Category: Literary Devices

Introduction

Through exaggerated features and larger-than-life qualities, caricature in literature distorts reality to highlight the absurdity and essence of characters, often inviting humor or criticism. By augmenting or distorting or belittling distinctive traits and behaviors, caricature provides a satirical lens that both entertains and critiques social norms and human idiosyncrasies, inviting readers to think and see through underlying truths. This literary device masterfully navigates the realm between reality and imagination, leaving a lasting impression that challenges perceptions and provokes deeper contemplation.

Types of Caricature

These examples from literature demonstrate how caricatures are employed to portray various types of exaggerations and satirical commentary, adding depth and entertainment to the works.

How to Create Caricatures

• Observe and Study the Subject: Carefully observe the subject you’re planning to depict. Study its features, characteristics, and nuances to capture its essence accurately.
• Identify Distinctive Traits: Identify the unique and standout features of the subject. These distinctive traits will help make your representation recognizable and memorable.
• Exaggerate and Simplify: While aiming for accuracy, consider exaggerating certain features or simplifying complex details. This can add a touch of uniqueness and enhance the overall visual impact.
• Play with Proportions: Experiment with proportions to emphasize certain aspects of your subject. Altering proportions creatively can create visual interest and evoke specific emotions.
• Emphasize Expressions and Gestures: Focus on capturing expressions and gestures, as these elements convey emotions and personality. A well-executed expression can bring your depiction to life.
• Use Visual Symbols or Props: Incorporate symbols or props that are associated with the subject. These visual cues can provide context and add layers of meaning to your representation.
• Maintain Recognizability: While adding creative elements, ensure that the subject remains recognizable. Balance between artistic interpretation and maintaining the core identity of the subject.
• Consider Context and Purpose: Think about the intended context and purpose of your depiction. The style and level of detail might vary depending on whether it’s for personal art, storytelling, branding, etc.
• Practice and Refine: Skill development comes with practice. Continuously refine your approach, techniques, and style by working on different subjects and receiving feedback.
• Seek Feedback and Iteration: Share your work with others and be open to feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and iterate on your representation.

By following these steps, you can create compelling caricatures that effectively capture the essence of your subjects while adding humor, satire, or social commentary to your artwork.

Benefits of Using Caricatures

• Show Visual Impact
• Exaggeration for Emphasis
• Create Humor and Entertainment
• Used for Satire and Social Commentary
• Used for Simplification and Symbolism
• Used for Memorability and Branding
• Show Artistic Expression and Style
• Show Effective Communication
• Show Cultural and Historical Significance
• Show Engagement and Interaction

Literary Device of Caricature in Literary Theory

Please note that the examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and can be further developed or tailored based on specific literary works and the theories applied.

Suggested Readings

1. Baudelaire, Charles. The Painter of Modern Life and Other Essays. Edited by Jonathan Mayne, Phaidon Press, 1995.
2. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1983.
3. Eco, Umberto. Travels in Hyperreality: Essays. Mariner Books, 1990.
4. Hutcheon, Linda. Irony’s Edge: The Theory and Politics of Irony. Routledge, 1994.
5. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Vintage, 1992.
6. Rosenblatt, Louise M. The Reader, the Text, the Poem: The Transactional Theory of the Literary Work. Southern Illinois University Press, 1994.

Etymology of Caricature

The term, caricature, comes from the Italian word, caricatura. It means “an exaggerated portrayal.” Its Italian root is a verb, caricare, which means “to load” or “to exaggerate.”

This etymology reflects the essence of caricature as a form of art or illustration that exaggerates or distorts certain features or characteristics of a person, object, or situation purposefully.

Meanings of Caricature

Caricature as a literary device has various shades of meanings. It could be a portrayal of a figure or a representation of an event. It all depends on the use, shape, form, and even context.

1. Exaggerated Portrayal: It refers to an exaggerated or distorted portrayal of someone or something, emphasizing prominent features or characteristics.
2. Humorous Satire: Caricature means to satirize, using exaggeration or distortion to mock or ridicule individuals, stereotyping them on or about societal issues.
3. Visual Representation: It means to create or make visual representations such as a drawing, painting, or cartoon in which distinct features are distorted for comedic or critical effect.
4. Simplified Depiction: Caricatures are a simplification of complex subjects, condensing them into easily recognizable or iconic symbols, traits, or attributes.
5. Expressive Commentary: It serves as a means of expressive commentary, allowing artists to convey their opinions, critique, or social and political messages through exaggerated and visually impactful representations.
6. Caricature as Entertainment: Caricatures also mean entertainment, providing amusement, laughter, and lighthearted enjoyment through humorous or witty depictions.
7. Caricature in Editorial Cartoons: Editorial cartoons also are used to convey political, social, or cultural commentary, using exaggerated visual representations to make a powerful statement.

