Tag: literary devices

Introduction

In literature, setting refers to the time and place in which a story unfolds. It serves as a fundamental literary device that contributes to the overall atmosphere, mood, and context of a narrative.

How to Create Setting

Creating a setting for a story is not only a fun activity but also a rewarding one. Here are some steps to follow when creating a setting:

Step	Explanation	Example
1. Considering the Genre and Tone	The setting should align with the type of story being told.	Genre: Horror Tone: Dark and eerie Setting: An abandoned haunted house with creaking floorboards, flickering lights, and mysterious shadows.
2. Decide on the time period and location	The historical context, geography, climate, and culture of the place will influence the setting.	Time Period: Ancient Greece Location: Incorporating details like marble columns, togas, and references to Greek mythology to accurately portray the historical and cultural context.
3. Develop the physical environment	Describe the physical aspects of the setting, including landmarks, terrain, architecture, and other features.	Physical Environment: A coastal town with sandy beaches, crashing waves, colorful beach houses, and a bustling boardwalk.
4. Add sensory details	Engage the readers’ senses by incorporating smells, sounds, textures, and other sensory elements.	Sensory Details: Describing the aroma of freshly baked bread from a local bakery, the sound of seagulls squawking overhead, and the feel of a cool ocean breeze on the skin to transport readers to a bustling seaside town.
5. Consider the social and cultural context	Explore the beliefs, values, customs, and traditions of the people inhabiting the setting.	Social and Cultural Context: Incorporating ceremonies, folklore, and local customs in a small village setting to reflect the community’s culture and enhance the authenticity of the setting.
6. Use Figurative Language	Employ metaphors and similes to add depth and texture to the setting descriptions.	Figurative Language: Comparing a bustling city street during rush hour to a river flowing with a steady stream of cars helps the readers visualize the constant movement and energy of the setting.
7. Revise and Edit	Ensure consistency with the story, and evaluate if the setting aligns with the overall tone and theme.	Revision and Editing: Making adjustments during the editing process to emphasize or tone down certain sensory details or cultural elements to maintain coherence and enhance the story’s impact.

Benefits of Using Setting

The use of setting can greatly enhance the overall effectiveness of a piece of writing in several ways. For example;

1. Creating Atmosphere: The setting establishes a specific mood or tone, immersing readers within the narrative’s ambiance. For instance, a story set in a desolate landscape elicits foreboding, while one in a welcoming environment evokes comfort.
2. Polishing Characterization: The setting serves to illuminate characters by revealing aspects such as their dwelling or their interaction with their surroundings, conveying information about their personality, social standing, and values.
3. Adding Depth: A well-crafted setting contributes depth and complexity to a narrative by incorporating details about the physical environment, societal structures, and cultural norms, thereby offering readers a rich and immersive experience.
4. Establishing Context: The setting provides vital contextual information, enhancing readers’ comprehension of the narrative’s events and characters. For instance, a story set in a specific historical era or cultural milieu offers insights into the socio-political and economic forces that shaped the characters’ lives during that period.

Setting in Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Critique	Practical Example
Liberal Humanism	Views it as a reflection of cultural values and a backdrop for character interactions. It reveals motives, desires, and autonomy.	Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen explores early 19th-century English society as a context for character autonomy and social conventions.
Formalism and New Criticism	Sees setting as a dynamic element shaping a text’s meaning, contributing to mood, symbolism, and narrative structure.	“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway uses a train station in Spain to emphasize tension and decision-making.
Structuralism and Post-Structuralism	Considers it a system of signifiers with cultural and linguistic codes. It signifies historical and cultural associations.	Beloved by Toni Morrison uses a haunted house to explore the legacy of slavery in American society.
Postcolonialism	Asserts that setting reveals colonial power dynamics. It reflects the cultural and political systems of the colonizer and colonized.	Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe examines a pre-colonial Igbo village in Nigeria to explore the impact of colonialism on African societies.
Indigenous Critical Theory	Views it as integral to Indigenous culture, emphasizing its connection to land, place, and spirituality.	Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko portrays the Laguna Pueblo reservation in New Mexico as a living entity intertwined with Indigenous culture.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Wadsworth Publishing, 2014.
2. Cresswell, Tim. Place: A Short Introduction. Wiley, 2004.
3. Hauge, David. Writing Screenplays That Sell. Collins Reference, 2001.
4. Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. Scribner, 1995.
5. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Penguin, 1992.
6. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Vintage, 2004.
7. Silko, Leslie Marmon. Ceremony. Penguin, 2006.
8. Stott, Rebecca. Darwin’s Ghosts: The Secret History of Evolution. Random House, 2012.

Etymology of Setting

The word “setting” originates “settan,” an archaic word used during the Middle ages to mean “to put in place” or “to fix.”

Its etymology could go back to Proto-Germanic root “*satjanan,” which shares a common ancestor with the Old Norse “setja” and the Gothic “satjan.”

The word “setting” evolved to cover various shades of meaning such as the act of arranging or placing something in a particular position as well as the context or environment in which something is located or takes place.

Meanings of Setting

The word “setting” has undergone significant semantic expansion and has come to encompass a wide range of meanings related to placement, context, and configuration.

Setting in Grammar

In grammar, “setting” is a singular noun that functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. For example:

Subject:

• “The setting of the sun was breathtaking.”
• “In historical novels, the setting often plays a significant role.”

Object:

• “She meticulously described the setting of the scene.”
• “We need to change the setting on the thermostat.”

Complement:

• “The artist”s painting captured the serene setting of a lakeside cabin.”
• “The success of the play relied heavily on the atmospheric setting created by the stage design.”

Definition of Setting as a Literary Device

The setting includes physical elements such as geography, climate, and architecture, as well as social and cultural elements such as language, customs, and political systems. It could be used to create symbolic or metaphorical associations with the themes and characters of the story.

