LEARN ABOUT LITERATURE

LEARN ABOUT LITERATURE


“To be, or not to be: that is the question” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
(Act 3, Scene 1)


William Shakespeare






Literature and Literary Devices


Definition of Literature

Literature is a body of written works that express ideas, emotions, stories, and thoughts through language. It encompasses various genres and styles and serves as a reflection of human experience and culture.

Forms of Literature

  • Fiction: Narrative writing based on imaginary events and characters (e.g., novels, short stories).
  • Non-Fiction: Prose writing based on facts and reality (e.g., biographies, essays).
  • Poetry: Writing that expresses ideas through rhythm, meter, and often rhyme.
  • Drama: Plays or scripts written for performance, combining dialogue and action.
  • Fable: A short story that teaches a moral lesson, usually involving animals.
  • Epic: A long narrative poem that tells of heroic deeds.

100 Famous Literary Devices


No. Literary Device Definition
1 Alliteration Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
2 Allusion A reference to a well-known person, event, or work of art.
3 Anaphora The repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses.
4 Assonance Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.
5 Cliché An overused expression or idea.
6 Foreshadowing Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.
7 Hyperbole Extreme exaggeration used for effect.
8 Imagery Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
9 Irony A contrast between expectation and reality.
10 Metaphor A direct comparison between two unlike things.

10 Questions for Readers

  1. What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
  2. Identify an example of irony in a famous book or movie.
  3. How does foreshadowing enhance the plot of a story?
  4. What literary device repeats the same word or phrase at the beginning of sentences?
  5. Give an example of onomatopoeia from a poem or book you’ve read.
  6. What is personification, and how does it affect a reader’s understanding?
  7. Explain how juxtaposition is used in literature.
  8. What is the purpose of rhetorical questions in persuasive writing?
  9. Can you provide an example of symbolism in a well-known novel?
  10. How does an author’s tone convey their attitude towards a subject?

Leave your answers in the comments below!