbole examples

• I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.
• She has a million ideas.

25. Irony

Irony is a literary device in which the intended meaning of a word or expression is opposite to its usual sense. It is used to create a sense of humor, surprise, or to make a statement about the absurdity or incongruity of a situation. Irony can be verbal, situational, or dramatic, each having its own unique effect on the reader.

Irony examples:

• The fire station burned down.
• A traffic cop gets a parking ticket.

26. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory words or ideas are combined to create a unique and thought-provoking expression. Of the many literary devices you could choose, this one is often used to reveal deeper truths, create tension, or highlight the complexities of a situation.

Oxymoron examples:

• Deafening silence.
• Bitter sweet.

27. Paradox

A paradox is a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or logically absurd, but upon closer examination, reveals an underlying truth. This literary device is often used to challenge the reader’s thinking, provoke thought, or illustrate an unexpected insight.

Paradox examples:

• Less is more.
• The only constant is change.

28. Anaphora

Anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This repetition creates emphasis, adds rhythm, and can evoke an emotional response from the reader.

Anaphora examples:

• We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.
• Every day, every night, every way, I will fight for you.

29. Epiphora

Epiphora, also known as epistrophe, is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive clauses. This creates a rhythmic effect and can be used to emphasize a particular point or idea.

Epiphora examples:

• Where now? Who now? When now?
• She’s safe, my daughter’s safe.

30. Chiasmus

Chiasmus is a rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are presented in reverse order to create a symmetrical or balanced structure. This literary device is often used to make a statement more memorable or to emphasize contrast.

Chiasmus examples:

• You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget.
• It’s not the men in my life that count, it’s the life in my men.

31. Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis is a rhetorical device in which a word or phrase from the end of one sentence is repeated at the beginning of the next. This repetition creates a sense of continuity and can be used to build up momentum or emphasize a particular point.

Anadiplosis examples:

• Strength through purity, purity through faith.
• Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate.

32. Zeugma

Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a single word, usually a verb or adjective, governs or modifies two or more words, even though it may be appropriate for only one of them. This literary device can create a sense of surprise or humor and is often used for rhetorical effect.

Zeugma examples:

• He stole my heart and my wallet.
• She broke the glass and the silence.

33. Syllepsis

Syllepsis is a form of zeugma where the governing word creates a different effect or meaning with each of the words it modifies. This literary device can be used to create witty, clever, or humorous expressions.

Syllepsis examples:

• You held your breath and the door for me.
• We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

34. Antithesis

Antithesis is a rhetorical device in which two contrasting ideas or concepts are juxtaposed in a parallel structure. This literary device is often used to highlight the differences between two opposing views, create tension, or emphasize a particular point.

Antithesis examples:

• Give me liberty or give me death.
• One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

35. Paronomasia

Paronomasia, commonly known as a pun, is a form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term or of similar-sounding words for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. Puns are often used in literature to create humor, add layers of meaning, or create a sense of playfulness.

Paronomasia (pun) examples:

• Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
• I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.

36. Anecdote

An anecdote is a brief narrative or story, often amusing or interesting, that is used to illustrate a point or support an argument. Writers often use anecdotes to engage the reader, provide real-world context, or humanize abstract concepts.

Anecdote examples:

• When I was young, I wanted to be an astronaut. Now, I simply shoot for the stars in my career.
• On her first day of school, she packed her own lunch but forgot to take it with her, illustrating her excitement and nervousness.

37. Aphorism

An aphorism is a concise and witty statement that expresses a general truth or observation about life. Often philosophical or reflective in nature, aphorisms are used to convey wisdom, provoke thought, or make a memorable point.

Aphorism examples:

• Actions speak louder than words.
• The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

38. Archetype

An archetype is a recurring symbol, character, or situation that represents universal patterns of human nature. Archetypes are used in literature to create a sense of familiarity, tap into shared human experiences, and evoke emotions or insights.

Archetype examples:

• The Hero: often portrayed as a character who overcomes adversity to achieve greatness.
• The Mother Figure: representing nurturing, protection, and guidance.

39. Assonance

Assonance is a literary device in which the repetition of similar vowel sounds occurs in close proximity within a line or stanza. Assonance is often used to create rhythm, evoke emotions, or reinforce meaning.

Assonance examples:

• Try to light the fire.
• The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.

40. Asyndeton

Asyndeton is a rhetorical device in which conjunctions are intentionally omitted from a series of words, phrases, or clauses. This creates a sense of brevity, urgency, or emphasis.

Asyndeton examples:

• I came, I saw, I conquered.
• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

41. Cacophony

Cacophony is a literary device in which harsh, discordant, and jarring sounds are used for effect. This is achieved through the use of words with hard consonants, creating a sense of dissonance or discomfort.

Cacophony examples:

• The creaking, croaking door.
• The buzz, clang, and hiss of the city.

42. Climax

Climax is the point of greatest tension or emotional intensity in a story. It is the turning point where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome of the story is determined.

Climax examples:

• In Romeo and Juliet, the climax occurs when Romeo and Juliet both die.
• In Lord of the Rings, the climax is when Frodo destroys the ring.

43. Connotation

Connotation is the emotional or cultural associations attached to a word beyond its literal meaning. Writers use connotations to evoke specific feelings, create mood, or add depth to their work.