Common Examples of Setting

Example of Setting	Details and Real Example
Cities	Urban settings such as New York City, Paris, or Tokyo, can provide a rich backdrop for stories that explore themes such as loneliness, alienation, and social inequality. For example, in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the glittering and opulent setting of 1920s New York City serves as a reflection of the characters’ aspirations, excesses, and the stark divisions between the wealthy and the working class.
Small towns	Small towns evoke a sense of community and familiarity but are also used to explore themes of conformity, tradition, and small-mindedness. A real example of this is in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird where the setting of the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, becomes a microcosm of the deeply ingrained racism and social divisions of the 1930s American South.
Rural areas	Rural areas, such as farms, forests, or mountains, provide a stark contrast to urban settings and are used to explore themes of isolation, self-sufficiency, and rugged individualism. Walden by Henry David Thoreau shows the setting of the remote cabin in the woods highlighting the author’s quest for simplicity, self-reflection, and critique of modern society. Or Manor Farm in Animal Farm provides a good example of a rural setting.
Historical periods	Settings in historical periods, such as medieval Europe or Victorian England, can be used to explore themes such as power, class, and social change. A notable example is George Orwell”s novel 1984 where the dystopian setting of a totalitarian regime in a futuristic society serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of authoritarianism and the suppression of individual freedom.
Fantasy worlds	Fictional settings, such as the wizarding world of Harry Potter or the dystopian future of The Hunger Games, can be used to explore themes such as imagination, otherness, and rebellion. J.R.R. Tolkien”s Middle-earth, as depicted in The Lord of the Rings series, provides a fantastical setting that enables the exploration of heroism, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
Outer space	Science fiction settings, such as outer space or other planets explore the themes of exploration, discovery, and the unknown. The film “Interstellar” directed by Christopher Nolan showcases a setting of the space to demonstrate the themes of human survival, the nature of time, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Literary Examples of Setting

Literary Work	Extract	Explanation
From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald	“The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world.”	In this extract, Fitzgerald describes the view of New York City from the Queensboro Bridge. The passage captures the excitement and allure of the city during the 1920s, emphasizing its potential for mystery and beauty, which sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of wealth, decadence, and the American Dream.
From Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte	“I have just returned from a visit to my landlord—the solitary neighbour that I shall be troubled with. This is certainly a beautiful country! In all England, I do not believe that I could have fixed on a situation so completely removed from the stir of society.”	This extract is the opening of Wuthering Heights and introduces the isolated and remote setting of the novel. The narrator expresses appreciation for the beauty of the countryside but also notes the lack of human society, foreshadowing the novel’s themes of isolation, passion, and the supernatural.
From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	“Macomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square.”	Harper Lee paints a beautiful picture of the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, setting the scene for the novel. The description conveys the town’s worn-down appearance and the sense of stagnation and decay that characterize it, reflecting the social and racial tensions central to the story.
From Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy	“The village of Marlott lay amid the north-eastern undulations of the beautiful Vale of Blakemore, or Blackmoor, a part of Wessex rarely visited by sightseers or excursionists, and less accessible than many remote quarters of the world.”	This extract introduces the rural countryside setting of Tess of the D’Urbervilles in Wessex, England, during the late 19th century. The description highlights the picturesque and idyllic nature of the landscape, with rolling hills and meadows, setting the stage for the novel’s exploration of Tess’s life in this pastoral environment.

These excerpts and explanations provide insight into the settings and atmospheres created by these renowned authors, setting the stage for their respective literary works.

Suggested Readings

1. Tuan, Yi-Fu. Space and Place: The Perspective of Experience. University of Minnesota Press, 2001.
2. Loomba, Ania, et al. editors. Postcolonial Studies and Beyond, Duke University Press, 2005, pp. 185-188.
3. Harjo, Joy, et al., editors. Reinventing the Enemy”s Language: Contemporary Native Women”s Writings of North America, W.W. Norton & Company, 1997.
4. Rivkin, Julie, and Michael Ryan, editors. Literary Theory: An Anthology, 3rd ed., Blackwell Publishing, 2004.

Introduction

Satire is a literary and rhetorical device that employs humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or ridicule societal flaws, human foibles, political absurdities, or moral shortcomings.

It serves as a powerful form of social commentary, using a sharp and often satirical tone to challenge prevailing norms, institutions, and behaviors, with the ultimate aim of prompting critical reflection and fostering social change. Through its multifaceted techniques, satire offers a nuanced and critical lens through which to dissect and scrutinize various aspects of human society and culture.

How to Create Satire

Creating satire in a fictional work requires careful thought and planning. Here are some steps to help you create effective satire:

Step	Points	Example
Identify Target	i. Choose a specific target or subject	Target: Celebrity culture
	ii. Consider the relevance and significance
	iii. Research and gather information
Determine the tone	i. Decide the desired emotional impact	Tone: Biting and critical
	ii. Consider the appropriateness of the target and message
	iii. Find inspiration from existing satirical works
Exaggerate	i. Identify specific traits, behaviors, or situations	Exaggeration: Celebrities obsessing over their fame and constantly seeking attention
	ii. Push the boundaries
	iii. Consider consequences
Use irony and sarcasm	i. Employ verbal irony	Irony: A celebrity claiming to be “just like everyone else” while living an extravagant lifestyle
	ii. Utilize situational irony
	iii. Incorporate biting sarcasm
Create memorable characters	i. Develop characters embodying traits	Character: An overly self-obsessed celebrity who believes they are the center of the universe
	ii. Ensure characters are relatable
	iii. Consider character interactions and conflicts
Use humor	i. Employ wordplay, puns, or clever language	Humor: A celebrity giving a speech filled with empty, clichéd phrases that sound profound but lack substance
	ii. Create absurd or comical situations
	iii. Consider the timing and pace of humor
Edit and refine	i. Review with a critical eye	Reviewing and refining dialogue to ensure the satire is sharp and impactful
	ii. Remove unnecessary points
	iii. Seek feedback and make revisions

Benefits of Satire

Satire offers various benefits, including:

