Appreciation of English Literary Texts
G.C.E.(O/L)
Darshika Chathurangi Maddege
BA & PGDE in TESL (University of Colombo)
MA in Teaching Literature in Second Language Context
Common literary terms
Poem -A poem is a collection of words that Form/structure – format of the poem
expresses ideas or emotions in a powerfully
vivid and imaginative style. Quatrain – stanza with for lines
Poet - a person who writes poems Couplets – A pair of lines in a poem
Poetess - a female poet. Tercet – stanza with three lines
Stanza - a formally defined unit of a poem Free verse - poems which are without
rhythm and rhyme schemes, do not follow
Verse - any number of lines grouped regular rhyme scheme rules.
together
Sonnet - A sonnet is a one-stanza, 14-line
Lines - A line is a unit of language into poem
which a poem is divided.
Ballad - a poem or song narrating a story in
Title - the name of a poem short stanzas
Theme - the subject of a piece of writing, Ode - a lyric poem, typically one in the form
of an address to a particular subject.
Literary Devices
Literary devices are various elements and techniques used in writing that create different meanings or
effect in literature.
Eg:
Figure of speech Narrative style
Plot Point of view
What is figurative language/Figure of Speech?
Figurative language refers to the use of words in a way that differs from the normal order and meaning
in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or evocative comparison. It uses an
ordinary sentence to refer to something without directly stating it.
She is a peacock. You were as brave as a lion.
My teacher is a dragon. They fought like cats and dogs.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things and uses the words “like” or “as”.
The cat sat in the chair like a king overlooking his kingdom.
The new teacher is as tall as a giraffe.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a statement that compares two things that are not alike. Unlike similes, metaphors do not
use the words “like” or “as.” Such statements only make sense when the reader understands the
connection between the two things being compared.
The warrior has a heart of stone. Baby, you are my sunshine.
Love is a battlefield. My sister is a red rose.
Personification
Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to non-living objects.
The stars danced happily in the night sky. April is the cruelest month of the year
The sun greeted me when I woke up in the
morning.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggeration that is created to emphasize a point or bring out a sense of humor. It is
often used in everyday conversation without the speaker noticing it.
I would die for you. I have told you a million times to wash the
dishes.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is a language that names something or an action by imitating the sound associated with it.
They add some reality to the writing.
The fireplace heater hissed and cracked. The truck engine roared as it climbed the hill
Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that
are different from their literal sense.
The dove is a symbol of peace. A red rose, or the color red, stands for love
or romance.
Point of view
Writing can be told from all different point of view or perspectives. Three different points of view are
found in writing, first, second, and third person.
I scored the goal. (first person) He scored the goal. (third person)
You scored the goal. (second person)
Flashback
You have flashbacks in life. The stories or experiences related to past.
For example, the smell of baking cookies takes you back to a time you spend with your grandmother.
Tone
Tone tells us a lot about what a character is thinking, or the feeling the poem is trying to portray.
It can be a happy, energetic, or even melancholy tone.
Mood
The feelings create in reader is called ‘mood’.The words the writer uses to create the mood can make the
book happy or the song melancholy.
Cheerful. Humorous. Whimsical.
Reflective. Melancholy. Romantic.
Gloomy. Idyllic.
Repetition
Repetition is simply repeated words, letters, phrases, and sounds. Used correctly, repetition in writing
and poetry can push the message or point of the writing. See repetition at work.
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Bells poem “ Keeping time, time, time”
“Let it snow, let it show, let it snow” lyric in Dean Martin’s Let It Snow.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the beginning sounds of neighboring words.
But a better butter makes a batter better. Walter wondered where Winnie was.
Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds (not just letters) in words that are close together. The
sounds don't have to be at the beginning of the word.
Son of a gun (a sound) Cock of the walk (o sound)
After awhile, crocodile (I sound) Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs
bite(I sound)
Consonance
Consonance refers to repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase.
The ship has sailed to the far off sh
She ate seven sandwiches on a sunny Sunday last year.
Imagery
The words the author uses to create images in reader’s mind .
The night was black as ever, but bright stars lit up the sky beautifully .(Visual imagery)
Silence was broken by the peal of piano keys as Shannon began practicing her concerto.(Auditory
imagery)
She smelled the scent of sweet hibiscus wafting through the air, its tropical smell a reminder that she
was on vacation in a beautiful place.(Olfactory imagery)
The candy melted in her mouth and swirls of bittersweet chocolate (Gustatory imagery)
The grass tickled his skin and sweat cooled on his brow.(Tactile imagery)
Irony
Irony occurs when there's a clear contrast between what is said and what is meant.
Examples include:
"How nice!" she said, when I told her I had to work all weekend. (Verbal irony)
A traffic cop gets suspended for not paying his parking tickets. (Situational irony)
The Titanic was said to be unsinkable but sank on its first voyage. (Situational irony)
Naming a tiny Chihuahua Brutus. (Verbal irony)
When the audience knows the killer is hiding in a closet in a scary movie, but the actors do not.
