Literary Devices: Some reminders Choose wisely in terms of terms AND quote. Not a single line b/c it may not be something you can really dig into…Not too much b/c a whole soliloquy or poem can present some problems of its own The proper MLA format for plays is “quote” (I iv 23-27). For anonymous works, use the title: (Sir Gawain 102). - If you forget to document or do it incorrectly next time, there will be no credit given for that part.

Show don’t tell, means explain HOW something is true, don’t just tell me that it is Know the difference between tone and mood; symbol vs. allegory; motif vs. theme Stop thinking that function is the same thing as definition. It’s NOT. “The function of this foreshadowing is to show what is going to happen in the future” Well, duh. Stop using different words to tell me the same idea over and over Stop talking about the reader or how this device advances the plot Go beyond characterization!

The three parts of the function argument Part “A” establishes context and uses the term actively. Context: I need only a couple of sentences to remind me of what is going on during the moment the quote happens. Using the term actively: it’s a polysyndeton b/c he uses the word “Nor” to connect phrases when he’s talking to his mom about his outfit. Then you must explain your device within the context of the quote: If it’s a metaphor, what is being compared to what AND what is the basis for the comparison? Why is Claudius called a serpent? If it’s an allusion, don’t just say it’s a Greek allusion referencing Hyperion and satyrs. WHO is Hyperion? Who is the Satyr? What qualities to they share? EXPLAIN the allusion. WHO is Jephthah? What happened to him and his daughter? THEN you can explain the story’s implications in part B.

Part B: what is the effect of those words (and that term) at that moment? There should be more than one idea here. Character and tone are good starting places, but you can build into things like subtext, mood, the effect on other characters, imagery, etc. Before you write, make a bullet-pointed list of all the things happening in the scene, especially focusing on YOUR QUOTE. You picked that quote/term for a reason You’re responding to the quote itself, as well as the ideas contained w/in the quote.

Part C: the big picture This could mean scene, act, or play as a whole, It does NOT mean listing all other examples of that literary device throughout the play, which many of you are doing. It means building upon what you’ve already written, still focusing on that term/quote, but looking beyond the moment into things like:  Themes  Motifs  Effect on other characters like with parallels or foils  Societal rules  Contrasts, etc. LOOK AT SAMPLES FOR IDEAS

Part C Sentence Starters Chopin uses the motif/symbol/imagery of the ocean to show WHAT big picture ideas/societal messages/themes? Shakespeare creates this parallel between Laertes and Hamlet to reveal WHAT thematic ideas? Remember that themes are best expressed in complete sentences! Themes are NOT single words or phrases. There should be a subject and a verb…