What is a paradox? Definitions can often feel, well, paradoxical. Even though paradoxes have been part of human thinking for thousands of years, they are not always well understood. This seems particularly true of paradoxes in movies, which often leave viewers scratching their heads. Whether you want to get a grip on exactly what a paradox is, or write the next great brain-teasing movie paradox, this article will get you started. Continue reading What is a Paradox? Definition and Examples for Literature and Film
The term “postmodernism” gets thrown around a lot. Anything that seems to buck normal conventions or breaks the fourth wall tends to receive the label, but what is postmodernism really? For this blog, we’ll look into the history of postmodernism as well as its place in the cinematic landscape today. We’ll examine several postmodern films, such as Blade Runner and The Truman Show. Get ready for a lesson both in filmmaking and philosophy 101.Continue reading What is Postmodernism? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
Anaphora can be iconic. Anaphora can be memorable. Anaphora can be effective. Okay, that may be a terrible example of the effectiveness of anaphora. Nevertheless, anaphora is responsible for some of the most iconic speeches in history. What is anaphora and how does it accomplish all of these things? In this article, we’ll take a look at the definition and examine uses of it in history, literature and film. Continue reading What is Anaphora — Definition and Examples for Writers
What is onomatopoeia? It’s the literary device that hits with a BANG, lands with a THUD, and brings language to life in creative writing through sound. From comic books and classic literature to modern screenplays, onomatopoeia mimics the sounds of the world around us—buzzing, ticking, crashing—to create vivid, immersive storytelling. In this guide, we’ll define onomatopoeia, break down the different types, and explore onomatopoeia examples that show how writers use sound to spark emotion, action, and rhythm on the page.Continue reading What is Onomatopoeia — Definition and Examples in Lit. & Film
Context has the ability to change the meaning of a story and how we view its characters — but what is context? We’re going to answer that question by looking at examples from The Office, In Cold Blood and more. We’ll also look at some tips and tricks for how you can effectively implement this necessary element in your own stories. By the end, you’ll know why context is so important and how to apply it in a variety of different ways. But before we jump into our examples, let’s define context.Continue reading What is Context — Definition and Examples…
One of the most effective ways at making a line of text in literature memorable is by creating rhythm. Writers have a few ways of creating rhythm such as rhyming and alliteration. However, both can become redundant because of their more obvious nature. A more subtle literary device that creates rhythm is assonance. What is assonance? The effects of assonance are similar, but are technically achieved in a different way. In this article, we’ll discover how by looking at the assonance definition and examples.Continue reading What is Assonance — Definition and Examples for Writers
Pathos is a mode of persuasion that appeals to emotion. Pathos has been used for thousands of years, and it is still used today to communicate “feeling.” We’re going to look at some pathos examples, but first, let’s look at what makes it different from the other rhetorical appeals: logos and ethos.Continue reading Pathos Examples in Literature, Speeches, Music & More
Ethos is a mode of persuasion that appeals to credibility. Ethos has been used for thousands of years, and it is still used today to communicate authority. We’re going to look at some ethos examples, but first, let’s look at what makes it different from the other rhetorical appeals: logos and pathos.Continue reading Ethos Examples in Literature, Ads, Speeches & More
Metanoia, a term derived from Greek, signifies a profound, transformative change of heart or an intellectual conversion. This concept, prevalent across disciplines including psychology, theology, and literary studies, embodies a deep, fundamental shift in one's attitude or perspective. This article delves into the etymology, diverse interpretations, and practical examples of metanoia. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique and profound concept.Continue reading What is Metanoia — Definition & Examples
Anyone who’s sat down to write knows it isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether penning a poem, a screenplay, or a novel, a writer needs a few tools in their toolbelt. Enter common literary devices, literary elements and literary techniques. Besides listing, defining, and providing examples, this article will also take a moment to consider how and why a writer might use these common literary devices in the first place.Continue reading 46 Literary Devices Every Writer Should Know
