Difference Between Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

The key difference between literary devices and figures of speech is that the literary devices involve all literary elements in a literary work while the figures of speech mainly involve language and style of a literary work.

A figure of speech is a form of expression where writers use words out of their literary meaning or out of ordinary use. However, a literary device can be broadly defined as a literary or linguistic technique producing a specific effect, especially a figure of speech, narrative style, or plot mechanism. Though figures of speech are a type of literary device, not all literary devices are figures of speech.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Literary Devices
3. What are Figures of Speech
4. Side by Side Comparison – Literary Devices vs Figures of Speech in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What are Literary Devices?

Literary devices refer to devices or manoeuvres writers use in their writing to relay information and develop the narrative, i.e., to make his or her work complete, interesting or complex. In other words, it is a “literary or linguistic technique that produces a specific effect, esp. a figure of speech, narrative style, or plot mechanism”.

While figures of speech are a major component of literary devices, they are only one aspect of literary devices. Literary devices also include techniques that enhance elements such as setting, plot, and characterization of a literary work. Below are some examples of literary devices one can use to improve the plot and characterization:

Plot

Flashback – depicting an occurrence that happened before the current point of the story

Deus ex-machine – an unexpected character, an unlikely concept or a divine character is introduced into the story to resolve the conflict

In medias res – beginning the narrative in the middle of the story, not at the beginning

Characterization

Hamartia – fatal flaw in the protagonist that leads to his downfall

Archetype – recurring symbols or motifs that represent universal patterns of human nature (ex: hero, villain, damsel in distress)

Foil – juxtaposing two characters to highlight the differences in their nature

What are Figures of Speech?

A figure of speech is a form of expression where words are used out of their literal meaning or out of their ordinary use. Figures of speech often offer emphasis, the freshness of expression, or clarity to a work of literature. Furthermore, their main aim is to use the language creatively to heighten the effect of what is being said. There are many types of figures of speech.

Some Examples of Figures of Speech

Similes – making a direct comparison between two things
Metaphors – making an implicit comparison between two unrelated things
Alliteration – same consonant sound occurring at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words
Consonance – repetition of consonant sounds in words that are in close proximity
Synecdoche – using a word or phrase that refers to a part of something to represent the whole or vice versa.
Oxymoron – using two contrasting words together
Hyperbole – deliberately using exaggeration for the sake of emphasis

What is the Difference Between Literary Devices and Figures of Speech?

A literary device is a literary or linguistic technique that produces a specific effect, esp. a figure of speech, narrative style, or plot mechanism. A figure of speech, on the other hand, is a form of expression where words are used out of their literal meaning or out of their ordinary use. As reflected by these definitions, a figure of speech is a literary device, but not all literary devices are figures of speech. Writers use literary devices to enhance various elements such as setting, style, plot, and characterization. Figures of speech are mainly related to language and style of a work of literature. In other words, figures of speech mainly enhance the style and language of a work. This is the main difference between literary devices and figures of speech.

Summary – Literary Devices vs Figures of Speech

Literary devices refer to a broad category referring to literary or linguistic techniques in a work of literature that produces a specific effect. Moreover, figures of speech are a type of these literary devices. This is the primary difference between literary devices and figures of speech.

Reference:

1.“List of Narrative Techniques.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 July 2018. Available here
2.“Literary Devices and Literary Terms.” Literary Devices. Available here