Literary techniques and features, although they sound similar, address different aspects of a text. If a question asks for features, you must identify different structural elements and concepts within the text, whereas if the question requires techniques, you should focus on the specific methods the writer uses to convey meaning.

What are Literary Techniques?

Literary techniques, also known as literary devices, refer to the specific methods writers use to convey their messages, narrate their stories, and persuade their readers. These techniques can include strategic word choice, the deliberate arrangement of words, sentences, and paragraphs, as well as the use of figurative language and other elements to enhance the impact of the writing.

Literary Technique Cheat Sheet

Technique	Definition	Example
Allegory	A story or narrative with a secondary meaning. Often, allegories involve characters and events that stand for abstract ideas or events.	The book Animal Farm by George Orwell, uses allegory as the farm animals represent figures from the Russian Revolution.
Alliteration	The repetition of initial sounds in words close to each other in text. It is used to create rhythm and bring attention to particular words.	"She sells sea shells by the sea shore."
Allusion	A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literacy, or political significance.	"Food is my kryptonite," where ‘kryptonite’ is an allusion to the weakness of the fiction hero Superman.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It is used to emphasise a point or create a strong emotional effect.	"Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better."
Cliche	An overused expression that, due to its overuse, has lost its original impact or novelty.	"There is no ‘I’ in team"
Double Entendre	A phrase or figure of speech that could have two interpretations or that could be understood in two different ways.	"If you want a committed man, look in a mental hospital," where the word ‘committed’ has connotations of a loyal man, or someone who is a part of a mental hospital.
Foreshadowing	A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.	In John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses the death of smaller animals to foreshadow the story’s tragic ending.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, but used for emphasis or rhetorical effect.	"I've told you a million times not to exaggerate."
Imagery	Descriptive or figurative language used to create word pictures for the reader. This includes visual imagery as well as the imagery of taste, touch, smell, and sound.	"The golden yellow sunlight filtered down through the pale new leaves on the oak trees."
Juxtaposition	Two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. It has a contrasting effect.	A wealthy neighbourhood immediately next to a poor one.
Metaphor	A figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action, without using "like" or "as."	"Time is a thief."
Motif	A distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition, often repeated to enhance theme or mood.	The recurring motif of vision and blindness in King Lear by Shakespeare.
Onomatopoeia	A word that imitates the sound it represents, such as "sizzle," "buzz," or "crack."	"The bacon sizzled in the pan."
Pathetic Fallacy	The attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, especially in art and literature.	"The angry clouds stormed across the sky."
Simile	A figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often introduced with the words "like" or "as."	"Her cheeks are red like a rose."
Symbolism	The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, giving these symbols significant meanings beyond their literal sense.	A rose can symbolise romance and beauty

What are Literary Features?

Literary features refer to the various elements that make up the structure of a text. These features are the foundational components identified as parts of a texts form and content.

Literary Feature Cheat Sheet

Feature	Definition	Example
Form	The overall style or structure of a work, including its genre, layout, and organisation.	Haiku in poetry: A traditional Japanese form consisting of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable count.
Fractured Sentences	Incomplete sentences used to increase tension, urgency, or reflect the way people speak.	"She's very nervous. That's another thing."
Linear and Non-linear	A linear narrative follows chronological order while non-linear can include flashbacks, foreshadowing, and shifts in time.	Non-linear in Pulp Fiction: The film's events are shown out of chronological order.
Tone	The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.	Sarcastic tone in the following sentence: "Oh sure, because we always solve problems by ignoring them"
Setting	The time, place, and context in which the story occurs.	Victorian England in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
Theme	The underlying message or the big idea of a work, often concerning universal truths about life, society, or human nature.	The theme of moral decay in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Plot	The sequence of events in a story, encompassing the main conflict, climax, and resolution.	The plot of Hamlet revolves around Hamlet's quest to avenge his father's murder.
Characters	The individuals who participate in the action of a literary work.	The film series, Harry Potter, follows the life of ‘Harry’ who is the main character of the series.
Mood	The atmosphere or emotional condition created by the piece, within the setting.	"The room was silent, save for the quiet ticking of the clock, reminding her of the relentless passage of time since he had gone." - portrays a sad mood
Structure	The framework of a work of literature; the organisation of its parts.	The structure of To Kill a Mockingbird is told in a flashback format by the narrator.