1. Raising Awareness: Satire draws attention to important social and political issues by exposing flaws, hypocrisies, and absurdities. By using humor to highlight serious problems, satire can engage and educate people who might otherwise be disinterested or apathetic.
2. Promoting Critical Thinking: Satire encourages people to think critically about the world around them. By challenging conventional wisdom, norms, and conventions, and exposing the flaws in common beliefs and practices, satire helps people develop a more nuanced and informed perspective.
3. Providing Entertainment: It is a form of entertainment. It provides a welcome respite from the stresses and challenges of routinized life. Through making people laugh and smile, satire improves public mood and outlook, and helps them cope with difficult situations.
4. Creativity: Satire requires creativity and originality. By challenging writers and artists to think outside of the box and come up with innovative ways to criticize society, satire gives birth to creativity and inspires new ideas.
5. Promoting Change: It is a powerful tool for social and political transformations. Exposing the injustices and inequalities in society and calling for reform is an easy task for a satirist, who inspires people to take action and demand change.

In short, satire could be a valuable and effective form of communication, having the potential to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire.

Satire and Literary Theory

Satire is a literary genre employed in various forms and could be analyzed using various literary theories. Here are some examples of literary theories that could be applied to satire:

Literary Theory	Critique of Satire	Practical Example
New Criticism	New Criticism focuses on close readings of the text, emphasizing formal elements like structure, style, and imagery.  It helps analyze satire through its use of irony, structure, form, genre, and literary techniques (e.g., hyperbole, metaphor, imagery) to convey its message.	Example: It is used for analyzing Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” by examining its use of irony, structure, and hyperbole to criticize British oppression in Ireland and advocate for social change.
Marxism	Marxism examines literature from a socio-economic perspective, looking at how it reflects and reinforces social hierarchies and power structures. It analyzes satire’s role in challenging or reinforcing societal power structures, critiquing class hierarchies, or critiquing capitalism.	Example: It is used for studying George Orwell’s Animal Farm to understand how satire is used to critique the abuse of power and the emergence of a new elite class, reflecting Marxist themes of class struggle.
Feminism	Feminism focuses on gender roles and stereotypes in culture, social discourse, and literature. It analyzes this device to see how it critiques patriarchal structures, challenges attitudes toward women, and subverts or reinforces gender norms and stereotypes.	Example: It is used fore examining the works of Jane Austen to explore how her satirical portrayals of marriage and gender roles in the 19th century challenge societal expectations and empower female characters.
Postcolonialism	Postcolonialism examines how literature reflects and critiques colonialism and its legacy. It analyzes this device to critique colonial attitudes, stereotypes, and the ongoing effects of colonialism on societies and cultures.	Example: It is used for analyzing Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart to understand how satire is used to challenge European colonial narratives and explore the impact of colonialism on Igbo society in Nigeria.

These critiques provide insights into how satire functions within different literary theories, shedding light on its role in critiquing and reflecting various aspects of society and culture.

Suggested Readings

1. Bakhtin, Mikhail. Rabelais and His World. Indiana University Press, 1984.
2. Combe, Kirk, and Brian A. Connery, eds. Theorizing Satire: Essays in Literary Criticism. St. Martin’s Press, 1995.
3. Highet, Gilbert. Anatomy of satire. Vol. 1353. Princeton University Press, 2015.
4. Hutcheon, Linda. Irony, Satire, and Parody in Canadian Fiction. Indiana University Press, 2000.
5. Swift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal. Penguin Classics, 2003.
6. Waugh, Patricia. Literary Theory and Criticism: An Oxford Guide. Oxford University Press, 2006.

Etymology of Satire

The word “satire” originates from the Latin word “satura.” It means a mixture or medley. It was common in ancient Rome used in a form of poetry, having mixed different styles and subjects. With time, the meaning of “satire” evolved to refer to a literary work that specifically uses irony, sarcasm, and ridicule as tools to criticize or expose human follies, or vices or wrongdoings.

Meanings of Satire

Characteristics of Satire
Literary Genre	It is a literary genre.
Elements	It uses humor, irony, and exaggeration.
Targets	Criticizes or reveals human follies, vices, wrongdoings, social vices, or political stupidity.
Tone	Often employs a sharp, biting tone.
Targets of Critique	Challenges authority, hypocrisy, and stupidity.
Purpose	Aims to provoke critical thinking.
Ultimate Goal	Seeks to bring about social change.

Satire in Grammar

• Singular Noun: “satire” is a singular noun.
• Plural Verb in Sentences: In a sentence, “satire” takes a plural verb. This is because it refers to a genre with multiple works or instances of satire.
• Correct Usage: For example, “Satire is a powerful tool for social commentary” demonstrates the correct use of “satire” as a singular noun.
• Incorrect Usage: “Satire are a powerful tool for social commentary” is an incorrect use of “satire” as a plural noun.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Interestingly, it can be correct to say “Satire often provoke laughter and reflection” instead of “Satire often provokes laughter and reflection.” In this case, the plural verb “provoke” agrees with the plural subject “satire.”

Definition of Satire as a Literary Device

As a literary device, it is used within various genres of literature, such as novels, plays, poems, or essays. It involves using other literary devices such as irony, sarcasm, or wit with the aim to expose and criticize human follies, flaws, hypocrisy, or foolishness.

