Day: July 30, 2023

Literary Device-2

A literary device is a technique or tool used by writers to convey meaning or create a specific effect in their writing.

A literary device is a technique or tool used by writers to convey meaning or create a specific effect in their writing. It adds depth, complexity, and artistic value to the text, enhancing the reader’s experience. Common literary devices include simile, metaphor, imagery, foreshadowing, and symbolism.

Role of Literary Devices in Literary Theory
RoleExplanation
Enhancing AnalysisA literary device allows scholars and critics to closely examine and dissect the text, revealing deeper layers of meaning and thematic elements. It also offers a framework to explore how the author employs language and stylistic choices to convey their ideas and messages.
Strengthening InterpretationA literary device aids in interpreting the author’s intentions and understanding the narrative’s underlying structure. It also provides valuable insights into character development, plot progression, and the overall artistic composition of the work.
Fostering EngagementThey captivate readers by evoking emotions, stimulating imagination, and creating a more immersive reading experience.They encourage readers to actively participate in unraveling the story’s intricacies and encourage discussions on various interpretations.
Facilitating CommunicationA literary device serves as a common language for scholars and critics to communicate their analyses and interpretations effectively. Along with this, it establishes a shared framework for discussing and comparing works of literature across different cultures and time periods.
Highlighting Artistic MeritThey showcase the writer’s creativity, craftsmanship, and mastery of language, contributing to the work’s overall artistic value.They distinguish exceptional literature from mundane writing, elevating certain works to iconic status within the literary canon.
Shaping Literary MovementsA literary device often defines specific literary movements or styles, reflecting the prevailing ideologies and aesthetics of their time. Besides, it contributes to the evolution of literature along with other literary devices by inspiring and influencing subsequent generations of writers and thinkers.
Contextualizing Historical and Social PerspectivesLiterary devices can shed light on the historical and social contexts in which a work was written, revealing the author’s responses to their environment.They provide valuable evidence for understanding cultural norms, political ideologies, and societal issues of the time.
Empowering Critical DiscourseA literary device also offers a basis for critical discussions, allowing scholars to analyze the impact of literature on society and vice versa. It enables the exploration of broader themes, such as identity, power, gender, and morality, within the context of literary works.
Promoting IntertextualityLiterary devices facilitate intertextual connections, enabling the exploration of how different works of literature influence and refer to one another.They create a rich web of references, allusions, and parallels that deepen the understanding and appreciation of interconnected literary works.
Challenging ConventionsA literary device can also challenge traditional storytelling conventions, pushing the boundaries of literary expression and experimentation.They inspire innovation and encourage writers to explore new ways of crafting narratives and engaging with readers.
Difference Between Literary Devices and Poetic Devices
Features of a Poetic DeviceFeatures of a Literary Device
Primarily used in poetryIt is used in various forms of literature.
Poetic devices enhance musicality and rhythmA literary device conveys themes and add depth to the narrative.
Add emotional depthIt creates vivid imagery.
Often focus on soundIt uses figurative language.
Examples: rhyme, meter, alliterationSome literary devices: symbolism, foreshadowing, irony.
Poetic devices evoke feelings and emotionsLiterary devices include narrative techniques.
Intensify the poetic formMay use flashbacks or foreshadowing
Can create powerful imageryLiterary devices involve allegorical elements
Play with language and word choiceIt can use suspense to engage the reader.
Frequently use metaphors and similesA literary device may employ various rhetorical devices.

Keep in mind that these are general features of both, poetic devices as well as literary devices. There may be some overlap or variation in how a literary device is used or it occurs in different literary works. A poetic device and a literary devices both serves as powerful tools when writers use them, helping them enrich their works with creativity and meaning.

Significance of Literary Devices in English Studies

Literary devices hold immense significance in English studies as they enrich critical analysis, foster interpretation skills, and illuminate artistic expression. It is also that the use of a literary device enables students to comprehend historical contexts, cultivate critical thinking, explore intertextuality, promote creative writing, engage with diverse perspectives, and empower meaningful textual analysis of literary works.

Suggested Readings
  1. Baldick, Chris. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford UP, 2001.
  2. Cuddon, J. A. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. Penguin Books, 1999.
  3. DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2008.
  4. Harris, Robert A. Handbook of Literary Terms: Literature, Language, Theory. 3rd ed., Cengage Learning, 2015.
  5. Murfin, Ross C., and Supryia M. Ray. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. 3rd ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.
  6. Preminger, Alex, et al. The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. 3rd ed., Princeton UP, 1993.
  7. Goshgarian, Gary. The Contemporary Reader. 11th ed., Pearson, 2015.