(Dramatic irony)
Rhyme Scheme
Rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyme that comes at the end of each verse or line in poetry.
I was angry with my friend: A
I told my wrath, my wrath did end. A
I was angry with my foe: B
I told it not, my wrath did grow. B
Allusion
An allusion is a passing reference in literature. It’s a fun type of literary device that keeps writing from
getting bland or boring.
He was her Romeo. (reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet)
It was like I walked into the Garden of Eden. (biblical allusion)
Foreshadowing
Writers give reader a hint something exciting or unexpected is going to happen.
The still evening sent a chill down her back. The air was just too calm.
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other.
Act naturally Bittersweet Deafening silence
Alone together Clearly confused Farewell reception
Amazingly awful Dark light
Paradox
A paradox is a statement that may seem contradictory but can be true (or at least make sense).
"I can resist anything but temptation." - This is the beginning of the end.
Oscar Wilde
The second sentence is false. The first
If I know one thing, it's that I know nothing. sentence is true.
Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition places two opposites next to each other. It could be positive and negative, like light or dark.
A few examples of juxtaposition include:
Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. (big vs. little)
The young child looked up into the wrinkled face of her grandmother smiling. (young vs. old)
Deification
Treating something or someone like a deity or god.
Evening star is referred to the goddess Venus.
Satire/Sarcasm
Sarcasm is really an insult or put something or someone down by vices or follies.
“Do not weep, maiden, for War is kind”
Meter
Meter is a unit of rhythm in poetry, the pattern of the beats. It is also called a foot. Each foot has a
certain number of syllables in it, usually two or three syllables. The difference in types of meter is which
syllables are accented or stressed and which are not.
Iamb Meter Examples
Iamb meter has the first syllable unaccented and the second accented so it sounds like duh DUH. Here are
examples of iamb meter:
That time / of year / thou mayst / in me / be hold - William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 73"
Shall I /com pare /thee to / a sum / mer's day? - William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18"
Soliloquy
A soliloquy is a device in which a character speaks to himself or herself. It is related to thoughts and
feelings. In a soliloquy,character speak only when alone or when they believe they are alone.
In the poem “Two’s company” the man says himself “Come,come,it’s merely nervous”
Monologue
Monologue is a speech presented by a single character most often to express their mental thoughts aloud
and it is directly address to another character or the audience.
“Terrance ,look your last at me
For I come home nomore”
Enjambment (run on line)
Certain lines in the poem that continue in the next stanza to complete the meaning.
“And then hopped sidewise to the wall
To let the beetle pass”
Anaphora
The deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect.
“And long will wait the fold
And long will stand the empty plate
And dinner will be cold”
Euphemism
A euphemism is when a more mild or indirect word or expression is used in place of another word or phrase
that is considered harsh, blunt, vulgar, or unpleasant.
Example: "I'm so sorry, but he didn't make it." The phrase "didn't make it" is a more polite and less blunt
way of saying that someone has died.
Colloquialism
Colloquialism is the use of informal language and slang. It's often used by authors to lend a sense of realism to
their characters and dialogue. Forms of colloquialism include words, phrases, and contractions that aren't real
words (such as "gonna" and "ain't").
Example: "Hey, what's up, man?" This piece of dialogue is an example of a colloquialism, since it uses
common everyday words and phrases, namely "what's up" and "man."
Allusion
Allusion is when an author makes an indirect reference to a figure, place, event, or idea originating
from outside the text. Many allusions make reference to previous works of literature or art.
Example: "Stop acting so smart—it's not like you're Einstein or something." This is an allusion to the
famous real-life theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.
Identify the literary devices in the following sentences or phrases.
1. Green rushes like our rivers,and dost taste
2. The new neighbor is as curious as a cat; nothing escapes her attention.
3. I am drowning in a sea of grief.
4. The afternoon is so bright that the sun would have to wear sunglasses.
5. The car stopped with a groaning complaint.
6. The alarm clock buzzed at the time I was going to the bathroom.
7. The stars danced happily in the night sky.
8. He watches from the mountain walls
9. Excellence of killing
10. The fresh and juicy orange is very cold and sweet.
11. It was dark and dim in the forest.
12. The girl ran her hands on a soft satin fabric.
13. Stating during a thunderstorm, “beautiful weather we’re having”
14. Definitely maybe
15. Save money by spending it.
16. Telling a rude customer to “have a nice day”
17. Sleepy sheep were shorn on Sunday
18. Lean, mean, fighting machine
19. ‘Tis ignorance that makes a barren waste
Of all beyond itself, thou dost bedew
20. A bird came down the walk:
He did not know I saw
21. I have also learned to say good bye
When I mean good riddance
22. He claps the cragged with crooked hand
23. And he was rich - yes richer than a king.
