Literary DevicesAn Organic List

Anachronism

Anachronism is derived from a Greek word anachronous which means “against time”. Therefore, an anachronism is an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time and out of place is an anachronism.

Anachronism

Anachronisms appear in literature, paintings etc. and it is fascinating to explore them. Generally, they are considered errors that occur due to lack of research. For example, if a painter paints a portrait of Aristotle and shows him wearing a wrist watch, it would be an example of anachronism, as we all are aware that wristwatches did not exist during Aristotle’s time. Similarly, the presence of a wall clock in a stage setting that depicts the interior of a Roman fort is an anachronism.

Anachronism – Downton Abbey

Anachronism – Downton Abbey

Anachronism

“The Downton Abbey Cast Responds to ‘Water-Bottle-Gate’”

A few days ago, Downton Abbey caused a bit of a stir when a very clear anachronism appeared in a promo photo: a water bottle on the mantel above Lady Edith. But the cast bounced back with aplomb, posting an Instagram photo of themselves holding — wait for it — bottles of water! They also turned attention to the international work of WaterAid, a nonprofit that provides clean water to people around the world. Classy.

“The Downton Abbey Cast Responds to ‘Water-Bottle-Gate’”

Jung, Alex E. “Downton Abbey Cast Responds to Bottle Gate.” Vulture. New York Magazine. 17 August 2014. Web. 8 September 2014. <http://www.vulture.com/2014/08/downton-abbey-cast-responds-to-bottle-gate.html>.

Functions of Anachronisms

Generally, an anachronism is considered an unintentional error that is a result of a writer’s carelessness and his lack of research. At times, however, it is employed in order to produce a special artistic effect in order to attract the attention of the readers by an appropriate use of anachronism.

Colloquialism

In literature, colloquialism is the use of informal words, phrases or even slang in a piece of writing.

An informal expression that is more often used in casual conversation than in formal speech or writing.

Colloquialism

Colloquial expressions tend to sneak in as writers, being part of a society, are influenced by the way people speak in that society. Naturally, they are bound to add colloquial expressions in their vocabulary. However, writers use such expressions intentionally too as it gives their works a sense of realism. For instance, in a fiction story depicting American society, a greeting “what’s up?” between friends will seem more real and appropriate than the formal “How are you?” and “How do you do?”

Colloquialism in Use

Colloquial expressions vary from region to region. Below is a list of some colloquialism examples of American origin: a bunch of numpties –  a group of idiots to bamboozle – to deceive go bananas – go insane or be very angry wanna – want to gonna – going to y’all – you all go nuts – go insane or be very angry look blue -look sad buzz off – go away

Colloquialism - Uncle Tom’s CabinHarriet Beecher Stowe, 1852

Excerpt: "If I must be sold, or all the people on the place, andeverything go to rack, why, let me be sold. I s'pose I can b'ar it as well as any on 'em.“

Why the Language Works: The novel is widely regarded as aSeminal work in anti-slavery literature. Some critics also call it the book that laid the foundation for the Civil War. The language and tone used in the novel made it a snapshot of the times that it was set in. This was because the terms and dialogs that were used, and the stereotypes presented were all a reflection of the situation in America then. The language used by each character mirrored how actual people of different social stations spoke. This was a marked departure from the prevalent use of language in literature.

Colloquialism -

Functions of Colloquialisms Colloquial expressions, in a piece of literature,

may give us deep insights into the writer’s society. They tell us about how people really talk in their real life. Therefore, they help a writer to form strong connections with readers. Colloquial expressions impart a sense of realism to a piece of literature which again attracts readers as they identify it with their real life.

Moreover, they add variety to the characters which makes them more interesting and memorable.

Aphorism

Aphorism is a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner. The term is often applied to philosophical, moral and literary principles.

Aphorism

To qualify as an aphorism, it is necessary for a statement to contain a truth revealed in a terse manner. Aphoristic statements are quoted in writings as well as in our daily speech. The fact that they contain a truth gives them a universal acceptance. Scores of philosophers, politicians, writers, artists and sportsman and other individuals are remembered for their famous aphoristic statements.

Aphorisms in Shakespeare Shakespeare does not fall behind any

writer in the use of aphorisms in his plays. The use of abundant aphorisms testifies to his keen insight and judgment. Below are some examples: “Having nothing, nothing can he lose.”(Henry

VI) “Life is a tale told by an idiot — full of sound

and fury, signifying nothing.” (Macbeth) “Lord, what fools these mortals be!”(A

Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Functions of Aphorism

As already mentioned in the above discussion, making use of aphorisms allows a writer to teach a philosophical or moral truth. The revealed truths prove relevant to human experiences of real life. Therefore, the readers relate the piece of literature to real life and become more fascinated and vigilant in their reading.

Moreover, as truths are universal, revealing general truths in literature, adds to their universal commendation. Motivational speeches quote aphorisms from such sources to inspire motivation among individuals.

Metonymy

It is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy both from literature and in everyday life.

Metonymy

Metonymy is often confused with another figure of speech called synecdoche. They resemble each other but are not the same. Synecdoche refers to a thing by the name of one of its parts. For example, calling a car “a wheel” is a synecdoche. A part of a car i.e. “a wheel” stands for the whole car. In a metonymy, on the other hand, the word we use to describe another thing is closely linked to that particular thing, but is not a part of it. For example, “Crown” which means power or authority is a metonymy.

Metonymy

Metonymy is different from a metaphor. A metaphor draws resemblance between two different things as in “You are sunlight and I moon” – Sun And Moon from Miss Saigon. Sunlight (and moon) and human are two different things without any association but it attempts to describe one thing in terms of another based on a supposed similarity. Metonymy, however, develops relation on the grounds of close associations as in “The White House is concerned about terrorism.” The White House here represents the people who work in it.

Metonymy in Everyday Life England decides to keep check on immigration.

(England refers to the government.) The suits were at meeting. (The suits stand for

business people.) The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen refers

to written words and sword to military force.) The Oval Office was busy in work. (“The Oval

Office” is a metonymy as it stands for people at work in the office.)

Let me give you a hand. (Hand means help.)

Functions of Metonymy

Generally, metonymy is used in developing literary symbolism i.e. it gives more profound meanings to otherwise common ideas and objects. By using metonymy, texts exhibit deeper or hidden meanings and thus drawing readers’ attention.  In addition, the use of metonymy helps achieve conciseness. For instance, “Rifles were guarding the gate” is more concise than “The guards with rifles in their hands were guarding the gate.”

Furthermore, metonymy, like other literary devices, is employed to add a poetic color to words to make them come to life. The simple ordinary things are described in a creative way to insert this “life” factor to the literary works.