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

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 Insert Image Connotation Insert Image Negative Connotation Insert Image 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… 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 Insert Image What is Syntax Insert Image What is Passive Voice Insert Image What is Active Voice Insert Image Active vs. Passive Voice Sentence StructureOpen menu Insert Image What is Text Structure Insert Image What is Sentence Structure Insert Image Simple Sentence Structure Insert Image Compound Sentence Structure Insert Image Compound-Complex Sentence… 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 Insert Image What is Tragic Irony Insert Image Stages of Dramatic Irony Verbal IronyOpen menu Insert Image Sarcasm Insert Image Understatement Insert Image Overstatement Insert Image Socratic Irony Situational IronyOpen menu Insert Image Cosmic Irony Insert Image Poetic Justice Insert Image Structural Irony Insert Image Historical Irony (FREE… Continue reading What is Overstatement — Definition and Examples for Writers

What is a Plot Twist — Definition, Examples and Types Explained

Trope EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is a Trope Insert Image What is a Cliche Insert Image Tropes & Cliches to Avoid Character TropesOpen menu Insert Image Character Tropes Insert Image Stock Character Insert Image Mary Sue Insert Image Manic Pixie Dream Girl Insert Image Mad Scientist Insert Image Femme Fatale Insert Image Damsel in… Continue reading What is a Plot Twist — Definition, Examples and Types Explained

What is a Compound-Complex Sentence Structure — Examples

Syntax EssentialsOpen menu Insert Image What is Syntax Insert Image What is Passive Voice Insert Image What is Active Voice Insert Image Active vs. Passive Voice Sentence StructureOpen menu Insert Image What is Text Structure Insert Image What is Sentence Structure Insert Image Simple Sentence Structure Insert Image Compound Sentence Structure Insert Image Compound-Complex Sentence… Continue reading What is a Compound-Complex Sentence Structure — Examples

What is Anagnorisis — Definition and Examples for Writers

Anagnorisis is a literary device that has been used for centuries to create dramatic turning points in stories. In this article, we will explore the origins of anagnorisis, how it works as a storytelling technique, and some examples of its use in popular works of fiction.  Whether you are an aspiring writer or just curious about… Continue reading What is Anagnorisis — Definition and Examples for Writers