Literary Devices and Their Functions

A figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms, creating an unexpected and often humorous effect.

A polite or mild word or expression used to refer to something embarrassing, taboo, or unpleasant.

A sentence structure where the main clause appears at the end, emphasizing the concluding part.

Combining contrasting ideas to highlight the duality of a situation.

Using humor and lightheartedness to entertain the reader.

Expressing complex emotions and situations concisely.

Adding a sarcastic or ironic tone to the writing.

Heightening the tension and drama in a story.

A short, personal, and often amusing story that supports or clarifies a point. It typically adds a personal touch or relatable experience.

The specific placement of a word at the end of a sentence, especially when it's a crucial term, to emphasize its importance.

Using a periodic sentence to create a sense of tension or excitement by delaying the main information until the end.

The use of a periodic sentence can help readers understand the connections between specific details and the main idea of the sentence.

Periodic sentences can create a formal and academic tone, suitable for scholarly writing or speeches.

By withholding the key information until the end, periodic sentences can create a sense of surprise, often used for impactful reveals.

Periodic sentences are commonly used to guide the reader toward a specific conclusion, making certain arguments persuasive.

A literary device that creates a contradiction or unexpected detail, causing the audience to ponder and discover deeper meaning.

A rhetorical device that emphasizes a sequence of events or ideas by repeating the last word of a phrase in the beginning of the next clause.

The use of paradox often makes readers think deeply about the text, encouraging them to explore the hidden truths and concepts presented.

The contradiction presented in paradoxes can engage and confuse the reader, fostering a sense of curiosity about the underlying meaning.

Paradoxes can emphasize the theme of a text by displaying contrasting ideas, allowing the audience to see the theme from multiple perspectives.

Paradoxes add a unique and creative writing style by presenting unexpected twists that catch the reader's attention.

Paradoxes create memorable statements by adding a hidden meaning that sets the text apart.

Paradoxes can illustrate conflict, making the text more compelling for the reader by highlighting the tension and complexity of the situation.

A figure of speech where a word or phrase is repeated with one or two words in between. It creates emphasis and allows for a sense of rhythm.

A rhetorical device that uses the repetition of words with the same root but different forms. It adds complexity and depth to the writing.

A literary device in which a point is emphasized through repetition, using different words or phrases to express the same idea.

By repeating a phrase in various ways, the author aims to establish a memorable rhythm, emphasize the main idea, and draw the reader's attention to it.

The use of diacope can emphasize important phrases, create rhythm, make writing more memorable, and make a point more impactful.

In "America the Beautiful", the repetition of 'sea' emphasizes the vastness and beauty of the American landscape. This creates patriotism and pride.

The author can use the repeated expressions to create a comedic effect, adding humor to the text.

By repeating the same or similar arguments, the author strengthens the message and persuades the audience.

Polyptoton allows the author to delve deeper into the meaning of a concept and create a layered understanding of the emotional setting.

In "Perpendicular", the repetition of "beauty" in different forms creates a contrast between positive and negative experiences, emphasizing the duality of life.

The repetition of the same or similar words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or sentences, creating a forceful and memorable effect

In "A Christmas Story", Ralphie’s repetition of "yellow eyes" emphasizes the fear and disgust he feels towards Scut Farkus.

Diacope is a powerful rhetorical device that can add depth, emotional impact, and a rhythmic flow to a piece of writing.

A literary device used to highlight contrasts by placing opposing ideas, characters, settings, or events side-by-side.

Juxtaposition can emphasize the differences between characters, settings, or ideas by creating a stark comparison.

Juxtaposition can create tension or conflict by placing opposing forces in close proximity, driving the narrative forward.

Juxtaposition can deepen the reader's understanding of a theme by presenting opposing concepts side-by-side, allowing the reader to analyze and compare.

Juxtaposition can evoke emotional responses in the reader by placing contrasting imagery, thoughts, or events together, creating a powerful effect.

Juxtaposition can add complexity to characters by showing their internal or external conflicts through the comparison of dissimilar events.

Juxtaposition can enhance symbolic meaning by pairing opposing symbols or motifs, creating a deeper layer of understanding.

Dickens uses juxtaposition in A Tale of Two Cities to highlight the stark differences between the French and British societies before and during the French Revolution, emphasizing the contrasts between the 'best' and the 'worst' of times.