Atmosphere, while often overlooked, is an essential element in literature that deeply shapes readers' experiences. It's the emotional climate or mood a writer creates within their work — the unseen thread that binds the narrative together. But what is atmosphere in literature, exactly, and why is it so critical?Continue reading What is Atmosphere in Literature — The Silent Storyteller
An inciting incident is an essential part of every story. But what is an inciting incident and why is it so essential? We’re going to get to the bottom of those questions by defining the term and by looking at examples from Star Wars, La La Land, and more. By the end, you’ll know the inciting incident meaning and how to implement it in your own works.Continue reading What is an Inciting Incident — Definition & Script Examples
There are many types of repetition in literature–at least twenty five, in fact! In poetry, repetition is paramount. Some even say it is the essence of poetry itself. In this post, we’ll answer the question “what is repetition in poetry,” from repeated lines in a poem, to stanzas, and words. We’ll also look at some examples of repetition in poetry, and look at how repetition is closely linked to rhythm and rhyme. Continue reading What is Repetition in Poetry — Examples & Functions
Have 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 the story intriguing. They are symbols — powerful tools that authors and filmmakers use to convey profound meanings subtly yet impactfully. Let's uncover the types of symbolism that often go unnoticed yet hold the power to transform a simple tale into an unforgettable masterpiece.Continue reading…
Anaphora is an important rhetorical device for emphasizing concepts and ideas. But what is anaphora? Fear not, we’re going to explain anaphora by exploring a variety of anaphora examples. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize and utilize anaphora in writing. Continue reading Anaphora Examples — Literature, Film, Music, Poetry & More
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 end, you’ll know what connotation and denotation are, and how to effectively use them in writing.Continue reading Connotation vs Denotation — Examples & Differences Explained
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 senses. Let's run through the many types with some examples to get a firm grasp of the stylistic devices writers use every single day.Continue reading What are Stylistic Devices — How to Elevate Your Writing
Short, simple sentences are great. But if they’re all you use, your writing can start to feel stilted. Wait, let me start that again. Short, simple sentences are great, but if they’re all you use, your writing can start to feel stilted. That’s better. Compound sentences are a great way to diversify your writing and complicate your statements. Let’s look at what makes a compound sentence and how it’s used. Continue reading What is a Compound Sentence? Structure & Examples
You may have seen something out of time in a period piece, like machine guns in the Middle Ages. You may have come across a story where everyone in the 22nd century is still using 20th century technology. It’s the sort of thing you may notice immediately or not at all, depending on how subtle or obvious it is. It’s called anachronism and it has existed in art for many centuries. But what is anachronism, what does it look like, and how can you spot it? We will cover an anachronism definition, along with the different categories and examples.Continue reading…
What is a plot twist? It’s a term we’ve all heard before – but we rarely ever hear it defined. So today, we’re going to define plot twists by looking at some good twist examples in literature and film. By the end, you’ll know how to write a plot twist like the greats, including Christopher Nolan and M. Night Shyamalan. Continue reading What is a Plot Twist — Definition, Examples and Types Explained