Definition of Literary Device of Caricature

Caricature, as a literary device, involves the exaggerated portrayal of characters, objects, or situations to create a humorous or satirical effect. It involves accentuating distinctive features or traits, often to the point of absurdity, to make a pointed commentary on human behavior, societal norms, or cultural stereotypes. Their use adds depth and dimension to literature by employing vivid and exaggerated imagery to evoke laughter, critique, or provoke thought.

Common Examples of Caricatures

These examples demonstrate the wide range of subjects that can be caricatured, showcasing how this literary device is used to create humor, satire, or social critique in various forms of artistic expression.

Literary Examples of Caricatures

1. Caricature: Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Extract: QUINCE: Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful.

BOTTOM: Not so, neither. But if I had wit enough to get out of this wood, I have enough to serve mine own turn. (Act 3, Scene 1)

Explanation: Bottom, a character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a caricature of an overconfident and pompous amateur actor. He constantly makes foolish and grandiose statements, showcasing his lack of self-awareness. His exaggerated behavior and inflated sense of importance create comedic moments and serve as a humorous critique of amateur actors who overestimate their talents.

• Caricature: Malvolio in Twelfth Night

Extract: SIR TOBY: Confine? I’ll confine myself no finer than I am. These clothes are good enough to drink in, and so be these boots too. An they be not, let them hang themselves in their own straps! (Act 1, Scene 5)

Explanation: Malvolio, a character in Twelfth Night, is a caricature of a prudish and self-righteous steward. He is depicted as overly formal and stern, often speaking in a pompous and self-important manner. His exaggerated puritanical behavior, such as his disdain for revelry and his ridiculous self-imposed restrictions, creates comedic moments and offers a satirical commentary on self-righteousness and the absurdity of rigid social conventions.

• Caricature: Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Extract: “She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of the neighbourhood nor to his leaving his parish occasionally for a week or two to visit his relations.” (Chapter 56)

Explanation: Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a caricature of a haughty and overbearing aristocrat. She is portrayed as domineering, opinionated, and condescending towards those she considers beneath her. Her exaggerated sense of entitlement, intrusive nature, and disdain for social mobility serve as a satirical representation of the rigid class structure and snobbery prevalent in the society of the time.

• Caricature: Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Extract from the Novel: “Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.” (Chapter 13)

Explanation: Mr. Collins is a caricature of an obsequious and pompous clergyman. He is depicted as lacking self-awareness, overly formal in his speech, and constantly seeking to please his social superiors. His exaggerated behavior, sycophantic nature, and misplaced pride offer a humorous critique of social climbing and the superficiality of certain societal norms in the novel.

Suggested Readings

1. Sontag, Susan. Against Interpretation and Other Essays. Picador, 1966.
2. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty and Sara Harsayam. The Post-Colonial Critic: Interviews, Strategies, Dialogues. Edited by Sarah Harasym, Routledge, 1990.
3. Warren, Austin and Rene Wellek. Theory of Literature. University of Nebraska Press, 1956.
4. Wimsatt, W. K., and Monroe C. Beardsley. The Verbal Icon: Studies in the Meaning of Poetry. University Press of Kentucky, 2011

How to Create Cadence in Your Writing

Creating or writing cadence is a fun as well as a creative activity. Here are some simple steps to create and add cadence to your writing.

Remember that creating cadences is a creative and subjective process. It requires constant experimentation and revision for the most effective and resonant rhythmic patterns for a specific piece of writing.

Benefits of Using Cadences in Writing:

1. Enhanced Rhythm and Flow:
   1. Cadences create a pleasing and rhythmic flow in the text, making it more engaging to read.
2. Emotional Resonance:
   1. Well-crafted cadence evokes specific emotions, enhancing the reader’s connection to the content.
3. Memorability:
   1. The rhythmic patterns in cadences can make the writing more memorable, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
4. Reader Engagement:
   1. Cadences draw readers in by appealing to their sense of rhythm and auditory experience.
5. Effective Emphasis:
   1. Cadences allow you to emphasize key points or ideas by controlling the pacing and timing of the text.
6. Artistic Expression:
   1. Utilizing cadences showcases your writing skills and adds an artistic layer to your work.
7. Tonal Control:
   1. Cadences help establish the tone of the writing, whether it’s calm, energetic, mysterious, etc.
8. Variety and Diversity:
   1. Incorporating different cadences throughout the text keeps the writing dynamic and prevents monotony.
9. Natural Reading Pace:
   1. Well-constructed cadences align with the natural rhythm of speech, making the writing sound more authentic.
10. Improved Descriptive Power:
    1. Cadence helps paint vivid pictures by enhancing the pacing of descriptive passages.
11. Structural Organization:
    1. Cadence assists in structuring and organizing the text, guiding readers through the content.
12. Cultural and Linguistic Nuances:
    1. Different cadences can be used to reflect various cultures, languages, or settings within the writing.

