Literary devices refers to specific aspects of literature in the sense of its universal function as an art form which expresses ideas through language which we can recognize, identify, interpret, and/or analyze. Literary devices collectively comprise the art form’s components, the means by which authors create meaning through language, and by which readers gain understanding of and appreciation for their works. They also provide a conceptual framework for comparing individual literary works to others, both within and across genres. Both literary elements and literary techniques can rightly be called literary devices.
Copyright © 2007 by Jay Braiman