Introduction to Literary and Linguistic Devices

Irony

While imagery builds a world, Irony often subverts it. At its simplest level, irony is the use of language where the intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning. This creates a sense of contrast or leads to unexpected outcomes that can be used for humor, criticism, or dramatic tension.

Social Identity and Specialized Language

Language also serves as a marker of identity. We can tell who a person is, or what group they belong to, by the specific vocabulary they choose.

Slang and Jargon

Two ways we signal group identity are through Slang and Jargon.

• Slang refers to casual, spoken language used by particular social groups, most notably younger generations. Its effect is to express the specific mood, attitude, or cultural identity of that group.
• Jargon is specialized language related to a specific topic or professional group. Unlike slang, which is often informal, jargon is used to express high levels of knowledge and expertise in a particular field.

Emphasis, Command, and Comparison

Finally, writers use structural and grammatical tools to highlight certain ideas or to direct the reader's behavior.

Repetition

Repetition is the act of using a word or phrase more than once within a text. This is rarely accidental. The effect is to ensure that a specific idea or message is emphasized and highlighted by the writer or speaker, making it more memorable for the audience.

Superlatives and Imperatives

To change how a subject is perceived or to prompt action, writers turn to specific grammatical forms:

1. Superlatives: These are forms of adjectives used to compare several qualities, indicating that something is at the highest or lowest limit of a scale. The effect is to present an object or person as having superior or "the best" qualities.
2. Imperatives: These are command statements that directly tell the reader to perform an action. The effect is to address the reader directly, encouraging or forcing them to act.

Exam Tip: When writing an analysis, never just identify a term. If you see a superlative, don't just say "The author uses a superlative." Instead, say: "The author uses the superlative 'greatest' to establish the character's perceived superiority and influence the reader's respect for them."

By connecting these terms to their intended effects, you can begin to see the "skeleton" of any piece of writing, understanding how every word choice is a deliberate step toward a specific goal.