Types of Satire

Type	Detail	Example
Horatian satire	It has been named after the Roman satirist Horace. It uses a gentle, playful, and lighthearted tone to criticize human folly and social vices. Its main objective is to amuse and entertain rather than offend or outrage.	Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest” shows the use of witty dialogue and comedic situations intended to satirize the upper-class society of the time, mocking their trivial concerns and superficial values.
Juvenalian satire	It has been named after the Roman satirist Juvenal. This type of satire is harsh, bitter, and angry. It uses sarcasm, invective, and moral indignation to attack political corruption, social injustice, and moral decadence.	George Orwell, Animal Farm is a powerful example of Juvenalian satire, as he allegorically criticizes totalitarian regimes and their abuse of power by depicting a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner only to end up oppressed by the revolutionary pigs who take full control.
Menippean satire	This type of satire is complex and hybrid. It combines different genres such as satire, parody, and fantasy. It uses a surrealistic and absurd style to criticize the inconsistencies and contradictions of human nature and society.	Terry Gilliam’s film “Brazil” satirizes bureaucracy, totalitarianism, and technology by creating a dystopian world where bureaucracy stifles individuality and freedom. The film uses satire, dark humor, and surreal visuals to criticize the dehumanizing effects of an overly bureaucratic society.
Satire in verse	This type of satire uses poetic language and poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and stanza to criticize social or political issues.	Alexander Pope’s mock epic “The Rape of the Lock” is a mock-heroic poem that satirizes the triviality and vanity of high society of the 18th-century England. The poem uses poetic techniques to exaggerate a trivial incident involving the cutting of a lock of hair. The purpose is to criticize the shallow values and social norms of those times.
Parody	This type imitates and exaggerates the style, tone, or content of a literary to mock or criticize it.	“Scary Movie” is a parody that mocks and satirizes the conventions and tropes of the horror genre by exaggerating and subverting them for comic effect. The film ridicules popular horror films, turning their serious elements into comedic absurdity.
Irony	This type uses language that implies the opposite of what is actually said or done. It aims to criticize or expose the hypocrisy, ignorance, or stupidity of individuals, groups, or societies.	Jonathan Swift’s essay “A Modest Proposal” suggests that the impoverished Irish should sell their children as food. This is how it is using irony to criticize the indifference of the ruling class toward the poor and expose the absurdity of their proposed solutions to social problems.

Common Examples of Satire

It is found in various forms in everyday life and communication, such as:

Type	Detail
Political Cartoons	Many editorial cartoons use it to mock politicians, their policies, or even current events.
Late-Night Talk Shows	Comedians often use satire to make fun of politicians, celebrities, and current events in their monologues.
Social Media Memes	This is a new cultural genre. Several memes use it to criticize or mock people or issues humorously.
TV Shows and Movies	Satirical TV shows and movies, such as “The Daily Show” and “Saturday Night Live,” use humor to criticize politicians and social issues.
Advertising	Some advertisements use satire to mock their competitors.
Literature	It is used in literary pieces such as novels, short stories, and poetry. Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” and George Orwell’s Animal Farm are two popular works in this connection.
Stand-up comedy	Many comedians use satire to criticize societal issues or popular culture.

Literary Examples of Satire

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell

This short novel is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. The animals on the farm led by pigs overthrow their human owner, Mr. Jones and create their own government led by the same pigs. This new regime eventually becomes corrupt and oppressive as that of Mr. Jones. Through this story, Orwell criticizes the corruption and authoritarianism of Soviet-style communism and the conduct of the revolutionaries who become as much corrupt as the old ruling class.

• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

This fiction prose comprising travelogues is a satire on English society and politics of the 18th century. The main character, Lemuel Gulliver, travels to various fantastical lands, such as Lilliput, each representing a different aspect of society with short, long, and distorted versions of human beings engaged in bizarre behavior. Through Gulliver’s observations and experiences, Swift criticizes the hypocrisy, greed, and corruption of his contemporary society.

• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

 This postmodern novel is a satire on war and bureaucracy. Set during WWII, the novel follows the trajectory of the exploits of Captain John Yossarian, an American bombardier, who is trying to avoid going on more missions. The book’s title refers to a catch-22 situation in which a requirement for a situation to be true is also the requirement for it to be false. Through the absurdity of Yossarian’s situation and the bureaucracy of the military, Joseph Heller criticizes the senselessness and absurdity of war.

• “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

This beautiful and witty play is a satire on Victorian society and its social norms. The plot of the play revolves around two men both using the name “Ernest” to escape their social obligations and pursue their romantic interests. Through witty dialogue and comic situations, Wilde criticizes the superficiality and hypocrisy of Victorian society.

• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

This chivalric romance shows the use of this device on the idealization of knighthood. The main character, Don Quixote, is a middle-aged gentleman who becomes delusional. He thinks he is a knight-errant, setting out on various adventures. Through Don Quixote’s misguided actions and the reactions of those around him, Cervantes criticizes the romanticization of chivalry and the impracticality of idealism.

Suggested Readings

1. Bakhtin, Mikhail. Rabelais and His World. Indiana University Press, 1984.
2. Combe, Kirk, and Brian A. Connery, eds. Theorizing Satire: Essays in Literary Criticism. St. Martin’s Press, 1995.
3. Highet, Gilbert. Anatomy of satire. Vol. 1353. Princeton University Press, 2015.
4. Hutcheon, Linda. Irony, Satire, and Parody in Canadian Fiction. Indiana University Press, 2000.
5. Swift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal. Penguin Classics, 2003.
6. Waugh, Patricia. Literary Theory and Criticism: An Oxford Guide. Oxford University Press, 2006.

Introduction to Sarcasm

Sarcasm is also a rhetorical device, serving as a form of indirect communication, challenging social norms, expressing dissatisfaction, or engaging in social commentary through the veil of apparent praise or agreement.

How to Create Sarcasm

Tip	Practical Step	Example
Use the Right Tone	Adopt a dry, mocking, or exaggerated tone of voice or writing style to convey your true intent.	“Oh, sure, I absolutely love doing extra work on weekends.”
Play with Words	Use double meanings or use words that convey the opposite of your true intention to add a sarcastic twist.	“Wow, your brilliant plan to procrastinate until the last minute is truly inspiring.”
Be Unexpected	Surprise others with unexpected and clever responses that catch them off guard while maintaining humor or pointedness.	“Of course, I’d love to attend your 5-hour lecture on the history of paperclips.”
Avoid Offense	Consider your audience and refrain from sarcasm that may be misconstrued or perceived as an insult.	“Great job breaking the printer… again.”
Practice, Practice, Practice	Hone your sarcasm skills by practicing with friends or family, and experiment with different tones and phrasing.	“No, I haven’t practiced sarcasm enough. It’s only my 10,000th attempt today.”

