The following are the steps to complete successful literary devices.

You will follow this process every time you complete a lit device entry.

This is the ONLY time we will do this in class!

Topic: Literary Device Glossary Essential Question: What process do I use

to complete successful entries?

Step 1: Identify ONE literary device from your reading. You may want to find many as you read, but

each entry should only contain ONE lit device. Find the page and the context in which it is

used (Hint: you may need to reread the section!)

Define the term. Quote the example. (Cite!)

Step 2: Explain the context in which it is used Summarize BRIEFLY the section in which it is

used; in other words, give your reader some background.

DO NOT explain the whole story, characters, plot details, etc. Assume your reader knows the general gist of the story (because I usually do).

Step 3: Explain the use of the device in this section. How is the device being used in this context? Prove that it truly is an example of this device.

(Use an active voice – “This symbolizes….”).

Step 4 : Explain the purpose and significance of this device in relation to the text as a whole. Use quotes to support your claim. Use themes and author’s messages to show

what the term is doing in the text. How does this device help you as a reader understand the overall message(s) better?

Step 1: Identify ONE literary device from your reading. Metaphor: a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things or objects that are poles apart from each other but have some characteristics common between them without using comparative words such as “like” or “as.”

Shakespeare, William, and Alan Durband. Romeo and Juliet.

Woodbury, N.Y: Barron's, 1985. Print.

Example: “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?/ It is the East, and Juliet is the sun” (2.2. 1-3).

Step 2: Explain the context in which it is used

Turn to a partner and explain your term and what is happening in that particular part of the text.

Write down your discussion using your best academic writing. Copy the following format:

Function: In William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, __(context and example)_____

Step 3: Explain the use of the device in this section.

With your partner, discuss how you KNOW that this is an example of the term and what its function is (this compares, this symbolizes, etc.)

Write down your discussion using your best academic writing.

Step 4 : Explain the purpose and significance of this device in relation to the text as a whole.

With your partner, explain the importance of this term in the text. What is McCarthy trying to get across to the reader? What message is being sent through the use of this device? Why use this device (instead of just deliberately telling us)?

Write down your discussion using your best academic writing.