Literary Device

A literary device is a technique or tool used by writers to enhance the impact of their writing. It involves the use of language, structure, and figurative elements.

Definition of a Literary Device

A literary device is a technique or tool writers use to enhance the impact of their writing. It involves the use of language, structure, and figurative elements in a different way. It means are means to creating create depth, meaning, and emotional resonance in literary works such as novels, poems, and plays. These literary devices such as as metaphors, similes, symbolism, and irony, among others, serve to engage readers. Their use makes it easy to convey complex ideas and evoke specific emotions, not only enriching the overall storytelling experience but also making the work powerful.

Categorization of Literary Devices
PrincipleExplanationExample
Function or PurposeLiterary devices are categorized based on their primary function or purpose in a literary work. Some create vivid imagery, like simile, metaphor, and imagery, while others establish a rhythmic pattern, such as alliteration and rhyme. Categorization by intended effect helps readers recognize their contributions.Example: In Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18,” the use of a metaphor comparing the beloved to a “summer’s day” creates vivid imagery, emphasizing the beloved’s beauty and timelessness.
Figurative vs. LiteralThis categorization distinguishes between figurative and literal devices. Figurative devices (e.g., metaphors, personification) use symbolic language to convey abstract meanings, while literal devices convey information straightforwardly.Example: Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” show “Hope” as a bird with feathers conveys an abstract idea of hope taking flight.
Structural vs. StylisticLiterary devices can be classified based on their impact on the overall structure or the writing style. Structural devices (e.g., foreshadowing, flashback) affect the narrative’s organization, while stylistic devices (e.g., alliteration, onomatopoeia) contribute to the author’s writing style and tone.Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses flashback to help structure the story by providing background information about the protagonist’s childhood.
Rhetorical DevicesThis category comprises devices used to persuade, influence, or evoke emotional responses from readers. Examples include repetition, rhetorical questions, and parallelism.Example: In Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the repetition of the phrase “I have a dream” emphasizes his vision for racial equality and inspires the audience.
Sound DevicesSome devices focus on auditory aspects, creating musicality and rhythm in the writing. Rhyme, alliteration, and assonance are typical examples.Example: Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Bells” uses repetition and onomatopoeia (“tintinnabulation”) to create a musical and rhythmic effect, evoking different emotions with each stanza.
Sensory DevicesDevices in this category appeal to the reader’s senses, enhancing the sensory experience of the text. Imagery and onomatopoeia are common examples.Example: In John Keats’s “Ode to Autumn,” rich imagery describing “mists and mellow fruitfulness” appeals to the reader’s senses, evoking a vivid depiction of autumn.
Tropes and SchemesTropes involve figurative language to convey meanings beyond the literal interpretation (e.g., irony, metonymy), while schemes focus on word arrangement for specific effects (e.g., anaphora, chiasmus).Example: In William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” dramatic irony occurs when Juliet’s parents plan her marriage to Paris while she is secretly married to Romeo, creating tension and tragedy.
Historical or Cultural ContextLiterary devices can be grouped based on their prevalence or significance in a specific literary period or cultural tradition.Example: The extensive use of allegory and religious symbolism in Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” reflects the medieval Christian worldview prevalent during his time.
Functions of Literary Devices in Literary Words
  1. Enhancing Imagery and Descriptions
    • Similes and Metaphors: These devices add good comparisons to create mental images.
    • Personification: This literary device means attributing human qualities to non-human entities for a deeper emotional connection.
    • Imagery: It means invoking sensory experiences through detailed language.
  2. Creating Mood and Atmosphere
  3. Symbolism: It means using objects or elements to represent abstract ideas or emotions.
    • Foreshadowing: This literary device means building anticipation by hinting at future events.
    • Setting: This means establishing the backdrop and ambiance of the story.
  4. Developing Characterization
    • Dialogue: This literary device means revealing characters’ personalities, emotions, and relationships through conversations.
    • Flashback: It means providing insight into a character’s past to understand their present actions.
    • Irony: It means highlighting contrasts between appearance and reality, often revealing character traits.
  5. Advancing Plot and Conflict
    • Suspense: This literary device means building tension to engage readers and keep them invested in the story’s outcome.
    • Plot Twist: It means surprising readers with unexpected turns in the narrative.
    • Allusion: This literary device means referring to historical, mythological, or literary events to add depth to the plot.
  6. Conveying Theme and Message
    • Allegory: It means using characters or events as symbols to convey broader moral or philosophical lessons.
    • Motif: It means repeating symbols or images that reinforce the central theme.
    • Tone: This literary device is the author’s attitude toward the subject, influencing how readers perceive the message.
  7. Engaging the Reader Emotionally
    • Hyperbole: It means exaggerating for emotional impact or emphasis.
    • Onomatopoeia: It means using words that imitate sounds, creating an auditory experience.
    • Rhetorical Question: It means prompting readers to think, encouraging an emotional response.
  8. Adding Rhythm and Musicality
    • Rhyme: It means using words with matching sounds to create a rhythmic effect.
    • Alliteration: It means repetition of initial consonant sounds for a lyrical quality.
    • Assonance: This literary device means repeating vowel sounds to enhance the flow of the text.
  9. Offering Social Commentary and Critique
    • Satire: It means using humor, irony, or ridicule to expose and criticize societal flaws.
    • Parody: It means imitating a work to mock or comment on its style or themes.
    • Dystopia: It means presenting a nightmarish or undesirable society to reflect on contemporary issues.
  10. Crafting Memorable and Artistic Writing
    • Oxymoron: It means combining contradictory terms for poetic effect.
    • Euphemism: It means substituting mild or indirect language for harsh or unpleasant expressions.
    • Anaphora: It means repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, adding rhythm.
  11. Invoking Empathy and Understanding
    • Pathos: This rhetorical device means eliciting emotions to foster a connection between readers and characters.
    • Stream of Consciousness: This literary device means offering insight into characters’ thoughts and feelings in real-time.
    • Juxtaposition: This literary device means placing contrasting elements side by side to evoke contemplation and empathy.

