What is the Rule of Three — A Literary Device for Writers

The rule of three is one of the most important rules in all of writing – but what is the rule of three? We’re going to explore this fascinating and useful rule by looking at examples in sentences, situations, and stories. This article will serve as a referential guide for you to circle back to… Continue reading What is the Rule of Three — A Literary Device for Writers

What is a Hypophora — Definition and Examples in Writing

Hypophora is a powerful rhetorical device that captures attention, stokes curiosity, and guides the audience in thinking in a particular direction. Its application spans various fields, from literature and public speaking to advertisement and beyond. But, what is hypophora and how does it differentiate itself from other rhetorical devices, such as the rhetorical question?Continue reading… Continue reading What is a Hypophora — Definition and Examples in Writing

What is a Parable — Definition, Examples and Uses

You’ve likely encountered parables in religious texts, folktales, or even in everyday conversations, but have you ever stopped to wonder what is a parable and why it has remained such a powerful tool for teaching and conveying wisdom throughout history?  In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery behind parables, examine their unique characteristics, and discuss… Continue reading What is a Parable — Definition, Examples and Uses

Parallelism Examples — Writing, Speeches, Shakespeare & More

Parallelism, or parallel structure, is a grammar style that ensures linguistic clarity. We’re going to explore parallelism examples from writing with the goal of better understanding parallel structure. By the end, you’ll know how parallelism works, and how to implement it in your writing. Tip: that last sentence was an example of parallelism in action!Continue… Continue reading Parallelism Examples — Writing, Speeches, Shakespeare & More

What is an Inciting Incident — Definition & Script Examples

EssentialsOpen menu What is a Scene What is The Three Act Structure What is Story Structure What is a Story Beat What Is a Plot Plot vs Story What is a Non-Linear Plot What is a Plot Device What is Freytag’s Pyramid Screenplay StructureOpen menu Screenplay Structure Examples What is a Story Mountain Joseph Campbell’s… Continue reading What is an Inciting Incident — Definition & Script Examples

Types of Symbolism — Examples from Literature and Cinema

H ave you ever wondered why the mockingbird sings in Harper Lee’s classic, or what the green light at the end of the dock means in The Great Gatsby? Or perhaps you’ve pondered on the deeper significance of the spinning top in Christopher Nolan’s Inception. These aren’t just random elements thrown into the mix to make… Continue reading Types of Symbolism — Examples from Literature and Cinema

What is Hamartia — Examples of Tragic Characters in Lit. & Film

The most striking characters in film have detailed, complicated character traits. On occasion, our heroes succumb to the power of their most wicked flaws. Hamartia is a timeless term that describes this failure. If you haven’t heard of hamartia before, don’t sweat it. We’ll unpack how to spot hamartia and utilize it in your own… Continue reading What is Hamartia — Examples of Tragic Characters in Lit. & Film

What is an Implied Metaphor — Definition, Examples & Usages

Metaphor Mixed Metaphor Visual Metaphor Extended Metaphor Implied Metaphor Dead Metaphor Metaphors are a crucial part of any writer’s prose. The figurative language technique can illustrate an idea or image in just a few words. Metaphors come in all shapes and sizes. One of the subtlest of its forms is the implied metaphor– a linguistic… Continue reading What is an Implied Metaphor — Definition, Examples & Usages

What is a Dead Metaphor — Examples & How to Avoid Them

Metaphor Mixed Metaphor Visual Metaphor Extended Metaphor Implied Metaphor Dead Metaphor Metaphors are an important part of any writer’s lexicon. At their best, metaphors can crystalize an image or meaning in just a few words. Sometimes, however, they’re not operating at their best. Some of the most maligned metaphors are called dead metaphors, and most… Continue reading What is a Dead Metaphor — Examples & How to Avoid Them

Connotation vs Denotation — Examples & Differences Explained

ConnotationOpen menu Connotation Negative Connotation Positive Connotation Denotation Connotation vs Denotation Connotation vs denotation: one is subjective, the other is objective. Can you guess which is which? Fear not, no guessing required; we’re going to explain everything there is to know about connotation vs denotation by breaking down examples from literature and film. By the… Continue reading Connotation vs Denotation — Examples & Differences Explained

What are Stylistic Devices — How to Elevate Your Writing

Stylistic devices, also known as figures of speech or literary devices, hold a significant role in adding depth, meaning, and artistic quality to pieces of literature. But what are stylistic devices? They are the colors that paint the canvas of prose, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, enhancing the vibrancy of the work and engaging the reader’s… Continue reading What are Stylistic Devices — How to Elevate Your Writing

What is an Epistrophe — Definition, Examples for Writers

Abraham Lincoln famously said that “no government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall perish from this Earth.” But did you know that “the people” is a famous example of an epistrophe? So, what is an epistrophe? We’re going to break down epistrophes by looking at epistrophe examples in writing. By… Continue reading What is an Epistrophe — Definition, Examples for Writers

What is Figurative Language — Definition, Examples & Types

The world would be a lot more boring without figurative language. Look at your favorite novel, essay, monologue, script – you’re guaranteed to find at least a few figurative language examples (if it’s a novel, you’ll probably find hundreds). Figurative language is absolutely necessary to understand for any aspiring writer or, really, for anyone who… Continue reading What is Figurative Language — Definition, Examples & Types

What is a Compound Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips for Writers

Syntax EssentialsOpen menu What is Syntax What is Passive Voice What is Active Voice Active vs. Passive Voice Sentence StructureOpen menu What is Text Structure What is Sentence Structure Simple Sentence Structure Compound Sentence Structure Compound-Complex Sentence Structure Complex Sentence Structure Short, simple sentences are great. But if they’re all you use, your writing can… Continue reading What is a Compound Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips for Writers

What is Overstatement — Definition and Examples for Writers

3 Types of Irony Dramatic IronyOpen menu What is Tragic Irony Stages of Dramatic Irony Verbal IronyOpen menu Sarcasm Understatement Overstatement Socratic Irony Situational IronyOpen menu Cosmic Irony Poetic Justice Structural Irony Historical Irony (FREE E-Book) Irony Explained: The Ultimate Guide Sometimes you just can’t find the words to express how you feel. To match… Continue reading What is Overstatement — Definition and Examples for Writers