Benefits

It has several potential benefits in social situations, including:

1. Humor: It could be a form of humor that lightens the mood and makes people laugh. When used appropriately, sarcasm is a clever and witty way of making a point.
2. Assertiveness: It is a way of asserting oneself in a conversation or debate. It could be a way of expressing disagreement or criticism without being overtly confrontational or aggressive.
3. Social Bonding: It also bonds you with others who share a similar sense of humor. When used among friends or colleagues who understand and appreciate the style of humor, sarcasm builds rapport and a sense of shared identity.
4. Critical Thinking: It is also a form of questioning assumptions and biases. By using sarcasm to poke holes in arguments or highlight contradictions, it encourages critical thinking and intellectual engagement.
5. Emotional Regulation: It means managing emotions. Using humor to defuse tense situations leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety and the promotion of a more positive emotional state.

Sarcasm and Literary Theory

Sarcasm is often analyzed in literary theories, particularly in the fields of rhetoric and linguistics. Here are a few examples of literary theories that relate to sarcasm:

Literary Theory	Critique of Sarcasm	Practical Example
Pragmatics	Pragmatic analysis focuses on contextual use and its ability to convey meaning even when the words themselves seem to contradict the intended message. – Examines how sarcasm relies on shared knowledge, social cues, and contextual factors to successfully communicate its intended meaning.	Example: In a sarcastic tone, someone says, “Oh, that’s just what I needed!” when receiving an unwelcome gift. The meaning is conveyed through the context and tone, not the literal words.
Rhetoric	Rhetorical analysis explores its persuasive power and its role in influencing an audience’s perception or challenging arguments. – Investigates how sarcasm can be used to make a point, evoke emotional responses, or undermine opposing viewpoints through its ironic and satirical nature.	Example: A political satirist uses sarcasm to criticize a politician’s stance, highlighting the absurdity of the argument and making the audience question the politician’s position.
Semiotics	Semiotic analysis views it as a sign or symbol, examining how it functions as a form of communication within a broader system of signs. – Explores the relationship between sarcasm, irony, and other forms of figurative language, analyzing how they contribute to the layered and nuanced meanings conveyed through sarcasm.	Example: Analyzing a piece of literature where a character’s sarcastic remarks symbolize their underlying discontent or serve as a commentary on the society depicted in the text.
Psychoanalytic Literary Theory	Psychoanalytic analysis delves into the unconscious motivations behind its usage, highlighting its potential role as a defense mechanism or a means of expressing repressed emotions. – Investigates how sarcasm can serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with anger, frustration, or conflicting emotions, providing an outlet for the expression of unconscious desires or unconscious conflicts.	Example: A character uses it as a defense mechanism to mask their feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, using humor to deflect from their deeper emotional issues.

Suggested Readings

1. Clare, Colebrook. Irony in the Work of Philosophy. University of Nebraska Press, 2007.
2. Gibbs, Raymond W., Jr. Irony in Talk among Friends. Routledge, 2018.
3. Hutcheon, Linda. Irony’s Edge: The Theory and Politics of Irony. Routledge, 2016.
4. Limon, John. Stand-Up Comedy in Theory, or, Abjection in America. Duke University Press, 2000.
5. Pawlak, Matthew C. “How to be sarcastic in Greek: Typical means of signalling sarcasm in the New Testament and Lucian.” Humor 32.4 (2019): 545-564.
6. Dorfman, Lawrence, and Naccarato, James Michael. The Sarcasm Handbook. United States, Skyhorse, 2017.
7. Kreuz, Roger. Irony and Sarcasm. United Kingdom, MIT Press, 2020.
8. Napoli, James. The Official Dictionary of Sarcasm: A Lexicon for Those of Us who are Better and Smarter Than the Rest of You. United States, Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated, 2010.
9. Smith, Aaron. The Art of Sarcasm. N.p., CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.

Etymology of Sarcasm

“Sarcasm” comes from the Greek word sarkasmos, which is derived from sarkázein, that means “to tear flesh.” The term reflects the sharp and cutting nature of sarcastic remarks.

Meanings of Sarcasm

Aspect	Meanings
Verbal Irony with Mocking Intent	Sarcasm is a form of mocking verbal irony.
Contradictory Expression for Ridicule	Sarcasm involves expressing the opposite to ridicule.
Tone of Voice	Delivered with a dry, mocking, or scornful tone.
Expression of Frustration, Anger, or Disbelief	Often used to express emotions like frustration, anger, or disbelief.
Humor and Satirical Device	Frequently used for witty or sarcastic remarks.
Passive-Aggressive Expression	Subtly or passively expresses anger or frustration.
Powerful Rhetorical Tool	A potent tool for emphasizing a point or perspective.
Potential for Hurtful or Offensive Communication	Has the potential to be hurtful or offensive if used inappropriately or directed at the wrong person.

Sarcasm in Grammar

• Definition of Sarcasm Grammatical Number: Grammatically, it is a singular noun, and its plural form is “sarcasms.” However, due to its being an abstract concept, it is not commonly used in the plural form.
• Verb Usage: The verb form used with sarcasm depends on the context. When sarcasm is used in a sentence, the verb agrees with the subject of the sentence, not with the word “sarcasm” itself.
• Example: For instance, if someone sarcastically says, “Oh great, another meeting,” expressing their frustration, the verb used would be “is” because the subject of the sentence is “another meeting.”

Definition of Grammar

It is a literary device used to convey mocking or contemptuous language. It involves the use of verbal irony in which a speaker says the opposite of what they mean with the aim to ridicule or criticize someone or something. Sarcasm is often employed for humorous or critical effects in literature. It could reveal the underlying attitudes or emotions of characters or authors.

