LITERARY DEVICES / TERMS

-

 

 LITERARY DEVICES / TERMS

1. Plot

Definition:

The plot is the organized sequence of events that make up a story. It shows how the story begins, develops, reaches a climax, and ends. It includes all major actions and conflicts.

Detailed Explanation:

A good plot has:

  1. Beginning – introduces characters and setting

  2. Middle – presents conflict and rising action

  3. Climax – the turning point

  4. Falling Action – events after climax

  5. Resolution – final outcome

Example (An Astrologer’s Day):

  • The astrologer works in a marketplace (beginning).

  • A stranger challenges him (conflict).

  • The astrologer realizes the stranger is Guru Nayak, whom he once stabbed (climax).

  • He tells Guru Nayak the truth in a clever way (falling action).

  • Guru Nayak leaves, and the astrologer feels relieved (resolution).

2. Setting

Definition:

Setting refers to the time, place, atmosphere, and social environment of a story.

Detailed Explanation:

It includes:

  • Geography (village, city, market)

  • Time period (morning/evening, historical era)

  • Social conditions (culture, traditions, lifestyles)

  • Mood of the story

Example:

In An Astrologer’s Day, the setting is a crowded Indian marketplace at night, with flickering lights, noise, and people selling goods. This creates a mysterious and dramatic mood.

3. Characterization

Definition:

Characterization is the technique an author uses to create, describe, and develop characters.

Detailed Explanation:

Characters are developed through:

  • Physical appearance

  • Actions and behaviour

  • Speech and dialogue

  • Thoughts and feelings

  • Reactions of other characters

  • Author’s comments

Example:

The astrologer is characterized as:

  • Physically: turban, sacred ash, coloured forehead

  • Behaviour: confident but cautious

  • Speech: persuasive and dramatic

  • Background: a man hiding a dark past

Characterization helps us understand that he is not a real astrologer but a clever survivor.

4. Point of View

Definition:

Point of view is the narrative perspective from which a story is told.

Types:

  1. First-person – narrator uses “I”

  2. Third-person limited – narrator knows actions of one character

  3. Third-person omniscient – narrator knows everything

Example:

An Astrologer’s Day is told in a third-person omniscient point of view, because the narrator knows the astrologer’s thoughts, his past, and his fears.

5. Tone

Definition:

Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject, characters, or audience.

Examples of tone:

Serious, humorous, sarcastic, bitter, sympathetic, suspenseful.

Example:

The tone in An Astrologer’s Day is mostly serious and suspenseful, especially during the conversation with Guru Nayak where danger and tension rise.

6. Exposition

Definition:

Exposition is the opening section of a story that introduces the setting, characters, and basic situation.

Detailed Explanation:

It prepares the reader by giving background information needed to understand the plot.

Example:

The first paragraphs of An Astrologer’s Day describe:

  • The astrologer’s appearance

  • His work style

  • The marketplace

  • His manner of dealing with customers

This exposition sets the tone and context of the story.

7. Complication

Definition:

Complication is the main conflict or problem that disturbs the normal situation and drives the plot forward.

Detailed Explanation:

It introduces tension and makes the reader interested in how the conflict will be solved.

Example:

The complication occurs when a stranger questions the astrologer and forces him to tell the truth. The astrologer soon discovers that this man is Guru Nayak, whom he once attempted to kill. This creates danger and emotional stress.

8. Rising Action

Definition:

Rising action includes the series of events that increase tension and move the story toward the climax.

Detailed Explanation:

These events show how the conflict becomes deeper and more complicated.

Example:

The rising action in An Astrologer’s Day includes:

  • Guru Nayak’s insistence on knowing the truth

  • The astrologer’s fear and internal struggle

  • His decision to trick Guru Nayak for safety

  • His dramatic predictions

These events build suspense until the climax.

9. Resolution

Definition:

Resolution is the final part where conflicts are resolved and the story reaches closure.

Example:

In An Astrologer’s Day, the resolution occurs when:

  • Guru Nayak leaves satisfied

  • The astrologer tells his wife the truth

  • He finally feels relieved that the man he thought he murdered is alive

This brings emotional closure and safety to the astrologer.

10. Protagonist

Definition:

The protagonist is the main character or central figure of a story. The plot revolves around this character.

Example:

The astrologer is the protagonist of the story. His past, fear, intelligence, and actions shape the entire plot.

11. Antagonist

Definition:

The antagonist is the character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict.

Detailed Explanation:

The antagonist may be:

  • A person

  • Society

  • Nature

  • A situation

  • The protagonist’s own inner fears

Example:

Guru Nayak is the antagonist because:

  • He unknowingly threatens the astrologer’s life

  • His arrival brings danger and tension

  • He forces the astrologer to confront his past

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tribute to Papa" by Mamta Kalia

-
  About the Author: Mamta Kalia Mamta Kalia (b. 1940) is a renowned Indian poet, short story writer, novelist, and playwright , writing mainly in Hindi and English. She is known for her bold, witty, and ironic style , often addressing issues of middle-class life , urban existence , women's struggles , and family dynamics . Her works reflect realistic , sometimes rebellious emotions , and challenge traditional values . Some of her major works include Bekhabar Nagri , Dukkham Sukkham , Suno Kahani , and Idiot Box . In English, her poems, like "Tribute to Papa," reflect youthful anger against parental authority and social expectations . She has been awarded prestigious awards like the Vyas Samman and the Sahitya Akademi Award . 2. Detailed Summary: "Tribute to Papa" "Tribute to Papa" is a dramatic monologue where the daughter speaks to her father, expressing frustration, rebellion, and disappointment . The speaker feels that her fath...
Read more

"Feeding the Poor at Christmas" by Eunice de Souza

-
  1. About the Author: Eunice de Souza Eunice de Souza (1940–2017) was a well-known Indian English poet , novelist, and academic from Goa, India. She was recognized for her sharp, direct, and often ironic style . De Souza's poetry often addresses social issues , women’s experiences , and the hypocrisies of society with wit and bitterness . Some of her famous poetry collections include Fix , Women in Dutch Painting , and Learn From the Almond Leaf . Her work reflects her Catholic upbringing , Goan roots , and a strong feminist voice . She also wrote children’s books and edited several anthologies of Indian English poetry. 2. Detailed Summary: "Feeding the Poor at Christmas" This poem is a satirical commentary on the false charity and superficial kindness shown by the rich towards the poor during Christmas . The speaker describes how every Christmas , the wealthy organize an event to "feed the poor" . However, their attitude is far from genu...
Read more

The Lament by Anton Chekhov

-
    The Lament by Anton Chekhov About the Author: Anton Pavlovich Chekhov Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) was a Russian playwright and short story writer who is considered one of the greatest writers of short fiction in history. Trained as a doctor, Chekhov began writing to support his family. He is known for his keen observations of human behavior and his ability to portray deep emotions and complex characters using simple language and subtle storytelling. His stories often explore themes such as loneliness, poverty, and the human condition. Some of his most famous works include The Cherry Orchard , Uncle Vanya , The Seagull , and The Lady with the Dog . Chekhov’s writing is marked by realism, compassion, and a deep understanding of the struggles of ordinary people. In "The Lament" , he presents a touching portrayal of a grieving man and the indifference of the world around him. Characters in “The Lament” Iona Potapov – The central character, an old cab driver (s...
Read more