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J
Jes John Tetedje
14/12/2025
AP English Literature
Literary Technique
420
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14 Dec 2025
•
Exploring Essential Literary Techniques
J
Jes John Tetedje
@jesjohn77
1 / 3
Understanding Literary Devices and Key Techniques
Literary devices are basically anything in a text that you can spot, analyse, and interpret - they're the building blocks that make writing interesting rather than boring. Writers don't just randomly throw words together; they carefully choose specific techniques to get their message across.
Literary techniques are deliberate word choices that authors use at specific moments in their writing. Unlike basic story elements that appear in every text, these techniques pop up when writers want to create a particular effect. Think of alliteration - when consonant sounds repeat close together, like "Peter Piper picked" - it makes phrases stick in your head.
Figurative language is when words mean something different from their literal definition. This includes loads of techniques like metaphors, similes, and hyperbole. Instead of saying "I'm sad," a poet might describe feelings as "dark storm clouds gathering in my chest."
Foreshadowing gives you sneaky hints about what's coming later in the story. It's like when a horror film shows a character checking that the door is locked - you know something bad is probably going to happen involving that door later.
Quick Tip: When you spot imagery, ask yourself which senses the writer is appealing to - sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch. This helps you understand how they're creating atmosphere.
Advanced Techniques That Pack a Punch
Irony is when the opposite of what you'd expect actually happens - it's life's way of being sarcastic. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the children fear Boo Radley throughout the story, but he ends up being their hero. That's proper ironic.
Metaphors create direct comparisons without using "like" or "as." When Shakespeare calls Juliet "the sun," he's not saying she's literally a burning star - he's showing how she brings light and warmth to Romeo's world. Oxymorons mash together contradictory ideas, like Romeo's "cold fire" when describing love's confusing nature.
Sound techniques like onomatopoeia make words actually sound like what they're describing. Words like "crash," "bang," or "gurgling rattle" help you hear what's happening in the story.
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things. When a writer says "the wind whispered through the trees" or gives a baseball bat a name and personality, they're making the story world feel more alive and relatable.
Exam Success: Look for paradoxes - situations that seem impossible but reveal deeper truths. These often appear in opening lines and memorable quotes.
Patterns and Symbols That Create Deeper Meaning
Repetition isn't just saying the same thing twice by accident - it's a powerful tool for emphasis. When a poem keeps asking "What if..." at the start of each line, it hammers home the speaker's anxiety and uncertainty. Your brain naturally pays attention to patterns.
Similes work differently from metaphors because they use "like" or "as" to make comparisons. Instead of saying "the moon was blood," a simile might say "the moon appeared like a drop of blood hanging in the sky." Both work, but similes feel more gentle and descriptive.
Symbolism is when concrete objects represent bigger, abstract ideas. The key thing to remember is that symbols must be physical things that stand for universal concepts. In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell isn't just a shell - it represents order and civilisation, so when it gets destroyed, you know chaos is taking over.
Don't confuse symbolism with metaphor though. A symbol has to be something you can actually see or touch, representing something you can't. The conch is a physical object representing the invisible concept of social order.
Analysis Tip: When you spot symbolism in texts, trace how the symbol changes throughout the story - this often mirrors the main themes and character development.
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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
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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
Exploring Essential Literary Techniques
J
Jes John Tetedje
@jesjohn77
Literary devices are the secret tools writers use to make their stories, poems, and plays more powerful and memorable. Think of them as a writer's toolkit - just like a musician uses different instruments to create emotion, writers use techniques... Show more
Understanding Literary Devices and Key Techniques
Literary devices are basically anything in a text that you can spot, analyse, and interpret - they're the building blocks that make writing interesting rather than boring. Writers don't just randomly throw words together; they carefully choose specific techniques to get their message across.
Literary techniques are deliberate word choices that authors use at specific moments in their writing. Unlike basic story elements that appear in every text, these techniques pop up when writers want to create a particular effect. Think of alliteration - when consonant sounds repeat close together, like "Peter Piper picked" - it makes phrases stick in your head.
Figurative language is when words mean something different from their literal definition. This includes loads of techniques like metaphors, similes, and hyperbole. Instead of saying "I'm sad," a poet might describe feelings as "dark storm clouds gathering in my chest."
Foreshadowing gives you sneaky hints about what's coming later in the story. It's like when a horror film shows a character checking that the door is locked - you know something bad is probably going to happen involving that door later.
Quick Tip: When you spot imagery, ask yourself which senses the writer is appealing to - sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch. This helps you understand how they're creating atmosphere.
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Advanced Techniques That Pack a Punch
Irony is when the opposite of what you'd expect actually happens - it's life's way of being sarcastic. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the children fear Boo Radley throughout the story, but he ends up being their hero. That's proper ironic.
Metaphors create direct comparisons without using "like" or "as." When Shakespeare calls Juliet "the sun," he's not saying she's literally a burning star - he's showing how she brings light and warmth to Romeo's world. Oxymorons mash together contradictory ideas, like Romeo's "cold fire" when describing love's confusing nature.
Sound techniques like onomatopoeia make words actually sound like what they're describing. Words like "crash," "bang," or "gurgling rattle" help you hear what's happening in the story.
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things. When a writer says "the wind whispered through the trees" or gives a baseball bat a name and personality, they're making the story world feel more alive and relatable.
Exam Success: Look for paradoxes - situations that seem impossible but reveal deeper truths. These often appear in opening lines and memorable quotes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Patterns and Symbols That Create Deeper Meaning
Repetition isn't just saying the same thing twice by accident - it's a powerful tool for emphasis. When a poem keeps asking "What if..." at the start of each line, it hammers home the speaker's anxiety and uncertainty. Your brain naturally pays attention to patterns.
Similes work differently from metaphors because they use "like" or "as" to make comparisons. Instead of saying "the moon was blood," a simile might say "the moon appeared like a drop of blood hanging in the sky." Both work, but similes feel more gentle and descriptive.
Symbolism is when concrete objects represent bigger, abstract ideas. The key thing to remember is that symbols must be physical things that stand for universal concepts. In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell isn't just a shell - it represents order and civilisation, so when it gets destroyed, you know chaos is taking over.
Don't confuse symbolism with metaphor though. A symbol has to be something you can actually see or touch, representing something you can't. The conch is a physical object representing the invisible concept of social order.
Analysis Tip: When you spot symbolism in texts, trace how the symbol changes throughout the story - this often mirrors the main themes and character development.
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?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content: Poetic Devices
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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