Types of Sarcasm

There are several types that can be used in literature or everyday language. Here are some examples:

Type	Definition	Example
Verbal irony	This is the most common form of sarcasm, in which a speaker says something but means the opposite.	If it’s raining heavily outside and someone says “Great weather we’re having. It shows that someone is using verbal irony.
Situational irony	This occurs when the opposite of what is expected happens, often with humorous or ironic effect.	If a character spends all day baking a cake and then drops it on the floor, saying “Well, that was worth it.” It is an example of situational irony.
Hyperbole	This involves exaggerated statements that are not meant to be taken literally. Sarcasm can use hyperbole to emphasize the ridiculousness of a situation.	If someone says “Oh sure, let’s just burn down the whole house because we’re a little chilly,” they are using hyperbole to convey frustration.
Understatement	This is the opposite of hyperbole and involves downplaying or minimizing the importance of something for ironic effect.	If a character survives a plane crash and says “Well, that was mildly unpleasant,” they are using understatement to convey the gravity of the situation.
Reversal	This involves switching the order of words in a sentence to create a humorous or ironic effect.	If someone says “I always drink coffee before bed, it helps me sleep,” they are using reversal to create a humorous effect.

Literary Examples of Sarcasm

Example	Explanation	Type of Sarcasm
Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn	Huck Finn uses sarcasm to mock his father’s selfishness and cruelty by saying “I never see pap when he didn’t want the chicken himself, but that is what he used to say, anyway.” (Chapter-12)	Mocking
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice	Mr. Bennet employs sarcasm to criticize his wife’s frivolousness and lack of financial sense when he says “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?” (Chapter-15)	Critical
George Orwell’s Animal Farm	The pigs employ sarcasm to manipulate the other animals into accepting their leadership by suggesting that they are only trying to help, when they change the farm’s commandments and say “No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?”	Manipulative
Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest	Lady Bracknell uses sarcasm to mock the societal norms of the time by suggesting that smoking is a useless and frivolous activity when she says “I am glad to hear it. A man should always have an occupation of some kind.”	Satirical

Suggested Readings

1. Clare, Colebrook. Irony in the Work of Philosophy. University of Nebraska Press, 2007.
2. Gibbs, Raymond W., Jr. Irony in Talk among Friends. Routledge, 2018.
3. Hutcheon, Linda. Irony’s Edge: The Theory and Politics of Irony. Routledge, 2016.
4. Limon, John. Stand-Up Comedy in Theory, or, Abjection in America. Duke University Press, 2000.
5. Pawlak, Matthew C. “How to be sarcastic in Greek: Typical means of signalling sarcasm in the New Testament and Lucian.” Humor 32.4 (2019): 545-564.
6. Cheang, Henry S., and Marc D. Pell. “The Sound of Sarcasm.” Speech Communication 50.5 (2008): 366-381.
7. Dorfman, Lawrence, and Naccarato, James Michael. The Sarcasm Handbook. United States, Skyhorse, 2017.
8. Kreuz, Roger. Irony and Sarcasm. United Kingdom, MIT Press, 2020.
9. Napoli, James. The Official Dictionary of Sarcasm: A Lexicon for Those of Us who are Better and Smarter Than the Rest of You. United States, Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated, 2010.
10. Smith, Aaron. The Art of Sarcasm. N.p., CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.

Introduction

Rhyme is a literary device where words share similar sounds, typically at the end of lines, creating a pleasing auditory effect. It enhances rhythm and adds a musical quality to poetry or prose. Rhyme can establish connections between words and ideas, aiding memorability and emphasizing key concepts.

How to Create Rhyme

Creating rhyme involves choosing words having similar sounds and then placing them in specific patterns and at specific places. Here are some steps to create a good rhyming pattern or rhyme scheme.

Step	Explanation	Practical Example
1. Choose a Rhyme Scheme	A rhyme scheme is a pattern of rhyming words in a poem, denoted by letters like ABAB or AABB. Select a scheme that fits your poetic style and theme.	Example: ABAB rhyme scheme in a love poem.
2. Select Rhyming Words	Pick words with similar sounds that align with the poem’s message and theme. A thesaurus can help find suitable words.	Using “heart” and “part” in a poem about love.
3. Place Rhyming Words	Position rhyming words according to the chosen scheme. Experiment with word order to create the desired impact.	“My heart belongs (A) to you, (B) my love so true (A).”
4. Change the Type of Rhymes	Consider using various rhymes types such as end rhyme, internal rhyme, slant rhyme, or exact rhyme to add complexity.	Using internal rhyme: “In the mists (end rhyme) of time, I find (internal rhyme) love so sublime (end rhyme).”
5. Revise and Refine	Read the poem aloud to ensure rhyming words flow naturally and enhance the poem’s rhythm and sound. Make necessary revisions.	“Upon reflection, I refined the rhyme scheme to (AABB) for a smoother flow in my poem about nature.”

Benefits of Rhymes

Rhymes have several benefits whether it is used in poetic writing or in prose. These advantages are as follows.

1. Enhancing Musicality: Rhymes or rhyme scheme makes a piece of writing more musical, attractive, engaging, and memorable. It helps create pleasing and repetitive sound patterns that the readers or listeners enjoy.
2. Emphasis: Rhymes scheme or pattern highlights certain words or phrases for emphasis on important themes, ideas, or emotions.
3. Improving Memory Retention: Rhyming phrases and lines are often easier to remember, making them useful for conveying important information such as nursery rhymes do it for children or advertising jingles or political slogans do it for the public.
4. Providing Closure: Rhymes also help bring a piece of writing to a satisfying conclusion by creating a sense of resolution or completeness though some rhymes do not intend to do so such as internal rhymes or slant rhymes.
5. Showing Creativity: Creating effective rhymes requires creativity. It demonstrates a writer’s ability to use language in unique and interesting ways.

