Part 7: Literary Elements
Part 7: Literary Elements
A thorough understanding of various literary elements is needed to engage in the critical reading of literature. “Literary elements” is a broad term referring to inherent aspects of any literary work such as characters, plot, setting, mood, and conflict. Literary devices, by contrast, are not inherent, but rather techniques utilized to increase the reader’s aesthetic experience or understanding, such as allegory, metaphor, imagery, and symbolism. The types of literary device are vast, while necessitated elements such as the antagonist and protagonist are more limited.
Literary device is sometimes used interchangeably in the classroom with the term “figurative language,” including instruction on simplified acronyms like ISHAMPOO (idiom, simile, hyperbole, alliteration, metaphor, personification, oxymoron, and onomatopoeia). These techniques are useful to students and should be taught and understood for a closer reading of literature, allowing students to evaluate for both purpose and value of pieces. Without a working understanding of foreshadowing, a student may misunderstand the plot or conflict of a work altogether; but without a proper knowledge of alliteration, rhyme scheme, or extended metaphor, the student may miss the beauty of the piece.
I have to say that in reviewing literary elements and devices, I always learn something new. Until now I did not know the difference between synecdoche (referring to a whole of a thing by one of its parts) and metonymy (describing a thing by an object closely linked to, but not a part of it). I always develop an even greater appreciation of theme when I reflect on it and read further as well. The concept of themes in works is difficult to teach at times, and I am always looking for new and better ways to convey these ideas. I am ever striving to reiterate that theme cannot be stated in simple terms, such as “family,” but rather must be a universal truism, such as “the unconditional support of family is important to us all” (THE MEssage, as it is often presented to students).
It becomes more clear over time that a full understanding of the messages an author is trying to convey requires recognition of the elements and devices employed by the author. This knowledge is also necessary to compare literary works, and ascertain their greater value. Without a fair grasp of literary elements and devices, we cannot fully decipher or appreciate literature. Thus it is paramount that the Library Media Specialist fully recognize and guide observation of and familiarity with these techniques.
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