Many writers aim to immerse us into stories and worlds so deeply that we momentarily forget we are reading a piece of fiction. However, some writers aim to do the exact opposite. They expose the narrative elements at play, bringing them to the forefront of our attention. What does a story have to gain by reminding the reader they are reading a fictional work? This is the power of metafiction. Continue reading What is Metafiction — Definition, Examples & Functions
We’ve all heard the term “chick flick.” It’s typically used in a derogatory manner, referring to a movie that is lighter fare and ostensibly made for women. But although the term has a negative connotation, some movies dubbed “chick flicks” are some of the most beloved and powerful ever made. So, what is a chick flick?Continue reading What is a Chick Flick — Definition, Tropes & Best Examples
Humans have been telling stories for as long as they’ve been around. As such, the ability to tell a compelling story is vital for anyone, regardless of background, profession, or interests. And although stories can take an infinite number of forms, most are made up of common factors. What are story elements? Continue reading What are Story Elements — An Essential Guide for Writers
Understanding great storytelling involves understanding the human psyche. Expectations, anticipation, and suspense are all used to keep an audience or a reader engaged. A well-crafted story is pieced together to drive our curiosities, leaving us wanting to turn the page, start the next episode, or debate on the ending of the film we just walked out of. Few storytelling techniques tap into our curiosity (and frustration) like a well-executed cliffhanger. Spoilers ahead.Continue reading What is a Cliffhanger in a Story — And Why They Work
A darkened theater. The murmur of the audience fading as the lights dim. Anticipation palpable in the air. Suddenly, the curtain lifts and a different world comes alive right before your eyes. This is the magic of a play. From ancient Greek tragedies to modern Broadway musicals, plays have evolved and adapted to reflect the changing times and societies. They have and will continue to hold a special place in our culture and hearts.Continue reading What is a Play — History, Anatomy, Types & Examples
Have you ever watched a movie and been stunned by its comically anti-climactic ending? What about a TV show like The Simpsons where Grandpa Simpson frequently tells long stories leading to nowhere? These are both examples of a “Shaggy Dog Story”, an archetypal trope in literature, TV and film that continues to surprise audiences to this day. In this article, we’re going to go over its definition and examples throughout history. Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is a Shaggy Dog Story — Definition & Examples
Open any book, play any song, or watch any movie and you’re sure to find not just one but several examples of figurative language in there. But how do you spot them? And what’s figurative language to begin with? We’re going to break down the term figurative language as well as define the most popular types you’re likely to come across. We’ll also provide figurative language examples across different types of media so that you won’t just know how to spot it, but you’ll be able to use figurative language correctly and successfully in your writing. Continue reading Figurative Language Examples…
Emotive language can be used to elicit emotional responses. But what is emotive language? And how can it be used to elicit emotional responses? We’re going to answer those questions by outlining an emotive language definition, as well as some emotive language examples. By the end, you’ll know what emotive language is, and how to use it in your own writing!Continue reading What is Emotive Language — Definition, Examples & Function
Oh, the apostrophe — the functional and creative literal device. And no we’re not talking about the punctuation mark, although that does deserve recognition too. We’re talking about the other apostrophe, the one you’ve likely encountered without realizing it had a specific name or literary purpose. Let's dive into the details. Continue reading What is an Apostrophe Literary Device (w/ Examples)?
Have you ever come across a peculiar word - 'enthymeme' - and wondered what it could possibly mean? Perhaps you've heard it mentioned in a debate or a rhetoric class. Either way, understanding the concept of enthymemes can be incredibly useful, especially if you're interested in the art of persuasion. Continue reading What is an Enthymeme — Definition and Examples
