Literary Devices essays

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2 Pages 809 Words
Louise Glück’s poem "Circe's Power" stands as a poignant exploration of transformation, power dynamics, and identity through the lens of a classical mythological figure. Glück, a revered contemporary poet, often delves into themes of human vulnerability, desire, and the complexities of selfhood. In "Circe's Power," she reimagines the myth of Circe, the enchantress from Homer’s "Odyssey," who transforms Odysseus’s men...
Literary DevicesRebellion
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1 Page 501 Words
This extract is from ‘Beasts are Rational’ which is part of Plutarch’s collection of essays known as on Moralia. The compilation consists of literary works and touches on political, religious, and ethical issues. The publication date is thought to be around 100 AD. In this text, Plutarch casts an ironic view on human life and behavior, as well as that,...
IronyLiterary DevicesThe Odyssey
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2 Pages 998 Words
Psychological tests observe emotions and behaviors to help diagnose a patient and create a guide for treatment. However, you cannot be assessed correctly because you are not as important, you’ll be treated like a child, and your emotions are automatically invalidated. In the 19th century, that is what women went through when being psychologically evaluated, if a woman were going...
3 Pages 1211 Words
The Odyssey, an epic poem by Homer that details Odysseus’ quest for homecoming after the Trojan War, is a work that has remained relevant for thousands of years because of its ability to examine and discuss many different important aspects of being human. The hero of the narrative experiences heartbreak, fear, and eventually victory as he completes this decade-long journey....
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6 Pages 2559 Words
Humankind’s proclivity to racism, intolerance, and bigotry has provoked an outcry from all levels of society. Toni Morrison and Jodi Picoult typify authors who have sought to represent the victim’s voice. In The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison a black African American gives a haunting torturous account of Pecola Breedlove, a child, within a culture dominated by racial segregation and prejudice....
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1 Page 461 Words
Homer creates a sense of hopelessness and uncertainty in the passage. For example, Odysseus is described as being left in a state of perplexity and distress, which creates a vivid image to the reader of just how confused and uncertain he is. He also says that he 'cannot think of anything better', which suggests he felt helpless in this situation,...
HomerLiterary DevicesThe Odyssey
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2 Pages 896 Words
”Propaganda is indifferent to truth and truthfulness, knowledge, and understanding; it is a form of strategic communication that uses any means to accomplish its ends” -Walter Cunningham Propaganda is primarily used in today's newspapers, television, and most common social media. However, propaganda has been used in the past at major historical events, such as WW1. Aside from today's technology, we...
like 247
4 Pages 1740 Words
The poem titled Ithaca by Constantine Cavafy was written in 1911. In this sonnet, the great poet of all times alludes to the “importance of enjoying the trip, any trip, and not only longing for a journey’s end” (González De León, 2017). This illustration can be extended to a variety of processes in life, save to say that as much...
Literary DevicesMetaphorThe Odyssey
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1 Page 575 Words
Introduction Robert Hayden's poem "Those Winter Sundays" is a poignant and introspective exploration of a complex father-child relationship. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful figurative language, Hayden captures the nuances of the speaker's emotions and the depth of their connection. In this critical essay, we will delve into the various types of figurative language employed in the poem,...
Literary DevicesPoetryThose Winter Sundays
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1 Page 539 Words
On its cosmic pedestal, the sun was like the fire that had sent us out of the sky, only worse. It wore and dried us up in the desert for who knows how long. With twenty other people, it was something like a bad dream. So when it came over the mountains like a cupped hand of salvation, we all...
Literary CriticismLiterary DevicesThe Pearl
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1 Page 410 Words
All traditions have an intention and a purpose dedicated to the current time period, but it may come to a point where practice is no longer justified. In 'The Lottery', a short story written by Shirley Jackson, a rural town of 300 is 'celebrating' the killing of one member, which is believed to ensure a profitable harvest for the year....
Literary DevicesShirley JacksonThe Lottery
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1 Page 483 Words
Introduction William Shakespeare once said, "Expectation is the root of all heartache." This quote encapsulates the central theme of John Steinbeck's novella, "Of Mice and Men," which delves into the pursuit of the American Dream amidst the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Through the use of symbolism and characterization, Steinbeck explores the futile nature of chasing dreams and the...
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1 Page 440 Words
Robert Frost was one of America's rare public literary figures' born on March 26, 1874. Frost was the only poet to receive four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. In 1960, President John F. Kennedy presented Frost with the United States Congressional Gold Medal in appreciation of his poetry, which he received in March 1962. Frost’s 'The Road Not Taken,' presented many...
Literary DevicesPoetryThe Road Not Taken
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6 Pages 2929 Words
In Song of Solomon and Beloved, Morrison alludes to biblical references, which gives her novels a spiritual side. Toni Morrison’s fifth novel Beloved is a heart-rending story, inspired by a real-life incident in the life of an ex-slave, Margaret Garner, who killed her two children with a shovel in an attempt to run away from the bondage of her slave...