These literary devices serve multiple functions within literary works, enriching the reader’s experience and enhancing the depth and impact of the writing. They are also significant in that they have enriched English studies in many ways including helping in forming and framing theoretical perspectives.

Suggested Readings
  1. Abrams, M. H., and Geoffrey Galt Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 11th ed., Cengage Learning, 2014.
  2. Baldick, Chris. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2014.
  3. Cuddon, J. A. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. 5th ed., Penguin Books, 2014.
  4. DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2010.
  5. Harmon, William, and C. Hugh Holman. A Handbook to Literature. 12th ed., Pearson, 2011.
  6. Kennedy, X. J., Dana Gioia, and Mark Bauerlein. Handbook of Literary Terms: Literature, Language, Theory. 3rd ed., Pearson, 2012.
  7. ___. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. 13th ed., Pearson, 2015.
  8. Murfin, Ross C., and Supryia M. Ray. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. 4th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2017.
  9. Peck, John, and Martin Coyle. Literary Terms and Criticism. 3rd ed., Macmillan International Higher Education, 2002.

Archaism: Literary Device

The term “archaism” originates from Greek word archaismos. It means the use of old, classic or ancient or obsolete words or expressions.

Etymology of Literary Device of Archaism

The term “archaism” originates from Greek word archaismos. It means the use of old, classic or obsolete words or expressions. The word “archaism” first came into use in the 17th century to describe the use of ancient Greek and Latin words in Renaissance literature, but it has since become akin to the usage of obsolete words or language.

Meaning of Literary Device of Archaism

Archaism refers to the use or existence of outdated words, phrases, or expressions that have fallen out of common usage in contemporary language. It often involves employing language that was prevalent in earlier times, such as old-fashioned or obsolete terms. Archaic language may be encountered in literature, historical documents, or even in colloquial speech in certain regions.

Archaism in Grammar

Grammatically, archaism is a noun. As a noun, it can be used in both singular and plural forms, depending on the context. For example, one might say “the author’s use of archaisms added a sense of authenticity to the historical novel” or “the novel was filled with archaisms that made it difficult for modern readers to understand.”

When used in a sentence, “archaism” takes a singular verb, as it is a singular noun. For example, “The use of archaism in this passage creates a sense of historical authenticity.” In contrast, when referring to multiple instances of archaism, the plural form “archaisms” is used, and takes a plural verb. For example, “The novel is filled with archaisms that transport the reader to a bygone era.”

Definition of Literary Device of Archaism

The literary device of archaism involves the use of outdated or old-fashioned language and expressions in a piece of writing. It includes archaic vocabulary, syntax, and grammar, and is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to create a historical or classical tone. Also, archaism is an important element of style that writers can use to create a particular effect or tone in their writing.

Types of Archaism

There are various types of archaisms that writers can use to create a particular effect or tone in their writing. Some of the most common types of archaism include:

TypeDefinitionExample
Archaic VocabularyThe use of words or expressions that were once common but are now outdated.“Thou,” “hath,” “ye”
Archaic SyntaxThe use of sentence structures or word orders that are uncommon in modern English.“Him saw I yesterday.”
Archaic GrammarThe use of grammatical forms or inflectional endings no longer used in modern English.“The knighte’s sword hath smote the dragon, and it hath felleth.”
Archaic SpellingThe use of outdated spellings for words, differing from their modern equivalents.“Favour” instead of “favor,” “colour” instead of “color.”
Shakespearean Archaism

Shakespearean archaism refers to the use of outdated or old-fashioned language and expressions in the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare. As a writer in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Shakespeare wrote at a time when English was still evolving and changing. As a result, his writing is filled with archaisms that are no longer commonly used in modern English.

