Making Sense of Literary Devices

1. Making Sense of Literary Devices with Andrew Lyness

2. Life Application • Life, in general, can be divided into several categories of success (i.e. peasants, aristocrats, and the average “Joe”). • In literature, the same method is applied to works. • Correct identification of these literary terms will help you develop mature writing! Guaranteed, or your money back!!!! 

3. Genre vs. Stereotypes • Most commonly used with a neutral connotation. • “Oh that book was part of a Science Fiction series.” • Most commonly used with a condescending and negative connotation. • “Oh that book was terrible because it was published by the illiterate Russians.” Genre Stereotypes

4. Genre: A Real Life Scenario • Imagine yourself at buffet… • Your fill you plate with tons of unhealthy but DELICIOUS food. • As you take a bite, your mind automatically categorizes the food into a genre of taste (Sweet, savory, bitter, salty, and/or sour). • This is similar to how novels, poems, and any written work, in general, is categorized.

5. We Interrupt this Broadcast… • Have you ever found yourself flipping through the channels in search of a great show to watch? • Are you over 10 years old and need a show with some soul and meaning? • Then…the religious channels are what you are looking for!!!

6. Homily • Basically, a homily is a speech in which a spiritual message is given. • These speeches or literal “sermons” can include message of moral advice! • Like an infomercial entices a viewer to consider their project, a person giving a using homilies achieves the same relative success. • Just imagine if the “SHAM WOW” guy was a pastor at your church!!!

7. GOOD NEWS!!!! The presentation only includes about 20 more slides  Just kidding…what a hyperbole!!!

8. Hyperbole • Anytime someone deliberately uses exaggeration or overstatement for effect. • Consider Superman • Although he is an amazingly cool comic book character, the descriptions of his physical appearance may be tweaked for dramatic effect!! • Superman’s arms were so big, he could lift a semi-truck with his pinky!!!

9. And now a message from our sponsors… • We would like to thank the people of the United States; people who’s blond hair shines brilliantly and crystal clear, frigid blue eyes inspire our programs; people who’s devotion roars like a ferocious African lion yet is a seamless as the jaunty flight of a miniscule baby blue jay. Basically, we love you.

10. Imagery • Just a fancy way of saying things so that a vivid picture is painted in the reader’s mind. • May be used in conjunction with other literary devices, like metaphor and simile, for a more complex image.

11. Inference Remember…you are getting paid to look happy!! • An assumption based upon the information given. • Take the AP books for example… • When one looks at the cover, he thinks that the course will be fun BUT… • As an experienced AP course taker would say, what a LIE!!!!  • Remember: Not all inferences are necessarily correct or incorrect, I mean some people LOVE AP courses!!!

12. RECAP • Genre: a category in which all literary works may be classified. • Homily: a beautiful, or not so beautiful, speech of spiritual or moral guidance. • Hyperbole: I have NEVER met an author that has used this in the billion years I have been alive!!! • Imagery: We all like pretty pictures!! Write one!! • Inference: An assumption based on given information.

13. Citations!!! • Unknown. "Throwing Some Light on the Patterns…." Transition Culture. N.p, 27 Sept. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Stratton, Larry D. "Planner's Thoughts." Law Offices of Larry D. Stratton. Administration of Larry D. Stratton, 27 Nov. 2007. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Schubert, Debra L. "Genre Surfing." Write On Target. Write on Target, 21 Feb. 2011. Web. 30 Sept. 2011 • Zoltai, Alexander M. "VBT# Notes from an Alien." The Phantom Paragrapher. N.p, 25 May 2011. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Willys. "Stereotypes Are Cool." Jeep Blog. JP Magazines, 21 Feb. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Unknown. "Turning a Raw Food Diet into a Lifestyle, Changing to a Raw Food Diet , What Can I Eat on the Raw Food Diet." Natural Detoxes. N. p, n. d. Web. 30 Sept. 2011.  • Routledge, Clay. "Is Religion Good for Your Health?" Psychology Today. Psychology Today, 31 Aug. 2009. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. • Expert, Signs. "22 Funniest Parking Signs of All Times." Parking Signs Expert. N. P, 08 Aug. 2011. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Unknown. "Sham Wow?" Fojo T-Shirts. N. p, n. d. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Quillen, Seth. "‘Dark Knight’ Director Becomes “Godfather” Of Superman Reboot." FILM POPPER. N.p, 09 Feb. 2009. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Lee, Bill. "June 2010." Inveresk Street Ingrate. N.p, 01 June 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • "South Park Archives." South Park Archives. South Park, 29 Sept. 2011. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Imagery, Greenleaf. "The Quiet Screams the Truth."Deviant Art. Deviant Art, 01 Jan. 2009. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Review, Princeton. "Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2011 Edition." Books Become. Various Book Stores, 01 Jan. 2011. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. • Review, Princeton. "Cracking the AP English Language and Composition Exam 2009."Bookstores. Random House Information Guides, 01 Jan. 2009. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. • Lowry, Keith. "Better Me." BetterMe-KeithLowry. Keith Lowry, 07 June 2011. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. All Pictures Cited 

14. Thank you for your time Although it was not voluntary! 