Literary Techniques PDF

Literary Techniques  irony eiron and alazon Contrast between EXPECTATIONS and what is REALITY X- BAD LUCK/ COINCIDENCE  types of irony VERBAL DRAMATIC SITUATIONAL irony VERBAL IRONY VS SARCASM "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar A...

Literary Techniques  irony eiron and alazon Contrast between EXPECTATIONS and what is REALITY X- BAD LUCK/ COINCIDENCE  types of irony VERBAL DRAMATIC SITUATIONAL irony VERBAL IRONY VS SARCASM "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe Example: Montresor keeps reassuring Fortunato by saying, “Your health is precious” while leading him to his death. Explanation: This is ironic because Montresor is plotting Fortunato's murder, making his "concern" for Fortunato’s health a lie. irony DRAMATIC IRONY occurs when the audience or reader of a text knows something that the characters do not Ariel’s Deal with Ursula The audience knows that Ursula is actually plotting to use Ariel as part of her plan to take over the ocean, while Ariel remains unaware of Ursula's true motives. irony DRAMATIC IRONY occurs when the audience or reader of a text knows something that the characters do not The audience knows that the old woman is actually the Queen in disguise, and that the apple is poisoned, but Snow White is unaware of this. Her innocence and trust in the disguised Queen heighten the tension for the audience as they watch Snow White fall into the trap. irony DRAMATIC IRONY Daisy Buchanan drives Gatsby’s car and accidentally kills Myrtle Wilson. However, Gatsby later takes the blame for the accident, and Tom Buchanan leads Myrtle's husband, George, to believe Gatsby is responsible. The audience knows that Daisy, not Gatsby, was driving the car, but George does not, which leads to Gatsby’s tragic murder. Situational irony Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. In this form of irony, both the characters and the audience are surprised by an unexpected outcome, which is often contrary to what was anticipated. The key to situational irony is that the outcome defies logical expectations or common assumptions. irony situational irony The irony lies in the fact that the monsters, who are supposed to be terrifying to children, are themselves terrified of the very children they scare. This defies the audience's expectations since monsters are typically depicted as the source of fear. irony situational irony The idea of a rat, an animal typically associated with dirt and disease, working as a chef in a high-end French restaurant is absurd and unexpected. In a twist, Remy, a rat, turns out to be highly skilled at cooking, with a refined palate and passion for food. This is the opposite of what both the characters and the audience would expect from a rat in a kitchen, creating situational irony. Instead of contaminating the food, he makes it gourmet. irony situational irony A poor couple, Della and Jim, each want to give the other a special Christmas gift. Della sells her long hair to buy a chain for Jim’s prized watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. The situational irony is that both gifts become useless because each sold their most treasured possession to buy something for the other’s treasured item. irony situational irony Madame Loisel borrows a beautiful necklace to attend a fancy ball. She loses it and works for ten years to pay for its replacement, only to find out afterward that the original necklace was fake and not worth much. let’s practice! In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the audience/reader knows that Juliet has faked her death, but Romeo does not and he thinks she is really dead. let’s practice! In Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy says of Elizabeth Bennett that she is not "handsome enough to tempt me," but he falls in love with her in spite of himself. let’s practice! In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, the main character Scout goes to school and is already able to read. While one would expect a teacher to be pleased about that, Scout's teacher does not like that she is already able to read.  playfulness Treating very serious objects and depicting it humorously Playing with the reader’s mind  playfulness This technique can soften the gravity of a topic, provide a fresh perspective, or highlight the absurdity or complexity of serious issues. Playfulness can be used to engage readers and provoke thought without diminishing the subject’s importance. playfulness intellectual playfulness Serious Subject: The conflict between religion and science, the role of the Catholic Church, and secret societies like the Priory of Sion. playfulness intellectual playfulness Brown presents these weighty topics through a series of riddles, puzzles, and cryptic messages embedded in famous artworks. The protagonist, Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, is constantly deciphering anagrams, codes, and clues. This playful engagement with codes lightens the serious exploration of religious history and its secrets. playfulness cinematic playfulness Serious Subject: The concept of free will vs. determinism, mental illness, and the influence of technology on reality and consciousness. playfulness The viewer is given the ability to make choices for the main character, Stefan, which creates the illusion of control over his actions and the narrative. However, many of the choices are predetermined or lead to the same outcomes, reflecting the illusion of free will. This playfulness with the viewer’s expectations of choice and control highlights the theme of manipulation and predestination in a light yet chilling way. playfulness linguistic