Shakespeare PlayAct and SceneSentenceArchaic words or phrases
Romeo and JulietII, ii“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”“wherefore” = why
HamletIII, i“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”“to be” = exist
MacbethII, i“Is this a dagger which I see before me?”“dagger” = knife
King LearII, iii“The rain it raineth every day.”“raineth” = rains
The TempestIII, ii“Be not afeard, the isle is full of noises.”“afeard” = afraid
OthelloIII, iii“If thou dost love me, let me know thy mind.”“mind” = thoughts

Shakespearean archaisms often challenge the modern readers and audiences, but they add a sense of historical authenticity to Shakespeare’s works. They also demonstrate the evolution of the English language over time and the influence of historical context on literary style.

Literary Examples of Archaism
ExampleWork and AuthorExplanation
1.“But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” – Romeo and Juliet, William ShakespeareIn this famous passage from Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses the archaic interjection “soft!” which means “quiet” or “hold on a moment.” This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it adds a sense of drama and poetic rhythm to the line.
2.“And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.” “Abou Ben Adhem,” Leigh HuntIn this poem by Leigh Hunt, the archaic interjection “lo!” is used to draw attention to the moment when Ben Adhem’s name is revealed to be at the top of the list of those who love God. This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it adds a sense of dramatic emphasis and surprise to the line.
3.“Oft in the stilly night, Ere slumber’s chain has bound me.” “Oft in the Stilly Night,” Thomas MooreIn this poem by Thomas Moore, the archaic adverb “oft” is used to mean “often.” This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it adds a sense of nostalgia and historical tone to the poem.
4She riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household. She girdeth her loins with strength and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. From Tess of D’Urberville by Thomas HardyThis passage from Hardy shows several archaic words as highlighted.
How to Create Archaism

Creating an archaism involves intentionally using outdated or old-fashioned language or expressions in your writing to evoke a sense of historical context or add a poetic or dramatic effect. Here are some steps to follow when creating archaisms:

  1. Research the time period or historical context you are writing about.
  2. Consider the tone and style of your writing.
  3. Use archaic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
  4. Use archaic idioms and expressions.
  5. Edit and revise your writing.
Benefits of Using Archaism

Using archaism in writing can have several benefits:

  1. Historical authenticity
  2. Poetic effect
  3. Cultural and literary references
  4. Differentiation

However, it is important to note that using too much archaic language can make the writing difficult to understand and alienate readers who are not familiar with the outdated terms and expressions. Therefore, it is important to use archaic language sparingly and with care, ensuring that it does not impede the clarity and accessibility of the writing.

Archaism and Literary Theory
Literary TheoryApplication of Archaism to Interpret Archaism
Historicism Literary TheoryInterpreting literary works in their historical and cultural context by analyzing the use of archaic language and expressions to create a sense of historical authenticity and accurately represent the time period being depicted.
StylisticsAnalyzing the use of archaic language and expressions to gain insights into the author’s writing style and literary techniques, providing a more nuanced understanding of the meaning and impact of the work and the author’s intentions.
Literary Criticism and AnalysisDiscussing and analyzing the use of archaism as a literary device, examining its effects in terms of evoking historical context, adding poetic or dramatic effect, and deepening our understanding of language and literary devices in literature.

Archaism, as a literary device, is discussed and analyzed within the contexts of historicism, stylistics, and literary criticism and analysis. It serves to enhance the readers’ understanding of the historical and cultural context of a work, shed light on the authors’ writing style and techniques, and contribute to a deeper comprehension of language.

Archaism in English studies holds significance as it provides insights into the historical development of the language, aids in interpreting older texts, preserves cultural heritage, assists in translation, improves lexicography, facilitates language revival and historical fiction, and reminds us of the linguistic diversity that shaped modern English.

Suggested Readings
  1. Barber, Charles. Early Modern English. Edinburgh University Press, 1997.
  2. Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 1995.
  3. Forsyth, Mark. The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Berkley Books, 2014.
  4. Greenblatt, Stephen. Shakespearean Negotiations: The Circulation of Social Energy in Renaissance England. University of California Press, 1988.
  5. Leith, Dick. A Social History of English. Routledge, 1997.
  6. Simpson, James. The Oxford English Literary History: Volume 2: 1350-1547: Reform and Cultural Revolution. Oxford University Press, 2002.
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