Literary Device Glossary

Step-by-step process using The Crucible

Lit Device Entries

• The following are the steps to complete successful literary devices. Set up your paper Cornell Notes style so that you may refer back to these notes often.

Lit Device Entries

• Topic: Literary Device Glossary

• Essential Question: What process do I use to complete successful entries?

Lit Device 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!)

Lit Device Entries

• 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).

Lit Device Entries

• 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….”).

Lit Device Entries

• 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?

Example• Step 1: Identify ONE literary device from your reading.

Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things without using like or as.

Example: Hale: “Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accountedsmall” (Miller 2. 73).

Lit Device Entries

• Step 2: Explain the context in which it is used

With a partner, discuss what is happening briefly in this part of the play. Setting, characters, context of conversation. Then, write down (on your own paper) the context.

Write down your discussion using your best academic writing.

Lit Device Entries

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

With your partner, discuss how you both KNOW that this is an example of metaphor. What is being compared? Prove it.

Write down your discussion using your best academic writing.

Lit Device Entries

• 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 metaphor. What is MILLER trying to get across to the reader? What message is being sent through the use of this metaphor? Why use a metaphor instead of just deliberately telling us?

Write down your discussion using your best academic writing.

HOMEWORK

Type up your work from class today and bring to class Monday!!!