Metaphors in literature serve two functions: to enhance understanding and to create artistic images. They include comparisons using “like” or “as” and those without. Examples of metaphors can be found in ancient works like the Epic of Gilgamesh and modern works like The Crucible. The use of metaphor requires skill and attention to avoid mixed […]
Literary criticism analyzes and interprets literature, with various schools of thought including psychoanalytic, Marxist, postcolonial, and feminist. Different theories influence how a text is viewed, and criticism can help resolve conflicts and offer a clearer understanding of a text’s meaning. Literary criticism has multiple functions. It is used as a vehicle for interpreting or analyzing […]
British literature encompasses works by authors from the United Kingdom, including Old, Middle, and Modern English, as well as early works in Gaelic, Welsh, and Latin. It is divided into different periods, including the Renaissance, Romantic, and Victorian periods, with notable authors such as Shakespeare, Austen, and Christie. Many early works were lost due to […]
Contemporary literature is a style of writing that began in the 1940s and includes poetry, prose, and nonfiction. It features realistic stories with well-developed characters and is not limited to Western authors. The genre includes a variety of writing forms and is characterized by a harsher reality influenced by the aftermath of World War II. […]
Literature reports and represents history, with the two intertwined. Literature can take many forms and requires merit and artistry. History is the representation of mankind’s history and is divided into anthropology, archeology, and history. Historical fiction and literary fiction both use history as inspiration. Comparative literature analyzes different pieces of literature from different cultures. The […]
Literary conflict is a vital component in most fictional stories, creating a sense of immediacy and excitement. It can involve conflicts between characters, their environment, technology, and reality. Conflict reveals character motivations and can involve struggles against oneself, political systems, or nature. It defines uniqueness and reveals inner thinking, creating a deep connection and sympathy […]
Chick lit is fiction marketed towards young, single, working women, often featuring elegant women in trendy urban areas dealing with work and personal life issues. It can be humorous and deal with real-life issues, including weight and addiction. The genre includes books by authors like Candace Bushnell, Marian Keyes, and Sophie Kinsella. Some see it […]
A literary magazine, or “lit mag”, focuses on literary and visual art not found in traditional magazines. It may publish lesser-known works by established authors or up-and-coming unknowns, as well as interviews, book reviews, short stories, poems, visual art prints, and essays. Funding can come from universities, grants, or sales. Due to limited circulation, it’s […]
The study of literature involves analyzing style and content from various time periods, with courses in medieval, English, and American literature. It broadens students’ worldview and requires general education courses, including philosophy, religion, history, and anthropology. Students focus on fiction, poetry, and drama, including works by Dante, Shakespeare, and modern American poets. Advanced coursework on […]
Syntax and literature are intertwined and cannot be separated. Syntax gives meaning to words in literature and affects it greatly. Understanding syntax helps writers convey different meanings and elicit certain responses. Proper syntax is necessary for literature to convey a deeper sense of meaning or state of mind. The author has leeway in developing sentences […]
The words “literally” and “figuratively” have opposite meanings, but “literally” can also be used as a hyperbole. “Literally” means not exaggerated, while “figurative” means metaphorical. Examples of literal sentences are given, as well as figures of speech. Sometimes it is necessary to include a disclaimer such as “figuratively” to clarify whether something is being said […]
Comparative literature analyzes literary works from different sources, including different linguistic, cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious backgrounds. It covers both fiction and non-fiction and overlaps with other subjects such as history, sociology, linguistics, and religious studies. Three main schools of thought exist: French, German, and American. The field developed in the early 1800s and has […]
Deus ex machina is a literary technique used to solve a problem or situation suddenly and inexplicably. It is often seen as poor writing and storytelling, but can take many forms, including real bunnies and pseudo-Chekhov. It is commonly used to deal with difficult situations, but can also refer to social situations and political maneuvering. […]
Literary techniques are storytelling methods used in various narrative forms. They can create mood, establish character, and engage an audience. In medias res, iambic pentameter, and film noir are examples of literary techniques. Tropes can generate familiarity, while clichés should be avoided. Onomatopoeia is a useful narrative trick. A literary technique is a method of […]
Children’s literature is a diverse category of books written for children, including picture books, beginner’s books, and novels. It has existed since the 17th century and often focuses on children’s development as readers. While entertainment is important, reading is also seen as educational. Children’s literature often includes explicitly educational content and retellings of classic fairy […]
Literary nonfiction tells factual stories using creative language without embellishment. It includes travel writing, memoirs, true crime, essays, and nature writing. Four elements must be present: documented facts, subject familiarity, a sense of place, and literary prose. Ann Rule and Joseph Wambaugh set the standard for crime writing. Literary nonfiction is a type of writing […]
Southern Gothic literature brings the Gothic genre to the American South, often addressing past issues and focusing on damaged characters. It highlights the plight of those oppressed by traditional Southern culture and is limited to a certain geographic space. Notable authors include Harper Lee, Tennessee Williams, and William Faulkner. The Southern Gothic movement in literature […]
Allusion is a literary technique where one work references another without explanation. Biblical allusions are common due to emotional and intellectual associations with the Bible. Allusions can serve specific purposes, such as disproving original meaning or creating new associations. Highly educated readers may find densely packed allusions emotionally charged, while others may find them incomprehensible. […]
English literature is classified by period or country of the writer. It includes works written in English, regardless of nationality, and is often categorized chronologically. Old English and Middle English are difficult to understand, while modern works include writers such as TS Eliot and George Orwell. British and American literature are also distinguished. The different […]
Literary elements are tools authors use to create effects and convey information. Plot, setting, characters, point of view, conflict, and characterization are important elements in literature. They help readers analyze and understand stories. Literary elements are devices, techniques and components that authors use in literature to create a certain effect or to convey information to […]
