Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Sounds rather lofty, doesn’t it? But you’ve probably heard this commonly cited quote from the King James Bible simplified as the phrase “pride comes before the fall.” The ominous warning tells readers that if they are too arrogant, they may come to regret it. This theme is a common one in storytelling, and many characters exhibit this quality - which is called “hubris” - to their own detriment. But what is hubris, and what are examples of this trait in literature and film? Read on to find out how…
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
A story tells a series of events over time. How storytellers choose to tell these events in or out of chronological order is what makes the story linear or non-linear. More commonly, storytellers tell linear narratives — stories that are told in the chronological order in which they occur. There are good reasons to tell a story in a linear way, but there are also some restrictions that come with the technique.Continue reading What is a Linear Narrative — Sequential Storytelling 101
How does one recreate “reality” in art? Is it possible to recreate “reality” in art? These are the questions that guide the study of Mimesis. But what is mimesis? And what does mimesis mean? We’re going to answer all of these questions by outlining the history of mimesis, as well as a mimesis definition. By the end, you’ll know what mimesis means.Continue reading What is Mimesis — Reality Through Art Explained
Comedy holds a significant role in stories of every genre. Even the most dramatic plays and films can benefit from a few laughs. One of the best ways to introduce comedy in any type of story is through the use of a gag character.Continue reading What is a Gag Character — The Secret to Comic Relief
