1. Common Literary Devices in Short Stories

2. Simile Making a comparison between two things using “like” or “as”
She was as tall as a tower.

3. Metaphor
Making a direct comparison between two things that are not literally alike.
His memory was a little foggy.

4. Allusion
An implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing or to a part of another text.
The author assumes that the reader has enough of a body of knowledge to make the connection, and will therefore gain a deeper understanding of the situation.
The beggar looked as old as Methusalem.

5. Types of Irony
i) Verbal Irony –contrast between what is said and what is meant
“I really hope everything goes well for you”
ii) Dramatic Irony –contrast between what the character thinks to be true, and what we (the reader) know to be true.
The audience sees the killer behind the victim

6. iii) Situational Irony –contrast between what happens and what was expected.
A fire station burns down
Dying of thirst while lost at sea

7. Foreshadowing
When the author provides clues/hints as to what is going to happen later in the story.
In the fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, the mother is concerned for her safety and that foreshadows the appearance of the big bad wolf.

8. Symbolism
When an object, person, setting, etc. is used to represent something else.
A heart-shape represents the emotion of love
The colour black represents death or evil