Title: Literary Terms – Meaning and Usage - A Research Guide for Students
Headings: The Use of Literary Terms
The Use of Literary Terms
Literary Terms and Figurative Language
When should you use literary terms?
Outlined below are a few examples:
Common Terms
Common Terms
Plot and Character Devices
Common Terms
Common Terms
Wordplay
Common Terms
Of Note:
Things You Should Avoid
Common Terms

Content: Figurative language is used in writing to appeal to the senses of the audience. Instead of following the principles of logic or literalness, figurative language makes connections based on sound, connotation, and the construction of phrases and words. Figurative language develops links between things that might not otherwise have a connection. It encourages creative, complicated thought processes that develop into strange, uncommon or beautiful concepts. Figurative language enables writers to move past logical realms of thinking in order to see things in a new way. Figurative language is most often used in poetry, speeches and songs. Figurative language should never be taken literally, meaning that it has no place in scientific or technical writing. Common Terms
Metaphor: A metaphor is a vivid and direct comparison of two things that would otherwise be unrelated. Metaphors find the link between two dissimilar things and place emphasis on their similarity without being taken at face value.