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Easy English Literary Devices PDF: Simple Definitions and Fun Examples

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Emma Martin

08/03/2023

English Lang.

English devices

Subjects

English Lang.

Poetry I

Poetry I

Identify and Explain the Function of a Simile

393

•

8 Mar 2023

•

1 page

Easy English Literary Devices PDF: Simple Definitions and Fun Examples

user profile picture

Emma Martin

@emmamartin_kbng

This comprehensive guide explores essential English literary deviceswith explanations... Show more

English devices Juxtaposition: a juxtaposition is putting two different things together creating Contrast and irony, for example the moon an

English Literary Devices Explained (Continued)

This page continues the exploration of important literary devices with examples, focusing on dramatic irony and its significance in literature. This information is particularly useful for students studying English literature or preparing for exams such as GCSE.

Dramatic Irony in Depth

Dramatic irony is a powerful literary device that creates tension and engagement in a story by giving the audience information that some or all of the characters don't have.

Definition: Dramatic irony occurs when the readers or audience possess more knowledge about the situation than at least one of the characters involved in the story.

This device is particularly effective in creating suspense, humor, or tragedy, depending on how it's used. It allows the audience to anticipate events that the characters cannot, leading to a more immersive and emotionally charged reading or viewing experience.

Example: In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the audience knows that Juliet is not dead but merely sleeping due to a potion. However, Romeo, unaware of this fact, believes she is truly dead and takes his own life. This is a classic example of dramatic irony in literature.

Highlight: Understanding dramatic irony in stories can significantly enhance a reader's appreciation of the plot, character development, and overall narrative structure.

Dramatic irony can serve several purposes in literature:

  1. Creating suspense: When the audience knows about a danger that the character doesn't, it creates tension and anticipation.
  2. Generating sympathy: Knowing more than the character can make the audience feel sympathetic towards them.
  3. Producing comedy: Misunderstandings based on the audience's superior knowledge can lead to humorous situations.
  4. Enhancing tragedy: When the audience knows the tragic outcome that awaits an unknowing character, it can deepen the sense of tragedy.

Vocabulary: Situational irony is often confused with dramatic irony. While dramatic irony involves a discrepancy between what the audience knows and what the characters know, situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation is different from what was expected.

Example: An example of dramatic irony in literature can be found in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. The audience knows that Oedipus has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, but Oedipus himself is unaware of this throughout much of the play.

Understanding and identifying dramatic irony can greatly enhance a student's analysis of literature. It's a key concept in many English literary devices explanation essays and is often featured in exams and literary discussions.

Highlight: For students preparing for exams or writing essays, being able to identify and explain the use of dramatic irony in a text can demonstrate a deep understanding of literary techniques and their effects on storytelling.



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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Subjects

English Lang.

Poetry I

Poetry I

Identify and Explain the Function of a Simile

 

English Lang.

•

393

•

8 Mar 2023

•

1 page

Easy English Literary Devices PDF: Simple Definitions and Fun Examples

user profile picture

Emma Martin

@emmamartin_kbng

This comprehensive guide explores essential English literary devices with explanations and examples, perfect for students studying English literature or preparing for exams like GCSE.

  • Covers nine key literary devices: juxtaposition, personification, simile, foreshadowing, alliteration, metaphor, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, and dramatic irony... Show more

English devices Juxtaposition: a juxtaposition is putting two different things together creating Contrast and irony, for example the moon an

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English Literary Devices Explained (Continued)

This page continues the exploration of important literary devices with examples, focusing on dramatic irony and its significance in literature. This information is particularly useful for students studying English literature or preparing for exams such as GCSE.

Dramatic Irony in Depth

Dramatic irony is a powerful literary device that creates tension and engagement in a story by giving the audience information that some or all of the characters don't have.

Definition: Dramatic irony occurs when the readers or audience possess more knowledge about the situation than at least one of the characters involved in the story.

This device is particularly effective in creating suspense, humor, or tragedy, depending on how it's used. It allows the audience to anticipate events that the characters cannot, leading to a more immersive and emotionally charged reading or viewing experience.

Example: In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the audience knows that Juliet is not dead but merely sleeping due to a potion. However, Romeo, unaware of this fact, believes she is truly dead and takes his own life. This is a classic example of dramatic irony in literature.

Highlight: Understanding dramatic irony in stories can significantly enhance a reader's appreciation of the plot, character development, and overall narrative structure.

Dramatic irony can serve several purposes in literature:

  1. Creating suspense: When the audience knows about a danger that the character doesn't, it creates tension and anticipation.
  2. Generating sympathy: Knowing more than the character can make the audience feel sympathetic towards them.
  3. Producing comedy: Misunderstandings based on the audience's superior knowledge can lead to humorous situations.
  4. Enhancing tragedy: When the audience knows the tragic outcome that awaits an unknowing character, it can deepen the sense of tragedy.

Vocabulary: Situational irony is often confused with dramatic irony. While dramatic irony involves a discrepancy between what the audience knows and what the characters know, situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation is different from what was expected.

Example: An example of dramatic irony in literature can be found in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. The audience knows that Oedipus has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, but Oedipus himself is unaware of this throughout much of the play.

Understanding and identifying dramatic irony can greatly enhance a student's analysis of literature. It's a key concept in many English literary devices explanation essays and is often featured in exams and literary discussions.

Highlight: For students preparing for exams or writing essays, being able to identify and explain the use of dramatic irony in a text can demonstrate a deep understanding of literary techniques and their effects on storytelling.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user