Rhyme and Literary Theory

Rhyme is an important element of poetic writing. Therefore, they are studied and analyzed by literary theorists using various critical approaches. Here are some examples:

Literary Theory	Critique of Rhyme	Practical Critique
Formalism	Formalism views rhymes as a formal element that contributes to unity, coherence, and aesthetic pleasure in a text.	Emphasizes the importance of analyzing rhymes patterns and their impact on the overall structure and meaning of a work.
New Criticism	New Critics closely examine rhymes, revealing hidden meanings and patterns that contribute to a work’s main message.	Encourages readers to engage in close reading and explore the intricate relationships between rhymes, imagery, and symbolism to uncover deeper layers of meaning.
Structuralism	Structuralism sees rhyme as a structural element with linguistic codes that create meaning through associations.	Suggests that analyzing rhyme within the context of larger linguistic structures can provide insights into how language functions and generates meaning.
Postmodernism	Postmodernism regards rhyming pattern as subversive, disrupting traditional notions of form and meaning in fragmented texts.	Encourages the exploration of how rhyming pattern is used to challenge conventional literary norms and create ambiguity and plurality of meaning.
Feminist Theory	Feminist Theory explores how rhyming pattern reflects gender and power dynamics in language and form.	Examines how rhyming pattern reveals patriarchal biases and assumptions within traditional literary forms, and how it can be used to challenge or subvert these biases to empower marginalized voices.

These practical critiques highlight how each literary theory interprets the role of rhyme in literature and how it can be analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of the text’s meaning and cultural implications.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Cengage Learning, 2014.
2. Fussell, Paul. Poetic Meter and Poetic Form. McGraw-Hill Humanities, 1979.
3. Hollander, John. Rhyme’s Reason: A Guide to English Verse. Yale University Press, 2001.
4. Lennard, John. The Poetry Handbook: A Guide to Reading Poetry for Pleasure and Practical Criticism. Oxford University Press, 2005.
5. Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook. Harcourt Brace & Company, 1994.
6. Preminger, Alex, et al. The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. Princeton University Press, 2012.
7. Turco, Lewis. The Book of Forms: A Handbook of Poetics. University Press of New England, 2000.
8. Vendler, Helen. Poems, Poets, Poetry: An Introduction and Anthology. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2001.
9. Wilbur, Richard. The New Book of Forms: A Handbook of Poetics. Story Line Press, 1986.
10. Yip, Ronald. The Poet’s Manual and Rhyming Dictionary: A Concise Introduction to the Practice of Poetry. Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2006.

Etymology of Rhyme

The origin of rhyme lies in the Latin word rythmus which means rhythm having an equivalent word rhythmos in Greek and rime in French. In Frech, it means “series” or “number. With time, the meanings have changed to the repetition of sounds used in poetic writing.

Meanings of Rhyme

• As a Literary Device
  • Definition: Involves the repetition of similar sounds at the end of two or more words, commonly found in poems and songs.
  • Forms: Includes end rhymes (at the end of lines) and internal rhymes (within a line).
• Purpose in Poetry and Songwriting
  • Musical and Rhythmic Effect: Rhymes enhance the musicality and rhythm of poetic or lyrical compositions.
  • Highlighting Themes and Ideas: It emphasizes major themes and ideas, drawing attention to key elements in the text.
• Unity and Coherence
  • Unifying Element: Rhymes help create unity and coherence within a poem or song by linking different lines and stanzas, providing a sense of structure and continuity.

Rhyme in Grammar

Grammatically, “rhyme” is a singular noun and takes a singular verb. For example, we say “the rhyme is perfect” rather than “the rhyme are perfect.” Even when referring to various rhymes in a single poem or song, it is used as a singular rhyme such as “the poem has several examples of internal rhyme.”

Definition of Rhyme

Rhyme is a literary device that involves the repetition of similar sounds at the end of two or more words, specifically, in a poem or song.

Types of Rhyme

Type of Rhyme	Definition	Example
End rhyme	End rhyme occurs at the end of two or more lines of poetry.	For example, “cat” and “hat” or “love” and “dove.”
Internal rhyme	Internal rhymes occur within a single line of poetry.	For example, “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary.”
Slant rhyme	Slant rhymes occur when words have similar but not identical sounds.	For example, “head” and “said” or “love” and “move.”
Eye rhyme	Eye rhymes occur when words look like they should rhyme but are pronounced differently.	For example, “love” and “move.”
Masculine rhyme	Masculine rhymes involve a single syllable word at the end of two or more lines of poetry.	For example, “man” and “can” or “bat” and “rat.”
Feminine rhyme	Feminine rhymes involve two or more syllable words at the end of two or more lines of poetry.	For example, “turtle” and “purple” or “bottle” and “muddle.”
Identical rhyme	Identical rhymes are the use of the same word at the end of two or more lines of poetry	For example, “I took a look in the book, and there it was, the word ‘look.’
Assonance	Assonance is the repetition of similar vowel sounds within words.	For example, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”
Consonance	It is the repetition of consonant sounds within words.	For example, “Mike likes his bike.”
Alliteration	It is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in proximity.	For example, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”

Common/Everyday Examples of Rhyme

Type of Rhyme	Definition	Example
Nursery rhymes	This pattern is found in traditional children’s songs and poems.	For example, “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.”
Songs	This is used in lyrics of popular songs.	For example, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.”
Poems	This is found in poetic compositions.	For example in”Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, it is “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep.”
Advertising jingles	This is used in catchy advertising slogans.	For example, “I’m lovin’ it” for McDonald’s.
Greeting cards	This is commonly used in greeting cards.	For example, “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.”
Tongue twisters	This is used to create challenging phrases.	For example, “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

Literary Examples of Rhyme

“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe	“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary.”	Internal: Rhyming words appear within the same line, creating a rhythmic and melodic effect. In this line, “dreary” and “weary” rhyme internally.
“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot	“In the mountains, there you feel free / I read, much of the night, and go south in the winter.”	End: Rhyming words appear at the end of lines, creating a structured and patterned sound in the poem.
“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe	“But we loved with a love that was more than love / I and my Annabel Lee.”	Exact: Rhyming words have the same sound, which creates a strong and harmonious connection between the words “love” and “Lee.”
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost	“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by.”	Slant: Rhyming words have similar sounds but are not identical, creating a subtle and nuanced rhyme between “by” and “by.”
“Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare	“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate.”	Couplet: Two consecutive lines rhyme, often used to create a sense of closure or emphasis at the end of the sonnet.
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot	“And indeed there will be time / To wonder, ‘Do I dare?’ and, ‘Do I dare?’”	Irregular : The rhyming pattern is not consistent, as seen here where “time” and “dare” do not rhyme with each other. This irregularity can create a sense of unease and reflect the poem’s themes of uncertainty and hesitation.