BelovedBibleLiterary Devices
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4 Pages 2010 Words
The importance of the symbol that Marigold portrays? The marigold symbolizes the idea that although Pecola, Frieda, and Claudia may work very hard in their community to grow and prosper, it may never happen. The marigold had good seeds, was cared for, and was planted with good intentions, but because of the location where the marigold was planted, it never...
Literary DevicesRhetoricThe Bluest Eye
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5 Pages 2106 Words
During the late 1800s women and men were not equal, they lived in a society where women were defined as housewives and were expected to take care of their children and husbands for the rest of their lives. The issue connects with the experience of the narrator in the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, written in 1892 by Charlotte Perkins...
like 377
2 Pages 926 Words
Does a man who brutally murdered four humans-for the sole reason that he had the power to-deserve any ounce of sympathy? “In Cold Blood”, Truman Capote uses “pathos” to appeal to the emotions of the readers about the two murderers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. Capote certainly sympathizes with and portrays one of the cold-blooded murderers in a positive light...
In Cold BloodLiterary DevicesRhetoric
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1 Page 685 Words
Max Shulman’s short story "Love is a Fallacy" is a satirical piece that intricately weaves humor with a critique of human nature, particularly on the themes of love, logic, and societal expectations. The narrative revolves around the protagonist, who is a self-proclaimed logical thinker, and his efforts to win over Polly Espy, a seemingly naive and unintelligent girl. The protagonist’s...
Literary DevicesShort Story
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2 Pages 779 Words
In literary terms, “The Day” is perhaps the most vivid estimation of the scope and transience of time and correlating with it the course of the various aspects of life, such as the day’s activities. The poet uses imagery that makes one think of each and every kiss, each and every touch, each and every moment of existence in its...
Literary DevicesSymbolism
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2 Pages 1044 Words
After the Cold War, there was an influx of conservatism, and traditional norms opposing change or innovation, which deterred many African Americans from taking part in United States society, especially in the South. Because whites were having the times of their life, during the 1950s more referred to as the “Golden Age”, many of them had the privilege of owning...
2 Pages 718 Words
Characters -- Name and description of any main characters A first notable figure is an old man with huge wings. This man will appear overnight in the courtyard of Elisenda and Pelayo. This character is described as disgusting and disorderly and as someone who does not speak the same language as the others. All these characteristics will make people in...
2 Pages 786 Words
For a reader to be able to completely understand and appreciate the struggles and outcomes of WW2, grading has explored key themes such as hope, loss, and relationships to highlight how Yael has managed to survive in a deadly time. In the novel speculative fiction is a central element that makes the reader question what truly could have been a...
HopeLiterary DevicesMetaphor
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1 Page 614 Words
Introduction: William Shakespeare's play 'Julius Caesar' is a masterful work of literature known for its intricate characterization, political intrigue, and profound themes. Among the many literary devices employed by Shakespeare, parallelism emerges as a significant technique that adds depth and complexity to the play. This essay critically examines the use of parallelism in 'Julius Caesar,' exploring its role in character...
3 Pages 1527 Words
Mindstyle refers to the term coined by Roger Fowler, in 1977, which referred to any distinctive linguistic representation of an individual mental self, whether of a character, narrator, or implied author. The impression of a mindstyle is usually cumulatively conveyed through consistent linguistic choices which together cut the narrated world to a distinctive cognitive pattern. To first discuss the particular...
2 Pages 1000 Words
Stylistic analysis has a great role in understanding the importance of the literary elements as well as the linguistic contents in literary text. An attempt is made in the current paper to stylistically analyze the literary elements used in the concerned short story. Introduction Stylistic analysis is of great importance to know how language functions in a text. It provides...
2 Pages 928 Words
The book begins with an introduction by the author. While it is not part of the actual story, it is worth looking into because it describes the author’s thoughts and comments on his success and the true meaning of the book and its application to his life. The Prologue introduces the alchemist and tells a new version of the Greek...
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2 Pages 997 Words
Raisin in the sun is a 1959 stage play written by Lorraine Hansberry an African-American playwright and writer who became the first female author to have a play performed on Broadway, along with her other work named 'The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. Lorraine is known for addressing social issues in her writings and advocating gay rights. Her journey being...
1 Page 552 Words
John Keats was an amazing romantic poet throughout the 17th century, he wrote many incredible poems. He died at the age of 23. John Keats uses theme and metaphor to create a unique and engaging style. In Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast as Though Art, Keats expresses themes of don’t isolate yourself, love, and enjoy natures beauty. He says,...
Critical ReflectionLiterary DevicesPoetry
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1 Page 595 Words
There are different reasons to send and receive roses. Certainly, they are not only used to convey sympathy and love, but they are even more present in events of tragedy and sorrow. Moreover, A thorny rose needs a special way to deal with it. In William Faulkner's 'A Rose for Emily” the word “rose” rarely appears but an attempt to...
1 Page 571 Words
My team and I analyzed two amazing stories (The Tell-tale Heart and The Fall of House of Usher) we discussed some points and agreed on some and disagreed on other things. I will be taking you through what we discovered and what we have come up with. We first took a look at the telltale heart and we discovered that...

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