Using cadences effectively adds depth and dimension to your writing, making it more engaging and impactful for your readers.

Literary Device of Cadence in Literary Theory

1. Formalism:  Formalists would analyze how the cadence contributes to the overall structure and unity of the work, emphasizing how the rhythm enhances the text’s themes and emotions.
2. Structuralism:

Narrative Structure: Structuralists might explore how the cadence corresponds to the narrative structure, investigating how rhythm shifts at crucial plot points or character developments.

• Reader-Response Theory:

Aesthetic Response: Reader-response theorists would focus on how the cadence engages readers’ emotions, discussing how the rhythmic patterns elicit different emotional responses.

• Postcolonialism:

Colonial Legacy: A postcolonial critique might investigate how cadence reflects colonial influences, analyzing whether the rhythmic patterns have roots in the colonial language or culture.

• Feminist Theory:

Voice and Identity: Feminist theorists could examine how cadence reflects gendered identities and voices, analyzing whether certain rhythms reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles.

• Psychoanalytic Theory:

Unconscious Significance: Psychoanalytic critics might delve into the unconscious impact of cadence, exploring how rhythm connects to hidden desires, fears, or traumas.

• Postmodernism:

8. Fragmentation and Disruption: Postmodern theorists might discuss how cadence contributes to the fragmented nature of postmodern texts, exploring whether rhythm reflects or resists coherence.

These are just a few ways cadence could be critiqued through various literary theories. Depending on the theory, the focus of analysis would vary, emphasizing different aspects such as structure, emotion, identity, or historical context.

Suggested Readings

1. Bloom, Harold. The Art of Reading Poetry. HarperCollins, 2004.
2. Brooks, Cleanth. The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1947.
3. Cain, William E. The Crisis in Criticism: Theory, Literature, and Reform in English Studies. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1984.
4. Hobsbaum, Philip. Metre, Rhythm, and Verse Form. Routledge, 1996.
5. Olson, Charles. The Collected Poems of Charles Olson: Excluding the Maximus Poems. University of California Press, 1997.
6. Pound, Ezra. ABC of Reading. New Directions, 2010.
7. Beum, Robert, and Karl Shapiro. The Prosody Handbook: a Guide to Poetic Form. Courier Corporation, 2006.
8. Rosenthal, M. L. The Poet’s Art. Random House, 1975.

Introduction

Cacophony is not hard to master. If you want to use the literary device in your writing, follow these steps in letter and spirit.

This table provides steps for writing cacophony and including it in your writing.

Benefits of Using Cacophony

• Emotional Intensity:
  • Amplifies emotional impact by creating an immediate and visceral response in readers.
• Atmospheric Enhancement:
  • Deepens the mood and atmosphere of a scene, making it more vivid and immersive.
• Memorability:
  • Engages readers through unique auditory experiences, making the writing more memorable.
• Symbolic Expression:
  • Provides a symbolic representation of chaos, conflict, or inner turmoil.
• Reader Engagement:
  • Captivates readers’ attention by breaking away from monotony and conventional language.
• Character Voice:
  • Enhances character voices by reflecting their emotions or mental states through language.
• Descriptive Power:
  • Evokes sensory details, enabling readers to vividly imagine scenes and scenarios.
• Foreshadowing:
  • Hints at upcoming tension, creating anticipation and enhancing the sense of suspense.
• Rhythm and Pace:
  • Manipulates pacing and rhythm to control the flow of the narrative and emphasize key moments.
• Artistic Creativity:
  • Showcases an author’s creative prowess by using language in inventive and impactful ways.
• Literary Depth:
  • Adds layers of meaning and complexity, inviting readers to interpret the text on multiple levels.
• Narrative Dynamics:
  • Contributes to the dynamics of dialogue, monologue, and inner thoughts, adding authenticity.

These benefits show how writing cacophony could improve your writing.

Literary Device of Cacophony in Literary Theory

In different literary theories, the literary device of cacophony can be interpreted and analyzed in different ways. Here are some examples:

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Cengage, 1999.
2. Barthes, Roland. Image-Music-Text. Hill and Wang, 1977.
3. Brooks, Cleanth. The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1985.
4. Culler, Jonathan D. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2011.
5. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. University of Minnesota Press, 2008.
6. Leitch, Vincent B., editor. The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.
7. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Penguin Books, 2002.
8. Wimsatt, William K., and Beardsley, Monroe C. The Verbal Icon: Studies in the Meaning of Poetry. University of Kentucky Press, 1946.

