Questions tagged [literary-techniques]
134 questions
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Literary term for an obvious understatement to emphasize excess
I was wondering what the term was for a intentional understatement of an obvious excess to emphasize that excess.
For example saying Bill Gates is “doing well for himself”. Anyone familiar with Bill Gates instantly thinks of how “doing well for…
ClassicThunder
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What do you call it when people mix truth and lies?
A common tactic in the deliberate spread of misinformation such as is common in chain emails, is to state something true and easily proven in order to gain the reader's trust, then follow it with a lie that the trusting reader will not bother to…
njbair
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What is it called when a character is portrayed opposite the stereotype for comedic effect?
Many character roles have stereotypically defined behavior, e.g. macho soldiers or helpless princesses. Sometimes authors intentionally defy those stereotypes for humor, and to call attention to readers' usual assumptions.
What is the name of this…
elliot42
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What type of a literary device is this?
A murdering thief or a thieving murderer.
I have looked up all possible literary devices, and can't seem to find one...
Rex
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Is there a word for the narrative technique of a last-second change in mood?
Sorry if this is off topic, but this seemed to be the best site to ask.
I can think of several examples of the use of a narrative technique: a last-second change in mood, often occurring so close to the end of the work that the audience cannot…
P...
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Looking for Literary technique's name
What is it when an author starts the book with a future event, goes on for maybe a paragraph or a page, then stops and returns to the present?
Tori
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2
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Literary technique from quote in Frankenstein
How much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the
world, than he who aspires to be greater than his nature will allow
The above quote is taken from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and I read it described as an example of…
jakerinker
- 197
2
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1 answer
Term used for juxtaposing different meanings of the same word
There is a technique used occasionally in (often comic) writing, whereby two different meanings of the same word are combined in a sentence to create a sense of surprise in the reader.
My particular favourite comes from the Flanders and Swann song…
Joni
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2
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6 answers
In literary terms, what's the best word to describe a collection of locations?
I'm translating a book I wrote some years ago from Portuguese to English, and there's a section that describes the locations, spaces and factions from a specific fictional work.
Whats the best word to use for this chapter's title: "Locations &…
Geraldo Nascimento
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Is derogatory language a technique?
Is the use of swear words in a narrative piece considered a language technique? If so what would the technique be?
maths man
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What kind of literacy device is "“Amen” stuck in my throat."?
So what kind of literacy device is "“Amen” stuck in my throat"? This quote is found in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Macbeth says:
But wherefore could not I pronounce “Amen”? I had most need of blessing, and “Amen” Stuck in my throat.
He is treating a…
CountDOOKU
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What is the name of the technique used when substituting a word?
I just came out of an exam where an author used byte instead of bite in a line. The line was, "creating fake profiles, but at least she gets a byte of midnight love". It's driving me absolutely crazy because I just can't remember the name of the…
Tilly
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To say in a threatening way without issuing a threat
Near the end of the movie Mirror Mirror, I heard the following line uttered by the mirror:
"Are you ready to learn the price of using magic?"
It was spoken as a threat, but the mirror was not issuing a threat.
A similar statement was uttered in…
user42440
1
vote
4 answers
Literary techniques involving sound
What literary sound device/technique is expressed through the phrase "sudden departures", involving the articulation of the words? (alliteration, assonance, sibilance etc.)
George Zhai
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Name of literary device and examples
Possible Duplicate:
Is there a name for inverting word order to accomplish a different meaning?
“Some champagne for my real friends, some real pain for my sham friends.”
Style of this sentence
I recall once knowing a name for a statement like "I…
Jeremy
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