playfulness In "The BFG", Dahl introduces words like "whizzpopping" and "snozzcumbers" to describe the BFG’s unique experiences and the giants' grotesque food. These playful, invented terms create a distinctive and entertaining vocabulary that immerses readers in the fantastical world. playfulness HOPSCOTCHY This means cheerful! The BFG says that a few gulps of frobscottle (a fizzy drink) always make him feel this word. playfulness SQUIBBLING Another one from the BFG, this means writing. playfulness WHIZZPOPPING Gas released from a bottom. playfulness CRODSQUINKLED If you've been _________, you've been caught out at something. playfulness TROGGLEHUMPER A _______ is a terrible dream, like a nightmare! playfulness QUOGWINKLE Think that there might be little green men on Mars? Well in Gobblefunk, space aliens are called this. playfulness UCKY-MUCKY it means messy. playfulness WHOOPSY WHIFFLING It means great. playfulness WHOOPSY WHIFFLING It means great.  Intertextuality Individual works are not isolated creations Lack of originality and reliance on clichés Aime Cesaire’s play A Tempest is an adaptation of The Tempest by William Shakespeare. The author parodies Shakespeare’s play from a post- colonial point of view.  William Golding, in his novel Lord of the Flies, takes the story implicitly from Treasure Island, written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Golding grounds this novel in bitter realism by demonstrating negative implications of savagery and fighting that could take control of human hearts, because characters have lost the idea of civilization. Intertextuality JULIA KRISTEVA (1966) Horizontal Connection Vertical Connection  Horizontal Intertextuality: This refers to the relationships between texts that exist within the same historical and cultural context. It's about how a text interacts with other contemporaneous texts or from the same literary or cultural moment. For example, how a contemporary novel might reference or be in dialogue with other contemporary works, or how it reflects and responds to its immediate literary environment.  These texts share similar themes of rebellion, dystopian control, and the empowerment of young protagonists, creating a network of intertextual dialogue in the young adult dystopian genre.  Vertical Intertextuality: This dimension involves the relationship between a text and earlier, historical texts. It encompasses how a text draws on or responds to older works, including canonical texts, mythologies, or classical literature. Vertical intertextuality explores the way a text engages with and reinterprets historical and foundational texts, showing how it builds upon or contrasts with past literary traditions.  This novel retells the story of Circe, a character from Homer’s "The Odyssey". Miller’s work engages with ancient Greek mythology, reinterpreting Circe’s role and character for a modern audience. By giving a voice to an often-silenced mythological figure, Miller taps into vertical intertextuality by interacting with classical texts and reshaping them for a contemporary world.  pastiche “To combine or paste together” Imitate a work light-heartedly but in a respectful manner  pastiche Think of pastiche as the literary equivalent of a collage: it's not about creating something from scratch but drawing on what already exists. pastiche It also involves mimicking the writing style of a particular author or era, capturing the tone, language, and narrative conventions of that time period. pastiche "Gnomeo and Juliet" retains many of the key elements from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"—star- crossed lovers from feuding families, iconic balcony scenes, and themes of love and rivalry—but reimagines them in a whimsical setting pastiche he film takes the core plot of "Emma" and transposes it to a 1990s Beverly Hills high school setting, updating the characters and social dynamics but keeping the essence of the original story pastiche versus parody  parody In parody, an author mimics the style or content of another work to humorously critique or comment on it. parody An example is "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Seth Grahame-Smith, which blends the style of Jane Austen with elements of the zombie genre.  parody SHREK is a popular animated film that playfully parodies various fairy tales and Disney tropes. It features a mix of classic fairy tale characters and humor that satirizes the genre.  parody THE SIMPSONS MOVIE: While an extension of the long- running TV series, the film still uses pastiche to parody and reference various aspects of American culture, politics, and entertainment.  metafiction 1970- William H. Gass Philosophy and the Form of Fiction Shows the ARTIFICIALITY of ART and FICTIONALITY of FICTION metafiction In Season 2, one of the main characters, Dustin Henderson, discovers a creature from the parallel dimension known as the Upside Down. To understand and deal with this creature, he turns to a knowledge of fictional creatures from the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a tabletop role-playing game. He likens the situation they are facing to the rules and creatures he encounters in D&D.  metafiction Character Awareness: Dustin's use of D&D terminology and concepts to describe the creatures and situations in the show is a form of metafiction. It's as if the characters within the show are aware of the rules and structure of a fictional game, and they apply that knowledge to their real-world situation.  