How do you want to be remembered after you die? While this question might seem morbid, it is an inevitable inquiry that invites us to look deeper into both our own identity and our collective mortality. The art of using language in a concise way that speaks to this question is the art of the epitaph. Continue reading What is an Epitaph – Definition and Examples
Do you have dreams of being the greatest writer to ever grace the planet? Good writers know when to exaggerate, and when to lay low with their prose. This is why it’s important to understand what hyperbole is, and how and when to use it, or when to avoid it. (And after you read this article, you’ll be able to identify the example of hyperbole hidden in that first sentence!) Read on to learn about hyperbole’s meaning and see examples. Continue reading Hyperbole Examples in Speech, Literature, and Poetry
By the time I was caught, I was considered the youngest and most daring con man in US history.” This is the incredible opening line to Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can.” The movie is based on a biographical book written by Frank Abagnale Jr. - played in the movie by Leonardo DiCaprio. His book was an autobiography, telling the story of his own life. Some of the most iconic movies and books ever written are based on biographies and autobiographies. After reading this article, you’ll understand what biographies are, biographies vs. autobiographies, and more. Continue reading…
No story can exist without characters. Think of your favorite book or TV show. You likely already have a favorite character, right? That means - perhaps even without knowing it - you’ve already engaged with the world of fictional characters! But what does fictional character mean, and what are some of the all-time great fictional characters from literature, television, and film? Read on to find out the answer to the question “what is a fictional character?” Continue reading What is a Fictional Character — Definition & Types
Commas are a common punctuation mark, used to add pauses or separations to sentences. As you can see, we just used one! Commas allow the reader to separate thoughts, and thus, understand a sentence better. Sometimes, commas can be used to separate items in a list. This is where the storied “Oxford comma” comes in. So, what is the Oxford comma, when do you use it, and how? (After you’ll read this, you’ll see how we just used one!). Continue reading What is an Oxford Comma — How & Why They Work
Non-fiction, as a literary genre, has always held a unique position in the realm of literature. It is a genre that revolves around facts, real events, and real people, serving as a window into the realities of our world. In this article, we’ll provide a deeper understanding of non-fiction, its definition, examples, and the various genres it encompasses.Continue reading What is Non-Fiction — Definition, Examples, and Genres
Some archetypes feel like they have been with us forever, showing up just about everywhere. Some of those include the heroic hero, the villainous villain, and the fair damsel, among others. One of these is the wise old man, which is so ubiquitous that it even exists in real life (though your mileage may vary). Even though the title has origins in Jungian psychology, the actual archetype has been around since Ancient Greek and Roman times. So what is the wise old man archetype, where can a wise old man be found, and what do they impart?Continue reading The Wise…
Aporia is a tricky term to understand; no doubt in part because it merits two definitions. But fear not, we’re going to define aporia twice! We’re also going to break down some aporia examples in philosophy and writing to get to the bottom of the aporia meaning. By the end, you’ll know what aporia is; how to recognize it, and how to apply it.Continue reading What is Aporia — Rhetoric’s Secret Weapon Explained
If only I had something quick and witty to say about epigrams… ah, but then, I would be using an epigram to describe epigrams! But what is an epigram? We’re going to break down what an epigram is through an epigram definition and epigram examples. We’ll also examine some famous epigram poem examples to see how the great writers of yore used the technique. By the end, you’ll know what an epigram is and how to use it in your own writing.Continue reading What is an Epigram — Definition and Examples for Writers
Have you ever had a conversation with someone about one topic but suddenly they change the subject in the most abrupt and out of nowhere way possible? This could count as a non sequitur, a literary device that has shown up in different plays, books, movies, and shows. But what is a non sequitur and how can you identify it? We’ll cover that along with some examples so you can make sure you’ll always recognize it.Continue reading What is a Non Sequitur — And Why Good Writers Use Them