These examples illustrate how different types are employed in poetry to achieve various effects, from emphasizing meaning and creating rhythm to adding depth and complexity to the poem’s themes and emotions.

Suggested Readings

1. Cushman, Stephen. Fictions of Form in American Poetry. Princeton University Press, 1993.
2. Fry, Stephen. The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within. Gotham Books, 2006.
3. Gubar, Susan. Poetry After Auschwitz: Remembering What One Never Knew. Indiana University Press, 2003.
4. Reddy, Sravana, and Kevin Knight. “Unsupervised discovery of rhyme schemes.” Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics: Human Language Technologies. 2011.
5. Vendler, Helen. The Breaking of Style: Hopkins, Heaney, Graham. Harvard University Press, 1995.

Introduction

Repetition, as a literary device, involves the deliberate recurrence of words, phrases, or structures within a text. Its primary purpose is to emphasize, reinforce, or underscore key themes, ideas, or emotions. Using repetition, authors can create rhythm, pattern, and resonance in their writing, enhancing the overall impact of their work. This device is a powerful tool for writers to draw the reader’s attention to significant elements and craft memorable, impactful prose.

How to Create a Repetition

Creating Repetition	Example
1. Identify key concepts or phrases	Using repetition of the phrase “love conquers all” in a poem or essay about the power of love.
2. Use a parallel structure	“She likes to swim, jog, and dance” – repeating the verb structure in a series of activities.
3. Repeat keywords	“Education is the key to success. With education, you can unlock doors, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness.”
4. Utilize anaphora	“I have a dream that one day… I have a dream that one day… I have a dream that one day…” – Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech.
5. Employ epistrophe	“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child.” – repeating the phrase “as a child” at the end of each clause.
6. Make use of alliteration	“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
7. Implement refrain	“Never give up. Never lose hope. Keep pushing forward.” – repeating the phrase “Never give up” as a refrain throughout a motivational speech.
8. Include parallel scenes or events	Describing a character’s morning routine in detail at the beginning and end of a story.
9. Reiterate through dialogue	“Are you sure? Are you really sure?” – a character repeating the same question for emphasis.
10. Using repetition for emphasis	“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – repeating the phrase “rage” to emphasize the message.
11. Establish a rhythm	“It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” – repeating the “is” sound in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Remember, while using repetition is a powerful tool in writing, it is essential to use it judiciously. Too much use of one type of repetition could become monotonous or redundant, so balance is key.

Benefits of Using Repetition

There are several benefits to using repetition in writing, including:

Benefit	Example and Explanation
Emphasis	Example: “Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill
	Explanation: This repetition of “never” emphasizes the importance of the idea or statement.
Rhythm	Example: “I have a dream that one day… I have a dream that one day…” – Martin Luther King Jr.
	Explanation: Repetition creates a rhythmic pattern in writing, making it more engaging and pleasing to the ear.
Clarity	Example: “Education is the key to success. With education, you can unlock doors, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness.”
	Explanation: Here repetition of education helps reinforce and clarify an important concept or idea.
Unity	Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets…” – Winston Churchill
	Explanation: Here the repetition of “We shall fight…” creates a sense of unity and cohesion in writing.
Memorable	Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” – Charles Dickens
	Explanation: Here the repetition of “it was…” makes the writing more memorable.

Repetition in Literary Theory

Repetition is a literary device that is used in various literary theories to achieve different effects. Here are eight examples of how repetition is used in literary theory:

Literary Theory	Critique of Repetition	Practical Example
Structuralism	Views repetition as a fundamental structural element in literary writings, creating patterns of meaning and signification.	“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe uses repetition of phrases like “midnight dreary,” “tapping,” and “chamber door” to establish binary meanings and shape the text’s interpretation.
Psychoanalysis	Sees repetition as a symptom of psychological trauma, repression, or fixation, indicating unresolved conflicts or desires expressed unconsciously.	In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield’s repetitive use of the word “phony” reflects his underlying psychological struggle with authenticity and phoniness.
New Criticism	Regards repetition as a means to create unity and coherence within a text, using repetitive motifs, symbols, or images to establish patterns and resonance.	In William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury, the repetition of the image of a clock represents the family’s disintegration and the relentless passage of time.
Reader-Response Theory	Views repetition as a way to engage readers collaboratively in creating meaning. Repetitive language or imagery encourages readers to make connections based on their experiences.	In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the repeated mention of the scar on Harry’s forehead invites readers to explore its significance and form their interpretations.
Feminism	Interprets repetition as a tool to expose patriarchal power structures and challenge gender norms, revealing how women’s experiences are marginalized in literature.	In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the repetitive description of the wallpaper symbolizes the narrator’s oppression and confinement within her domestic role.

Suggested Readings

1. Fled, Steven. Sound and Sentiment: Birds, Weeping, Poetics, and Song in Kaluli Expression. 2nd ed., University of Pennsylvania Press, 2016.
2. Hobsbaum, Philip. Metre, Rhythm and Verse Form. Routledge, 2013.
3. Rimmon-Kenan, Shlomith. Narrative Fiction: Contemporary Poetics. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2002.
4. Shklovsky, Viktor. Theory of Prose. Translated by Benjamin Sher, Dalkey Archive Press, 1991.

You may read more on Literary Devices below:

• Discourse: Literary Device
• Writing Biographies: Critiquing It
• Biography: A Literary Genre
• Jargon: Using and Critiquing It