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Literary devices and terms are the techniques and elements—from figures of speech to narrative devices to poetic meters—that writers use to create narrative literature, poetry, speeches, or any …

In literature, paradoxes can create humor, express the confusion or frustration of a seeming impossibility, or make clear the absurdity of an unexpected situation.

Need help on themes in Anonymous's The Epic of Gilgamesh? Check out our thorough thematic analysis. From the creators of SparkNotes.

A concise definition of Figurative Language along with usage tips, a deeper explanation, and lots of examples.

Juxtaposition in Literature Juxtaposition is a basic tool of storytelling, as writers choose how to place their characters, settings, arguments, and images in relation to one another to achieve their aims.

Get all the key plot points of August Wilson's Fences on one page. From the creators of SparkNotes.

Need help on symbols in Roald Dahl's Lamb to the Slaughter? Check out our detailed analysis. From the creators of SparkNotes.

Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the audience.