Creating a Literary Essay
In order to create a literary essay, you need to consider the fact that the essay will be dealing with
that the author uses to help the reader have a positive and engaging experience while reading.
You will be asked to choose one particular literary device and show how the author uses it to achieve a
particular effect.
What are the effects of literary features?
The intent is that they create meaning or impression on the reader.
Story Elements/Language Choices
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Character development
Setting
Imagery
Symbolism
Diction
Syntax
Theme
Mood
Tone
Atmosphere
Conflict
Irony
Foreshadowing
Flashback
Allusion
Point of view
Meaning or Impression
Words that express meaning/impression:
develop
enhance
provide
demonstrate
establish
show
illustrates
defines
emphasizes
accentuates
refines
stresses
highlights
promotes
expands
exhibits
validates
reinforce
creates
presents
portray
You should choose one of the techniques/devices from the first column, choose a
meaning or impression word, and then combine it with yet another device. This will in essence become
the basis of your thesis.
(One thing is used to do another)
Eg. The author uses character to enhance the message that those who do not go with the flow of the
crowd emerge the stronger person (theme).
The author uses a mood to emphasize conflict in the novel.
The author uses flashback to enhance the character development of the protagonist.
ETC...
Clarify your thesis further by replacing non-descript words with specific choices.
Eg. The author uses character to enhance the message that those who do not go with the flow of the
crowd emerge the stronger person (theme).
The author uses a mood to emphasize conflict in the novel.
The author uses flashback to enhance the character development of the protagonist.
ETC...
Decide a minimum of two ways or times that the author employs this specific technique
throughout the novel or story. In your intro, briefly list the instances that you wish to discuss.
Eg. When Gene questions Finny’s loyalty, when he jumps from the tree, and when he breaks school rules
are the ways the author emphasizes the decline in the main character’s moral structure and emphasizes the
message that ...(theme)
Write your introductory paragraph:
 Catchy opener – a general statement
 Thesis – specific, but not too specific that it leaves you with no room to explore events/devices
properly
 List briefly the ways in which you will discuss each instance with a focus on the device.
Transition into your first device.
Some Transitions to Try!
To indicate sequence or
order:
first, second etc.
next, last, finally
first of all
at this point
previously, subsequently
and then
meanwhile
followed by
after that
next, before, after
simultaneously
at this time
concurrently
To introduce an example:
for example
for instance
in this case
on this occasion
this can be seen
when/where . . .
take the case of
to demonstrate
to illustrate
To indicate time:
immediately
thereafter
formerly
previously
finally, then, later
soon
during
before, after
after a few hours
at that time
prior to
To logically divide an idea:
firstly, secondly, thirdly
first, next, finally
To compare:
in a different way/sense
similarly
likewise
whereas
balanced against
similar to
like, just like
conversely
by comparison
To contrast:
in contrast
on the other hand
however
on the contrary
a different view is
differing from
unlike
balanced against
To Introduce an Additional
Idea:
in addition
also
another
besides that
further
finally
one can also say
furthermore
moreover
nor
and then
To introduce an opposite idea
or show exception:
however
on the other hand
instead
in contrast
whereas
while
in spite of
nevertheless
despite
even though
but one could also say . . .
but
still
yet
To give an example:
for example
in this case
take the case of
for instance
to demonstrate
to illustrate
To summarize or Conclude:
in summary
in conclusion
in brief
on the whole
summing up
therefore
hence
ultimately
to summarize
to conclude
in other words
thus
consequently
as a result
as shown
finally
Begin using your PEACE strategy to develop your first body paragraph. Consider:
1. Identify the technique
2. Find a quote that supports that you have the technique correctly chosen
3. Analyze why the author includes this technique.
For example:
 To enhance character
 To create conflict and/or develop plot
 To identify a theme
 To show a different side to a character and the list goes on...
4. Finally, show how your understanding (from the perspective of the reader) has been
changed, enhanced, altered in some way, shape or form. Be sure to say something
specific about that.
Eg. As a result, the reader is inclined to despise the character, rather than empathize as
they did earlier in the novel. The much liked character that was established, becomes the
villain because of the way the author has presented their darker side.
As a result of the visual imagery of the “wilted leaves”, the reader gains a better
understanding for the sadness that the character experiences, and therefore the reader
tends to sympathize and finds themselves routing for a positive outcome for the character.
ETC...
NO MORE FEELING WHAT THEY FEEL,
IMAGINING WHAT THEY IMAGINE,
ETC...- you have said nothing about effect or
impression!!!!!!!!!!