What Are Literary Devices? How to Use them for Better English Assignments

Literary devices are important tools that help enhance writing and clarify it. It makes the text much more meaningful and creative as well. Especially in language papers, using literary devices becomes even more critical as it improves the writing while adding depth. To get assistance with writing, check out English assignment help online. However, learning about these devices can help students convert their messages more promptly. These also add a hint of creativity while keeping the academic tone intact. Hence, this article will explain all the common literary devices that will help write more effectively.

What Are Literary Devices?

First, let's understand literary devices. Writers use these techniques to stress their points. They also help engage the readers better. Hence, literary devices make the text more engaging and interesting. Let's have a look at a few of the very common ones.

Common Literary Devices:

Simile: This compares two different things using the words "like" or "as." It is found  in many common expressions and phrases. One can use similes while trying to describe something. This way, the comparison can be more vivid and engaging.

Example: Her smile is as bright as a sunbeam. 

Here, her smile is directly compared to the bright sun beams. This helps put the idea into perspective.

Metaphor: A metaphor is a direct comparison between two different things. It does not use "like" or "as.". Metaphors are very helpful when one wants to create strong imagery. They also help make the assignment arguments more persuasive.

Example: 

• Time is a thief.

• Your eyes are starry. 

Here, in the first example, time is compared with a thief, which is opposite of it. But it has a stronger meaning, which creates a strong image.

Personification: This tries to give human qualities to inanimate objects or ideas. One can use this device to write descriptive essays and storytelling.

Example: The river was quiet on a full moon night.

The river has a human quality here, and the quiet here stands for its stillness.

Alliteration: This refers to the repetition of sounds. So, when in a sentence, the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of words. One can use this to create a rhythmic effect in the writing. It is specifically used in poetry and creative writing.

Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Here, the repetition of the letter "p " creates a rhythmic effect while reading the sentence.

Hyperbole: This helps exaggerate a statement. It helps in emphasising a point. To make writing more engaging, one can use this literary device. It is commonly used in persuasive writing. 

Example: I have a million things to do on Sunday.

Here, the person is trying to show his busy schedule by emphasising it. The person does not have a million things to do, but it emphasises the busy schedule.

Imagery: This uses descriptive language to create a more vivid mental image of the idea. While writing, this can help enhance storytelling or descriptive writing, as it makes writing more vivid and engaging for the writer. 

Example: The bright orange sun merged with the voluminous milky cloud, creating a golding cast.

Here, the adjectives added before the nouns help create a vivid image, viz., bright orange and milky clouds.

Irony: This can be seen when there is contrast between two ideas. One is expectation and the other is reality. This is typically used to add humour to the writing. Or even to highlight any contradictions.

Example: The cook is searching for good food.

The irony is that the cook who cooks for a living is looking for good food. This adds a slight humour to the sentence while also making it more interesting.

Symbolism: This is a really popular technique, mostly in the literature field. Here it helps in creating a deeper meaning to the analysis. It adds a creation kind of depth to the essay, making it more impactful.

Example: The colour orange in the flag stands for courage.

Here, orange becomes more impactful by adding the symbolic idea to an ordinary colour.

Foreshadowing: This is a way of hinting at the future events in the story. Hence, it can be very useful in building up a narrative in any writing. It adds an element of suspense to the writing. 

Example: The dark clouds gathered in the sky signify a storm approaching. 

Here the dark clouds are a sign that a storm is coming. This one can be used in storytelling to build a bit of suspense.

Repetition: Here, by resting words or phrases, one emphasises a point. It  strengthens the arguments and also makes them more impactful. This is specifically used in essays and speeches.

Example: Step by step, she reached her goal.

This makes the narrative more impactful by stressing the process.

How to use literary devices in English assignments:

• Understand the context: While choosing the literary devices, keep in mind the purpose and theme of the writing. This makes it easier to put the idea through.

• Avoid overuse: Avoid using too many of them in one paragraph. This can make the writing confusing and difficult to follow. Using them only when necessary makes them more impactful.

• Enhances clarity: Keep in mind the idea of enhancing the overall quality and impact of the work. But by overusing it or not using it correctly, one can complicate it.

• Practice writing: Like any other skill, creative writing also needs practice and patience. Hence, try to practice daily to get better at using them.

• Analyse examples: Reading and observing how others use it can make it more interesting. This also helps in understanding the purpose of these devices properly. Look for examples of assignments online to get a better idea.

Conclusion:

Literary devices are powerful tools that can help elevate any writing. Further, it also helps in enhancing the quality of the assignments. They help create engaging and persuasive writing. With proper use of this device, one can make the writing sound more vivid and imaginative at times. Further of this technique, one can make the most of it by understanding the proper use. However, one must also realise that, like any other skill, this also needs practice. Further, use examples to learn the application of literary devices while writing. Further, to get assistance with the writing process, check out English assignment help online. 

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