What Are 20 Literary Devices Every A-Level Student Should Know?
What are literary devices? Literary devices are the tools writers use to make their work more powerful, meaningful, and engaging. As an A Level English Literature student, understanding these techniques is a game-changer. They don’t just help you analyse texts more effectively-they also make your essays stand out more.
We’ll explore 20 key literary devices that every A Level student should know. From similes and metaphors to foreshadowing and irony, we’ll break down how they work and why they’re important. You’ll also see practical examples that make it easier to connect these techniques to the texts you’re studying.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid grasp of the most important literary devices and how to use them. Whether you’re preparing for exams or writing essay, these tips will give you the confidence to do better. Let’s start exploring the literary techniques that will elevate your analysis to a higher level!
Why Are Literary Devices Important for A Level English?
Literary devices aren’t just techniques, they’re the key to understanding a text on a deeper level and writing essays that stand out. For A Level English Literature, it’s not enough to simply spot these devices. Examiners want you to explain how they add to the writer’s message, themes, and overall style.
By going further into literary devices, you can uncover hidden layers of meaning in a text. For instance, identifying a metaphor’s deeper significance or seeing how irony shifts the reader’s perspective can make your analysis much stronger. These insights show that you’ve critically engaged with the text, which is exactly what examiners look for when awarding top marks.
But it’s not just about exams. Knowing literary devices makes your writing clearer and more impactful. They help you structure essays logically, connect themes effectively, and build persuasive arguments. Learning these techniques will help you feel confident tackling any A Level English Literature question.
Now let’s move on to the top 20 literary devices every A-Level English student should know and how to use them effectively.
Top 20 Literary Devices Every A Level English Student Should Know
Mastering literary devices is key to doing well in A Level English Literature. These techniques help you analyse texts better and make your essays clearer and more detailed. Here’s a list of 20 important literary devices, grouped into categories, with easy explanations and examples.
Figurative Language
Figurative language makes writing more vivid and powerful by going beyond the literal meaning of words.
1) Simile: A simile compares two things using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.” Similes help readers visualise and connect with descriptions.
2)Metaphor: A metaphor directly compares two things without using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Time is a thief.” This adds depth by suggesting time steals moments, just like a thief would.
3)Personification: This gives human qualities to non-human things.
Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.” Personification creates mood and adds emotion to a scene.
Sound Devices
Sound devices focus on the auditory aspect of literature, making it more engaging and rhythmic.
4)Alliteration: Repeating the same consonant sound at the start of nearby words.
Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Alliteration draws attention to specific ideas or themes.
5)Onomatopoeia: Words that mimic sounds.
Example: “The bees buzzed in the garden.” It brings scenes to life by engaging the reader’s senses.
6)Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words.
Example: “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.” This creates a musical quality, enhancing the flow of the text.
Structural Devices
These devices shape the way a text is written, affecting its flow and tone.
7)Enjambment: When a sentence continues without a pause onto the next line in poetry.
Example: “The sun rises / over the hills.” It creates a sense of movement and urgency.
8)Caesura: A pause within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation.
Example: “To err is human; || to forgive, divine.” Caesura slows down the pace, adding emphasis.
9)Juxtaposition: Placing two contrasting ideas side by side.
Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Juxtaposition highlights differences to make a point.
Rhetorical Devices
These are used to persuade or engage the reader.
10)Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of sentences.
Example: “I have a dream… I have a dream…” This creates rhythm and reinforces key ideas.
11)Rhetorical Questions: Questions asked to make a point, not to get an answer.
Example: “Isn’t it obvious?” These provoke thought and engage the audience.
12)Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for effect.
Example: “I’ve told you a million times!” Hyperbole adds intensity and humour.
Narrative Techniques
Narrative devices shape how stories are told and understood.
13)Flashback: Interrupting the story to show past events.
Example: A character recalling childhood memories to explain their current actions. Flashbacks give context and depth.
14)Foreshadowing: Hinting at events that will happen later.
Example: “The sky darkened as she left the house.” Foreshadowing builds suspense and anticipation.
15)Allegory: A story with a deeper meaning, often moral or political.
Example: Animal Farm as an allegory for the Russian Revolution. It uses symbolism to deliver a larger message.
Symbolism and Imagery
These devices enhance the visual and emotional appeal of a text.
16)Symbolism: Using objects or ideas to represent deeper meanings.
Example: A dove symbolising peace. It adds layers to the narrative.
17)Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
Example: “The scent of fresh rain filled the air.” Imagery helps readers visualise scenes vividly.
Other Key Devices
These devices don’t fit neatly into one category but are equally important.
18)Irony: When the opposite of what’s expected happens.
Example: A fire station burning down. Irony adds twists and depth.
19)Oxymoron: Combining two contradictory terms.
Example: “Bittersweet memories.” It highlights complex emotions.
20)Motif: A recurring symbol or theme throughout a text.
Example: The repeated mention of “blood” in Macbeth symbolises guilt. Motifs unify the text and reinforce key ideas.