Etymology of Cacophony

The term “cacophony” has originated from the Greek word kakophonia. It means “bad sound” or “discordant noise.” The word is a combination of kakos, meaning “bad” or “evil,” and phone, meaning “sound” or “voice.” In ancient Greek literature, “kakophonia” was used to describe harsh or unpleasant sounds. Now the term “cacophony” is used in English to describe any harsh or discordant sound, having an unpleasant or jarring combination of sounds.

Meanings of Cacophony

• Refers to a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
• Derived from Greek words “kakos” (meaning “bad” or “harsh”) and “phone” (meaning “sound”)
• Describes an unpleasant or jarring combination of noises or voices

Definition of Literary Device of Cacophony

This literary device refers to the deliberate use of harsh, jarring, and discordant sounds in language to create a specific effect. Writers use it to create a sense of discomfort, tension, or unease in the reader or listener. This is often achieved through the use of words with hard consonant sounds, such as “t,” “k,” and “p,” as well as words with a harsh or abrasive quality.

Types of Cacophony

Here are some of the most common types:

Common Examples

Here are some common examples of cacophony in everyday language:

• Rush hour traffic with honking horns, engines, and sirens blaring
• A busy cafeteria during lunchtime with the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation
• A construction site with machinery, drills, and hammers creating a chaotic noise
• A classroom full of students talking loudly and chairs scraping against the floor
• A crowded market with vendors shouting to attract customers, combined with various sounds from different stalls
• An urban park with street performers, children playing, and music from nearby shops all blending into a cacophony of sounds
• A household during a family gathering with people talking, children playing, and kitchen appliances running
• A music festival where multiple bands are playing simultaneously, creating a cacophony of different melodies and rhythms.

Literary Examples

These examples show how writers use cacophony to create a range of effects, from establishing a specific mood or tone to emphasizing certain words or ideas.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Cengage, 1999.
2. Barthes, Roland. Image-Music-Text. Hill and Wang, 1977.
3. Brooks, Cleanth. The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1985.
4. Culler, Jonathan D. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2011.
5. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. University of Minnesota Press, 2008.
6. Leitch, Vincent B., editor. The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.
7. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Penguin Books, 2002.
8. Wimsatt, William K., and Beardsley, Monroe C. The Verbal Icon: Studies in the Meaning of Poetry. University of Kentucky Press, 1946.

Introduction to Character Device

Character device is a literary device related only to a character in a story. This is also called characterization. Authors show characters, their personalities, traits, motivations, beliefs, and emotions through dialogues, actions, and interactions with others through characterization.

This process enhances credibility, relatability, and authenticity of the characters, and fosters a deeper engagement between readers and the narrators as well as the narrative, providing valuable insights into the human condition and underlying themes. Character devices fall under this broad category. There are several types of character devices. Some of these are as follows.

Type of Character Devices

1. Direct Characterization: The author explicitly describes a character’s traits or personality in this character device.
2. Indirect Characterization: Through this device, the author reveals a character’s traits through his/her actions, thoughts, and interactions.
3. Dialogue: Dialogue shows a conversation between characters, providing insights into their personalities, relationships, and emotions.
4. Actions: How characters act and react in various situations, revealing their personality traits and motivations depends on how authors use this device.
5. Inner Monologue: This character device gives readers access to the characters’ inner feelings and reflections.
6. Physical Appearance: This character device shows the character’s outward appearance, which may provide clues about their personality or background.
7. Foil Characters: It shows secondary characters whose traits contrast with those of the main character, highlighting specific qualities.
8. Round Characters: This character device shows well-developed and multidimensional characters with depth, emotions, and realistic qualities.
9. Flat Characters: It shows one-dimensional characters with limited depth or complexity, often serving a specific purpose in the plot.
10. Dynamic Characters: This device shows a character who undergoes significant internal changes, personal growth, or development throughout the story.
11. Static Characters: This literary device related to characters shows characters who remain unchanged throughout the story, maintaining consistent traits and beliefs.
12. Symbolism: It shows the use of symbols to convey meaning about characters or their attributes.

These character devices help authors bring their characters to life, make them relatable, and create engaging and memorable stories for readers.

Functions of Characterization/Related Literary Devices

Suggested Readings about Character Devices/Characterization

1. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1983.
2. Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Fiction. 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, 1979.
3. Culler, Jonathan. Structuralist Poetics: Structuralism, Linguistics, and the Study of Literature. Routledge, 2002.
4. Forster, E.M. Aspects of the Novel. Harvest Books, 2002.
5. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
6. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Penguin, 1993.
7. Propp, Vladimir. Morphology of the Folktale. University of Texas Press, 1968.
8. Selden, Raman, and Peter Widdowson. A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory. 5th ed., Routledge, 2005.
9. Showalter, Elaine. A Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Brontë to Lessing. Princeton University Press, 1978.
10. Sternberg, Meir. The Poetics of Biblical Narrative: Ideological Literature and the Drama of Reading. Indiana University Press, 1987.