A literary element is an element found in whole works of literature.
Literary elements are not "used" by all authors; but instead, they exist inherently in forms of literature and are derived by the readers of a work in question. Theme, characterization (direct and non-direct), conflict, Setting (fiction), protagonist, antagonist, rising action, falling action, resolution, climax, and point of view are among the many literary elements that exist. They can be about the setting, plot, or even the characters. An example of this is foreshadowing. Some examples of this can include: Motifs, Symbols, Conflicts, and Allusions.
A key way to remember the major literary elements and figures of speech is the acronym SHAMPOOPSI. This stands for: Simile, Hyperbole, Alliteration, Metaphor, Personification, Metonymy, Personification, Apostrophe (figure of speech), and Synecdoche.
Famous quotes containing the words literary and/or element:
“In literature the ambition of the novice is to acquire the literary language: the struggle of the adept is to get rid of it.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
“Every American, to the last man, lays claim to a “sense” of humor and guards it as his most significant spiritual trait, yet rejects humor as a contaminating element wherever found. America is a nation of comics and comedians; nevertheless, humor has no stature and is accepted only after the death of the perpetrator.”
—E.B. (Elwyn Brooks)