Tips for Identifying and Analysing Literary Devices
Identifying literary devices in both prose and poetry can feel tricky at first, but with a few strategies, you’ll become much more confident. Here are some tips to help you spot and analyse literary devices effectively:
| Read with Purpose | Time: 10-15 minutes | Start by reading the text carefully. Look for patterns, unusual word choices, or phrases that stand out. |
| Break It Down | Time: 10 minutes | Think about why the device is used. How does it impact the text’s meaning, theme, or characters? |
| Link Devices to Themes, Characters, and Context | Time:10-15 minutes | Connect the device to the broader themes or characters. How does it enhance the text’s meaning? |
| Use Quotes and Examples | Time:15-20 minutes | Include specific examples from the text and explain how they add to the meaning or emotional impact. |
| Don’t Overlook the Context | Time: 15 minutes | Consider the text’s historical or social context. How does it shape the use of literary devices? |
By practising these strategies, you’ll start recognising and analysing literary devices with greater ease. You’ll also learn how to link them to the themes and characters, making your essays richer and more insightful. Keep applying these tips as you study, and soon, using literary devices in your analysis will become second nature.
Common Mistakes Students Make While Analysing Literary Devices
Now that you’ve got some tips for spotting and analysing literary devices, let’s go through the common mistakes students often make. By knowing what to avoid, you can improve your analysis and make your essays even stronger.
- Overusing Literary Devices Without Explaining Their Relevance
A common mistake is mentioning a literary device without explaining its significance. Don’t just say, “The author uses a metaphor.” Explain how it contributes to the theme or character development. - Misinterpreting or Confusing Terms
Another issue is mixing up similar devices, like metaphors and similes. Remember, a simile uses “like” or “as,” while a metaphor directly equates two things. Know the difference to avoid confusion. - Failing to Link Devices to the Bigger Picture
Students often forget to connect devices to the text’s themes or context. Always show how the device supports the overall meaning, whether it’s a motif, symbolism, or irony.
How Literary Devices Relate to A Level Exam Questions
In A Level English Literature, literary devices are often tested indirectly in exam questions. Understanding how they fit into exam questions will give you an edge. Here’s how literary devices relate to what you’ll be asked to do in exams:
Comparative Essays – If you’re asked to compare two texts, using literary devices is an excellent way to explore similarities and differences. For example, you could analyse how both texts use symbolism to reflect the theme of power.
Unseen Texts – For unseen texts, identifying literary devices can help you understand the tone, themes, and meaning quickly. It allows you to make immediate connections to your knowledge of literature, helping you formulate a strong analysis.
Thematic Questions – Many exam questions focus on themes like power, love, or conflict. Literary devices like metaphors or imagery are key in demonstrating how these themes are developed.
Practice Examples of Literary Devices for A Level English Literature
As you already understand the importance of literary devices, let’s put that knowledge into practice. Here are some short extracts from popular A Level texts, like Othello and Frankenstein. Try identifying the literary devices in these quotes, and then think about what they add to the text.
Example 1: From Othello by William Shakespeare
“I am not what I am.”
Can you spot the device here? It’s a paradox, where two contradictory ideas are placed together. This highlights Othello’s inner conflict and the deception he faces. It shows how the character is torn between his true self and the roles others expect him to play.
Example 2: From Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
“I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body.”
This is a metaphor. The “infusion of life” compares the act of creating life to a process of inserting energy into something lifeless. It helps us understand Victor Frankenstein’s obsessive nature and his ambition to play God.
Take a moment to reflect on these devices and their effects. Ask yourself: How do they reveal something about the characters, themes, or overall mood of the text? Practice like this will help you prepare better for exam questions!
Quiz on Literary Devices
To help you test your knowledge and make learning fun, here’s a mini quiz on literary devices:
1.What is a simile?
a) A direct comparison between two things
b) A comparison using “like” or “as”
c) Giving human characteristics to non-human objects
2.What does irony mean?
a) The opposite of what is expected happens
b) A type of repetition
c) A comparison between two unrelated things
3.What is an example of foreshadowing?
a) A character says, “I have a bad feeling about this.”
b) A character is described as calm and collected
c) The weather is sunny and bright
Once you’ve completed the quiz, review your answers and make sure you understand why each device works the way it does. This practice will help reinforce your knowledge and boost your confidence.
Study Tips for Mastering Literary Devices
As we explored some examples and quizzes, it’s clear that understanding literary devices takes practice. Using the right study techniques can make a big difference for you. Here are some effective ways to reinforce your knowledge:
Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the device on one side and its definition and example on the other. Apps like Quizlet make it easy to practice.
Practice with Quizzes: Test your knowledge with quizzes on platforms like Quizlet and Kahoot!, which make studying fun and engaging.
Create Visual Aids: Use mind maps to connect literary devices with examples from texts, helping you see how they work together.
Group Study: Share flashcards and quiz each other in group study sessions to reinforce your knowledge and get different perspectives.
Conclusion
In A Level English Literature, understanding literary devices is crucial for success. These techniques help you dive deeper into texts while also making your essays more engaging and thought-provoking.
By consistently practising the identification and use of literary devices in your essays, you’ll not only refine your skills but also enhance your writing. The more you apply these techniques, the more confident you’ll become, making exam questions feel much more manageable.
If you’re looking for extra support, consider online tutoring In A Level English Literature. With the right resources and practice, you’ll be well on your way to achieving top marks in A Level English Literature. Keep practising, and you’ll see the difference in your analysis and writing!
