Literary Devices contd…

Topic Content:

Malapropism:

This is when an incorrect word is used in place of a word that has a similar sound. This misuse of the word results in a statement that is both nonsensical and humorous. This is commonly used in comedy.

Metaphor/Simile:

A metaphor is a direct comparison of one thing to another. The two things compared usually share something in common but are unalike in all other aspects. e.g. He was a lion in the fight.

A simile is a type of metaphor in which an object, idea, character, action etc is indirectly compared to another thing using the connections “as” or “like”.

e.g. He fought like a lion.

Note that the two things compared must not belong to the same class.

Metonym:

This is when a related word or phrase is substituted for the actual thing to which it is referring. This device is usually used for poetic and rhetorical effects. 

e.g.     “The pen is mightier than the sword”

“The pen” refers to “the written word” and “the sword” refers to violence”.

Mood:

This is the general feeling the writer wants the audience to have. The writer can achieve this through the description, setting,