Techniques, devices & elements
No.
#
Name
Definition
Example
Type of Text
1
Allegory
An allegory is a symbolism device where the
meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is
conveyed with the aid of a corporeal object or idea
being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric
device, an allegory suggests a meaning via
metaphoric examples.
Faith is like a stony uphill climb:
a single stumble might send you
sprawling but belief and
steadfastness will see you to the
very top.
2
Alliteration
Alliteration is a literary device where words are
used in quick succession and begin with letters
belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is
the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the
alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar
sounds in the sentence. Alliterations are also
created when the words all begin with the same
letter. Alliterations are used to add character to the
writing and often add an element of ‘fun’ to the
piece.
The Wicked Witch of the West
went her own way. (The ‘W’
sound is highlighted and
repeated throughout the
sentence.)
3
Allusion
An allusion is a figure of speech whereby the
author refers to a subject matter such as a place,
event, or literary work by way of a passing
reference. It is up to the reader to make a
connection to the subject being mentioned.
It’s no wonder everyone refers to
Rachael as another Mother
Teresa in the making; she loves
to help and care after people
everywhere- from the streets to
her own friends.
4
Amplification
Amplification refers to a literary practice wherein
the writer embellishes the sentence by adding
more information to it in order to increase its worth
and understandability. When a plain sentence is
too abrupt and fails to convey the full implications
desired, amplification comes into play when the
Original sentence- The thesis
paper was difficult. After
amplification- The thesis paper
was difficult: it required
extensive research, data
collection, sample surveys,
writer adds more to the structure to give it more
interviews and a lot of fieldwork.
5
Anagram
Anagrams are an extremely popular form of
literary device wherein the writer jumbles up parts
of the word to create a new word. From the
syllables of a phrase to the individual letters of a
word, any fraction can be jumbled to create a new
form. Anagram is a form of wordplay that allows
the writer to infuse mystery and a little interactive
fun in the writing so that the reader can decipher
the actual word on their own and discover a depth
of meaning to the writing.
An anagram for "debit card" is
"bad credit". As you can see,
both phrases use the same
letters. By mixing the letters a
bit of humour is created.
6
Analogy
An analogy is a literary device that helps to
establish a relationship based on similarities
between two concepts or ideas. By using an
analogy we can convey a new idea by using the
blueprint of an old one as a basis for
understanding. With a mental linkage between the
two, one can create understanding regarding the
new concept in a simple and succinct manner.
