Litotes are literary devices related to understatement, using double negatives in order to convey understatement or an opposite idea. Litotes are often ironic, as well. As an example, consider the following:
High school courses that involve narrative, such as AP Lang, Creative Writing, and Film require an understanding of literary devices. Analytical papers ask students to interpret a work. To do so, students must collect and analyze evidence, which often includes literary devices. With creative assignments, such as writing a story or screenplay, students must use literary devices themselves, to thoughtfully achieve desired effects. But exactly what are literary devices and what are some literary devices examples?
Sarcasm is identified as both a literary device (a technique used to help the author achieve their purpose) and a rhetorical device (the use of language that is intended to impact the audience). Rhetorical devices can be used as literary devices; however, whereas a literary device typically has an artistic purpose, rhetorical devices are meant to either convey meaning or persuade. Therefore, in literature, sarcasm can be used as both a literary and rhetorical device.
Sarcasm is identified as both a literary device and a rhetorical device. Rhetorical devices can be used as literary devices; however, whereas a literary device typically has an artistic purpose, rhetorical devices are meant to convey meaning or persuade. Therefore, in literature, sarcasm can be used as both a literary and rhetorical device.
Paralipsis has long been a prevalent literary device used by writers to entice readers to dive deeper into their prose and to add depth and complexity to their stories. Below are two examples of its usage:
But literary devices are much more than just how to describe things or how to juxtapose one thing beside another in a metaphorical comparison. Literary devices can highlight concepts, emphasize your points and foreground story points that could be buried by otherwise turgid prose. These devices change the pace and flow of your writing. Some of these tools work on your emotions, while other devices connect intellectually. All of them draw your attention.
Here are the top 10 literary devices, followed by a further list of more than 52 of these important tools, with examples from literature to demonstrate how they can be used to great effect in your writing!
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