Periphrasis

Periphrasis
Definitions: The term ‘periphrasis’ refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in more direct a manner. The use of this literary device can be to embellish a sentence, to create a grander effect, to beat around the bush and to draw attention away from the crux of the message being conveyed.

Example: Instead of simply saying “I am displeased with your behavior”, one can say, “the manner in which you have conducted yourself in my presence of late has caused me to feel uncomfortable and has resulted in my feeling disgruntled and disappointed with you”.

Periodic Structure

Periodic Structure
Definition: In literature, the concept of a periodic structure refers to a particular placement of sentence elements such as the main clause of the sentence and/or its predicate are purposely held off and placed at the end instead of at the beginning or their conventional positions. In such placements, the crux of the sentence’s meaning does not become clear to the reader until they reach the last part. While undeniably confusing at first, a periodic structure lends a flair of drama and romanticism to a sentence and is greatly used in poetry.

Example: Instead of writing, “brokenhearted and forlorn she waited till the end of her days for his return” one may write, “for his return, brokenhearted and forlorn, waited she till the end of her days”.

Mistakes

Aim at, not on or against. Don't say: She aimed on {or against) the target. / Say: She aimed at the target,
Note Use the preposition at to denote direction, throw at, shout at, fire at, shoot at. Shoot (without the at) means to kill
He shot a bird (= he hit and killed it)

Angry with, not against. Don't say: The teacher was angry against him. / Say: The teacher was angry with him.
note I Was get angry with a person but at a thing He was angry at The weather 'not with the weather) Note Also annoyed with, vexed with, indignant with a person, but at a thing.

Anxious (= troubled) about, not for. Don't say.'They're anxious for his health. ·/ Say: They're anxious about his health. Note Anxious meaning wishing very much lakes for Parents are anxious for their children's success.

Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic Fallacy
Definition: Pathetic fallacy is a type of literary device whereby the author ascribes the human feelings of one or more of his/her characters to non-human objects or nature or phenomena. It is a type of personification, and is known to occur more by accident and less on purpose.

Example: The softly whistling teapot informed him it was time for breakfast.

Paradox

Paradox
Definition: A paradox in literature refers to the use of concepts/ ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together they hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness of paradoxes lies in the fact that a deeper level of meaning and significance is not revealed at first glace, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing insight.

Example: High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king.

Oxymoron

Oxymoron
Definition: Oxymoron is a significant literary device as it allows the author to use contradictory, contrasting concepts placed together in a manner that actually ends up making sense in a strange, and slightly complex manner. An oxymoron is an interesting literary device because it helps to perceive a deeper level of truth and explore different layers of semantics while writing.

Examples Sometimes we cherish things of little value. He possessed a cold fire in his eyes.

One act play

One act play
Definition: A play in one act, presenting a simple incident involving two or three characters and running for fifty to forty minutes. For example; John Millington Sing’s Riders to the sea is a one act play.

Paradox

Paradox
Definition: A paradox in literature refers to the use of concepts/ ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together they hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness of paradoxes lies in the fact that a deeper level of meaning and significance is not revealed at first glace, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing insight.

Example: High walls make not a palace; full coffers make not a king.

Nemesis

Nemesis

Definition: In literature, the use of a nemesis refers to a situation of poetic justice wherein the positive characters are rewarded and the negative characters are penalized. The word also sometimes refers to the character or medium by which this justice is brought about as Nemesis was the patron goddess of vengeance according to classical mythology.

Example: In the popular book series Harry Potter, the protagonist Harry Potter is the nemesis of the evil Lord Voldemort.

Metaphysical Poetry

Metaphysical Poetry
Definition: Metaphysical means beyond physical or something abstract. A metaphysical poem is a poem that consists of abrupt beginning, abstract theme, and use of conceits, bending of passion and arguments and colloquialism. The major theme of this poetry is love, death and religious faith which are all conceptual truths.