metafiction In this superhero film, Deadpool frequently breaks the fourth wall by directly addressing the audience and acknowledging that he is in a movie. The film plays with the conventions of superhero narratives, often mocking the tropes and the genre itself. Deadpool's self-awareness and constant commentary about the film industry make it a prime example of metafiction in cinema.  metafiction Dora frequently speaks directly to the audience, asking them questions like, "Can you say 'map'?" or "Where should we go next?" This invites viewers to interact with the show, making them aware that they are part of the experience.  metafiction In this novel, Vonnegut mixes autobiography with fiction as the narrator admits to being the author of the story and even interacts with his own fictional characters. Vonnegut addresses the reader directly and discusses the process of writing, often blurring the boundaries between author, narrator, and protagonist. The novel reflects on its own creation, making it a clear example of metafiction.  fabulation Robert Scholes fantastical, mythical, and nightmarish Literature is a work not bound by the notions of MIMESIS and VERISIMILITUDE  fabulation Fabulation is a literary technique that involves the use of fantastical elements or imaginative storytelling to create a narrative that may not adhere strictly to realistic or conventional modes of storytelling.  fabulation While it is primarily categorized as a fantasy series, it incorporates numerous fantastical elements and imaginative storytelling. High school students of this generation are likely familiar with the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry  fabulation ENCHANTED: The film seamlessly transitions from the animated fairy tale world to the real world, combining the fantastical elements of a traditional Disney fairy tale with the mundane realities of contemporary life in New York City. This blending of two contrasting worlds creates a sense of fabulation.  fabulation The Madrigal family's powers are never questioned or explained scientifically; they simply exist within the fabric of their world. The powers of each family member symbolize deeper emotional and psychological traits or issues (e.g., strength, beauty, hearing everyone's secrets), showing the magical elements into a commentary on family dynamics and individual pressures.  fabulation The universe of "Elemental" operates on its own internal logic, where natural elements live in harmony (or conflict) and follow certain societal norms based on their elemental makeup. The whimsical and creative design of the environment (e.g., Fire Town, Wateropolis) makes the world an exaggerated, fantastical version of our own. temporal distortion Challenges the cultural and social constructs of time setting, narration, and plot are important elements temporal distortion This can include nonlinear timelines, time loops, alternate realities, or characters experiencing time in an unusual way. Temporal distortion is often used in postmodern literature and film to explore memory, identity, or the subjective experience of time. temporal distortion The universe of "Elemental" operates on its own internal logic, where natural elements live in harmony (or conflict) and follow certain societal norms based on their elemental makeup. The whimsical and creative design of the environment (e.g., Fire Town, Wateropolis) makes the world an exaggerated, fantastical version of our own. temporal distortion The story follows Tim Lake (played by Domhnall Gleeson), a young man who discovers that the men in his family have the extraordinary ability to travel through time. After his 21st birthday, Tim’s father (played by Bill Nighy) reveals this secret, explaining that they can revisit any moment in their own past by going into a dark place and concentrating on the memory they wish to relive. temporal distortion This novel follows Henry, a man with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel through time. His life and love story with Clare unfold in a fragmented way as he constantly jumps to different points in time. temporal distortion this film manipulates time within dreams. The deeper a person goes into layers of dreams, the slower time moves. The film’s climax takes place across multiple layers of reality, with time passing at different rates in each. temporal distortion this sci-fi epic explores the effects of time dilation. As astronauts travel near a black hole, time for them passes much more slowly than for those on Earth, leading to a huge temporal distortion between the two places.  magical realism Combination of REALISM and FANTICISM Origin: LATIN AMERICA Attempts to present fantasy as possible or reality  magical realism In the world of magical realism, the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the magical becomes commonplace. The stories typically take place in a realistic setting, with detailed descriptions of the everyday world. The extraordinary events disrupt this realism but are accepted by the characters. magical realism The novel chronicles the story of the Buendía family over seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo, founded by José Arcadio Buendía and his wife, Úrsula Iguarán. The narrative blends the ordinary with the fantastical, depicting events such as a rain of yellow flowers, people ascending to the sky, and prophetic visions as natural aspects of life in Macondo magical realism The film uses the concept of reverse aging metaphorically to explore themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. The fantastical element serves as a narrative device to delve into the emotional and existential aspects of Benjamin’s life and relationships. magical realism The film attributes Adaline’s immortality to a combination of a car accident and a lightning strike. This dramatic event is depicted as causing a rare, life- altering change in Adaline’s biology. While there is no real scientific basis for this specific combination causing immortality, it provides a dramatic and visually compelling origin for her condition.  