Literary Devices

A few common literary devices used in writing essays are suspense, episodes, tonal shifts, and descriptive imagery. Each device adds flavor to the writing. They keep the reader interested and entertained. The devices contribute to the style of the author.

Suspense is used to create a tension in the reader. This device gets the audience more involved in the storyline and emotionally attached. As they continue to read, they are eager to read more to see what happens next. When writing, suspense should not make up the whole paper.

Episodes are the switching of story to story. To start a new episode or story, the reader's attention must be grabbed. Episodes must be written with proper grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation (History Engine). Usually in episodes, dates, locations, and characters are introduced immediately.

 

Tonal shifts go hand in hand with suspense. When tones shift, the tone could switch back and forth, or just once, depending on the author's style. This device makes the paper exciting, taking the reader through a range of emotions (eHow). Some common tonal shifts are happy to sad, serious to humorous, and chaotic to peaceful.

Imagery is the use of vivid and descriptive diction to describe something in the essay. This device appeals to the reader's senses and deepens the reader's understanding of the work. It describes the looks, smells, sounds, and feelings of items, such as a character or place, in the essay. It makes it seem that the reader is actually there with whatever is being described.