Literary techniques & impact on reader

Gaining the ability to swiftly spot common literary devices – metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, irony and many more – is crucial.
Look for instances of foreshadowing, where the author drops subtle hints about future events, creating suspense and anticipation.
Pay attention to rhetorical questions, often used to provoke thought or emphasise a point.
Recognise the use of alliteration and repetition, as these techniques lend rhythm and emphasis to the text.

Investigate how literary techniques convey deeper meanings and contribute to the enrichment of the overall narrative.
Give thought to how the author’s use of irony enhances the satirical or sardonic tone of a passage.
Consider how the use of something as subtle as repetition can lay emphasis on certain ideas or themes.
Think about how rhetorical questions may prompt self-reflection in the reader, involving them more deeply in the narrative.

Assess whether the writer’s choices evoke certain emotions or reactions in the reader, developing a deeper connection between them and the text.
Deliberate whether the use of specific literary techniques has made it easier to sympathise or empathise with a character.
Reflect on whether the use of foreshadowing has been effective in making you anticipate future events.
Explore how the author’s use of language and literary techniques has shaped your perceptions of the story’s themes and messages.

Devise a strategy for spotting and analysing literary techniques in different pieces of literature.
Refer to revision guides focusing on literary devices and read examples to better understand their application.
Undertake active reading exercises, noting down instances of literary techniques and their possible effects.
Make a comparative study of different texts and how authors use similar or different literary devices.