Technoculture Influence of technology and culture in works Science and speculative fiction  Technoculture It encompasses the ways in which technology shapes cultural experiences and how cultural contexts, in turn, shape the development and use of technology. Technoculture "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline (2011) In a dystopian future, people escape their harsh realities through the OASIS, a virtual reality world. The story follows a teenager, Wade Watts, as he embarks on a quest within the OASIS to find an Easter egg that will grant him immense wealth and control of the virtual universe. Technoculture "Alita: Battle Angel" based on the manga "Gunnm" (also known as "Battle Angel Alita") by Yukito Kishiro It delves into technocultural themes such as cyborg identity, societal inequality driven by technology, and the ethical implications of human augmentation. The film combines high-tech visual effects with a narrative that explores the intersection of humanity and technology in a dystopian future. Technoculture The film follows Theodore Twombly, who falls in love with an artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha. It explores themes of human- computer relationships, loneliness, and the nature of consciousness. Examines artificial intelligence, human-technology relationships, and emotional connectivity in a digital age.  Technoculture WALL-E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-Class) is a small, waste- collecting robot left to clean up an abandoned, trash-covered Earth after humans have evacuated due to environmental devastation. Over the centuries, WALL-E has developed a personality and curiosity about the world. His life changes when he discovers a mysterious plant and meets another robot, EVE, who has been sent to Earth to find signs of sustainable life. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to the spaceship Axiom, where humans have been living in a state of technological dependency and physical atrophy.  Hyperreality Jean Baudrillard Fabrication of false reality that is to be consumed as real  Hyperreality Jean Baudrillard For Baudrillard, postmodernism wasn't just about experimental art and fiction: he focused on the 20th- century background in which it had developed, arguing that media and consumer culture had gone into overdrive and led to a Matrix-style scenario where there's no originality left and what seems real is just a simulation.  Hyperreality Hyperreality is a concept that refers to a state in which the boundary between the real world and the simulated or constructed world becomes blurred, to the point where it is challenging to distinguish between the two.  Key Characteristics simulacra Simulacra are copies or representations of objects, events, or experiences that no longer have an original or real reference point. In hyperreality, simulacra become self-sustaining, existing independently of any original, real-world counterpart.  Key Characteristics simulacra Simulacra are copies or representations of objects, events, or experiences that no longer have an original or real reference point. In hyperreality, simulacra become self-sustaining, existing independently of any original, real-world counterpart.  Key Characteristics Media Saturation The media plays a significant role in creating hyperreality by constantly producing images, news, and representations that can distort or replace reality. These images can feel more vivid, exciting, or emotionally engaging than real-life experiences.  Hyperreality "The Matrix" (1999) In this film, the protagonist, Neo, discovers that the reality people live in is actually a computer- generated simulation. The film explores the idea of hyperreality by questioning whether the experiences we perceive as real are actually real or just a simulation created by external forces.  Hyperreality "Ready Player One" Ernest Cline (2011) In a future where much of humanity spends its time in the OASIS, a vast virtual reality universe, the lines between the real world and the digital one become blurred. People invest more of their lives in the virtual world than in the decaying real one.  Hyperreality "Inception" (2010) In Christopher Nolan's film, characters enter shared dream worlds that are so detailed and immersive that distinguishing them from reality becomes difficult. The film constantly plays with the notion of whether the characters are in the real world or a dream, challenging the concept of what is "real."  Paranoia AMBIGUOUS SYMBOLS Paranoia as a literary technique is used by authors to create tension, build atmosphere, and explore themes of mistrust, fear, and disorientation.  Paranoia It often manifests through unreliable narration, distorted realities, and the depiction of characters who feel persecuted or threatened by external forces, whether real or imagined. Paranoia can drive the plot, challenge the reader’s perception of truth, and engage with broader societal fears or psychological complexities.  Key Characteristics simulacra Simulacra are copies or representations of objects, events, or experiences that no longer have an original or real reference point. In hyperreality, simulacra become self-sustaining, existing independently of any original, real-world counterpart. How it Functions as a Technique: Unreliable Narrators Paranoid narrators are often unreliable because their perceptions are skewed by fear and suspicion. The reader must navigate between the narrator’s distorted view of reality and the actual events of the story, creating ambiguity and suspense.  