Connotation examples:

• Home (warmth, comfort, safety).
• Snake (deceit, danger, betrayal).

44. Denotation

Denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word, as opposed to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. Writers use denotation to convey information clearly and directly.

Denotation examples:

• Blue (a color).
• Dog (a four-legged domesticated mammal).

45. Enjambment

Enjambment is a poetic device in which a line of verse continues onto the next line without a grammatical break. This creates a sense of flow and continuity, and can be used to convey a sense of urgency or movement.

Enjambment examples:

• The sun does arise,
  And make happy the skies;
  The merry bells ring
  To welcome the Spring.

• I think that I shall never see
  A poem as lovely as a tree.

46. Epigram

An epigram is a concise, witty, and often satirical statement or verse that conveys a pointed observation or insight. Epigrams are commonly used in literature for humorous effect, irony, or to provoke thought.

Epigram examples:

• “Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind.” —John F. Kennedy
• “I can resist everything except temptation.” —Oscar Wilde

47. Epithet

An epithet is a descriptive term or phrase that accompanies or replaces a person’s name, emphasizing particular characteristics or qualities. Epithets are often used in literature to create vivid imagery or add depth to a character.

Epithet examples:

• Alexander the Great
• Richard the Lionheart

48. Innuendo

Innuendo is a subtle or indirect hint or suggestion, often with a negative or derogatory connotation. In literature, innuendo is used to imply something without stating it directly, often for humorous or ironic effect.

Innuendo examples:

• “Some people have so much free time, they can spend it gossiping about others.”
• “I wonder how she managed to get that promotion so quickly.”

49. Motif

A motif is a recurring element or theme in a literary work, often used to reinforce or emphasize a particular idea or concept. Motifs can be symbols, images, phrases, or actions that appear throughout a text.

Motif examples:

• The color green representing jealousy in Shakespeare’s Othello.
• The mockingbird symbolizing innocence in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

50. Parody

Parody is a literary or artistic work that imitates another work in a humorous or satirical way. Parody exaggerates or distorts specific features of the original for comedic effect or criticism.

Parody examples:

• “Weird Al” Yankovic’s song “Eat It” as a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”
• The movie “Scary Movie” parodying popular horror films.

51. Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device in which human emotions or characteristics are attributed to nature or inanimate objects. It is often used to reflect the emotional state of characters or set the mood of a scene.

Pathetic Fallacy examples:

• A stormy sky representing a character’s inner turmoil.
• Flowers blooming to symbolize a character’s newfound love.

52. Satire

Satire is a literary genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society. Satire aims to expose flaws and provoke change through ridicule.

Satire Examples

• Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” criticizing British exploitation of Ireland.
• George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” satirizing totalitarianism.

53. Soliloquy

A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character who is alone on stage, expressing their inner thoughts or emotions. Soliloquies are often used in plays to reveal a character’s innermost feelings, motivations, or conflicts.

Soliloquy examples

• Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
• Macbeth’s “Is this a dagger which I see before me” speech in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

54. Understatement

Understatement is a rhetorical device in which something is deliberately represented as less important or severe than it actually is. Understatement is often used for ironic or humorous effect.

Understatement examples:

• Describing a hurricane as “a little windy.”
• Saying “It’s not a big deal” after winning a major award.

55. Verisimilitude

Verisimilitude is the appearance of being true or real in a literary work. Writers use verisimilitude to make their stories or characters more believable, relatable, or convincing.

Verisimilitude examples:

• Realistic dialogue that reflects the way people actually speak.
• Detailed descriptions of settings that create a sense of place.

Literary devices: FAQs

Let’s wrap this up with a few FAQs on literary devices. What’s a popular one, and what mistakes do writers use when employing literary devices?

What is the most popular literary device?

Metaphor and simile are some of the most popular literary devices writers use. By employing techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, or alliteration, writers can convey complex ideas in engaging and evocative ways.

Writers use these specific literary devices to enhance their creative expression and connect more deeply with readers. These literary devices also add depth and layers of meaning, enriching the narrative and inviting readers to explore the text more closely.

What are mistakes writers make when using literary devices?

Mistakes writers often make when using literary devices include overuse, misuse, and forced inclusion. Overusing literary devices can make the writing seem pretentious and obscure meaning, while misusing them can confuse readers and detract from the work’s impact.

Forced inclusion of literary devices can disrupt the natural flow of writing and feel contrived. It’s important to use these tools judiciously and appropriately for the context.

How to start using literary devices?

The best way to learn how to use literary devices in your writing is to practice doing so via small steps. You may want to choose just one or two literary devices and really focus on naturally incorporating them into your story.

Be careful not to overuse them, but focus on using them well. Once you feel you have these devices down, focus on another one or two that you especially like.

Literary devices: take your next step today

Mastering literary devices can take your writing to new heights, enabling you to express your ideas with greater clarity, depth, and creativity. These powerful tools help you connect with your readers on a deeper level, evoke emotion, and spark imagination.

Whether you’re crafting poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, don’t hesitate to experiment with the literary devices you learned how to use. Remember, the more you practice, the more natural it will become to weave these techniques into your writing.

Use our free Book Outline Generator so you can start writing these literary devices into your next book!