Literary Device Assignment

Name

Date

Period

Literary Device

Term: Definition of the literary device selected (from a literary terms glossary—not a dictionary).

Example: Quotation, cited in MLA style. This is followed by source, including title and author. Needquotation marks and endnote.

Function:

Context—background of quote (characters, plot, setting)

  • Explain what is going on in the story/play/poem—putting example into context.
  • This paragraph is the smallest one in length due to the minimal content needed (5-7 sentences).
  • No text support in this paragraph.

Concept—literary device (simile, imagery, syntax, etc.) Discuss how the literary device functions in the passage, using the literary device and the example to support your analysis.

  • Explain example and how this literary device is being used. What is the author’s purpose? What is the effect on the meaning?
  • This paragraph will be longer than the 1st one because of the analysis you are required to do with the literary term and the example.
  • Integrate the quote within your discussion and analysis.

Connection—How does the literary device and passage function within and affect the entire work? What is the connection to the theme?

  • Explain how it contributes to overall meaning of the work and relates to its other parts.
  • Find another example from the work to support your connection.

Literary Device #1—Symbol

Symbol: “An object or action that means more than its literal meaning.”

Example: “If Catherine had wished to return, I intended shattering their great glass panes to a million of fragments” (36). Bronte, Wuthering Heights

Function:

Context: In Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Heathcliff and Catherine spy on the Lintons at Thrushcross Grange one rainy afternoon. After Catherine is bitten by Skulker, she is offered hospitality and rest in the Linton home while Heathcliff is sent back to the Heights. He protectively watches Catherine from the window as the Lintons are caring for her.

Concept: Bronte uses symbolism to emphasis the class distinctions that impede the profound passion between Catherine and Heathcliff. The “great glass panes” connote the social boundaries that divide the two lovers (36). Despite the stormy weather and the fact that Heathcliff is a mere adolescent, he is brutally refused hospitality at Thrushcross Grange because he is a servant gypsy. Although the devotion between the two transcends societal superficiality in to spiritual depths, it is painfully obvious that class nevertheless has an obvious strain on their relationship asHeathcliff is unable to provide physical companionship for his soulmate in her time of need, his limited efforts amounting to looking through the window.

Connection: The above example conveys the theme that class differences lead to competition as well as bitter clashes. As much as Heathcliff fiercely wishes to rid these class divisions by “shattering” them into “a million of fragments.” These stratifications nevertheless create tension and strife as Catherine eventually chooses to obey social conventions by marrying Edgar rather than staying true to her love for Heathcliff (36). This functions as a catalyst to Heathcliff’s thirst for revenge as he resolves to ruin the Linton legacy by taking the property of Thrushcross Grange, revealing the magnitude of destruction that social distinctions have on people. This themeis also developed when the young Catherine hears that Hareton is her cousin, andshe “wept outright; upset at the bare notion of relationship with such a clown” (144). Because Hareton talks and acts like an uneducated oaf, Catherine is initially repulsed to hear that they are related. Although Hareton is of noble blood, the mere fact that he resembles the lower class is enough to create a distinct separation between him and his cousin: The concept of aristocracy initially prevents a potential alliance against Heathcliff due to a resentment incited by apparent class differences. The two are both hurtby this establishment of social values: Catherine is indignant that she is being compared to a ruffian and Hareton is humiliated as Catherine brutally tears down his sense of pride by expressing her disgust.