paranoia In "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator’s paranoia about the old man’s eye leads him to commit murder. His insistence that he is sane, despite increasingly erratic behavior, creates an unreliable narrative that leaves the reader questioning what is real. TRUE! --nervous --very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses --not destroyed --not dulled them. Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. How, then, am I mad? Observe how healthily --how calmly I can tell you the whole story. It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! He had the eye of a vulture --a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees -- very gradually --I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever. The narrator's denial of insanity "You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded— with what caution—with what foresight—with what dissimulation I went to work!" His fixation on the old man’s eye "He had the eye of a vulture— a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees—very gradually—I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever." The narrator’s insistence on sanity despite his erratic actions: "It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye!" How it Functions as a Technique: Psychological Depth Paranoia allows authors to delve into the psyche of their characters, exploring mental instability, anxiety, and the breakdown of rational thought. This deep psychological focus can enhance character development and create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the character’s internal struggles.  paranoia The novel delves into the trauma of war (Teddy is a World War II veteran) and personal loss, showing how unresolved guilt and grief can manifest as paranoia. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Teddy’s paranoia is not just about the asylum—it’s rooted in his inability to confront his own traumatic memories, particularly about his wife and children. How it Functions as a Technique: Suspense and Tension Paranoia heightens the sense of danger and unpredictability in a story. Characters who believe they are being watched, pursued, or manipulated can create a tense atmosphere, even if the threat is not real. The reader shares in the character’s anxiety, unsure of what is truly happening.  paranoia In "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" by Shirley Jackson, Merricat’s paranoid thoughts about the villagers and her obsessive rituals build a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. The reader is drawn into her mindset, questioning the boundary between real and imagined threats. How it Functions as a Technique: Themes of Control and Surveillance Paranoia is often tied to themes of control, power, and surveillance. Characters may feel oppressed by institutions, governments, or other characters, reflecting broader social anxieties. This technique can be used to comment on issues of autonomy, freedom, and resistance.  paranoia The handmaids, including Offred, live in constant fear of being spied on or betrayed, even by those they trust. The series vividly illustrates the paranoia that comes from living under a totalitarian regime where freedom and autonomy are systematically eroded.  minimalism Minimalism in literature, art, and film is characterized by simplicity, economy of words or imagery, and a focus on essential elements without extraneous details.  minimalism In film, minimalism may be reflected in a restrained visual style, limited use of dialogue, and focus on small, intimate moments rather than grandiose narratives. The filmmaker often uses stillness, silence, and a slow pace to evoke emotion and allow viewers to contemplate the imagery.  minimalism Sam Bell is essentially the only character for most of the film, with limited interactions (primarily with an AI named GERTY). This minimalist approach to casting enhances the existential and psychological focus on Sam's deteriorating mental state and the nature of identity.  minimalism After the initial scenes involving Chuck’s normal life, much of the film is without dialogue, especially once he’s stranded. Chuck’s conversations with Wilson (a volleyball he anthropomorphizes) are a form of minimalist dialogue, symbolizing his loneliness and descent into desperation.  maximalism Maximalism is the artistic and literary opposite of minimalism, characterized by excess, complexity, rich detail, and an embrace of chaos and ornamentation.  maximalism maximalism often involves sprawling narratives, a wealth of characters, complex plots, and digressions that enhance the thematic or stylistic richness of the work. Maximalist authors embrace verbosity, description, and a certain "bigness" in storytelling, using an expansive style to explore intricate ideas.  maximalism Tolkien created an entire mythology, complete with its own history, languages, cultures, and geography. His meticulous detailing of Middle-earth, from the Shire to Mordor, immerses readers in a richly realized world. The appendices, maps, and genealogies at the end of The Return of the King further emphasize the depth and breadth of this fictional universe.  maximalism Martin’s series features an enormous ensemble of characters, each with their own motivations, backgrounds, and storylines. With each chapter told from a different character’s perspective, the novel creates a dense web of interpersonal relationships, conflicts, and alliances. From noble houses to common folk, Martin’s world is populated by a rich variety of voices.