What is an example of symbolism in literature?

A classic example of symbolism in literature is the white whale in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.

Captain Ahab, the protagonist, enters a relentless pursuit of the white whale. Throughout the novel, the white whale appears only sporadically, but its presence looms over the entire narrative, and more specifically, Captain Ahab.

The white whale is most commonly thought to be symbolic of both the unattainable as well as how obsession can destroy and consume individuals.

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you choose the perfect wording to express your thoughts in your writing.

What Is Symbolism? | Definition & Examples

Frequently asked questions: Rhetoric

Which words rhyme with you?: Some words that rhyme with you are view, new, zoo, chew, stew, blue, and few.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
What is the difference between alliteration and rhyme?: Alliteration and rhyme both involve the repetition of similar sounds, but there are some differences.

Alliteration is the repetition of an identical consonant sound at the beginning of words (e.g., “fresh flowers flourish fully”).

Rhyme is the repetition of an identical vowel sound or vowel/consonant combination at the end of words (e.g., “tree/bee,” “moon/spoon”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you select certain synonyms that begin with similar sounds to improve your alliteration.
What is it called when several words start with the same letter?: Alliteration is when several nearby words start with the same letter and make the same sound (e.g., “curious cats climb cliffs”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you select certain synonyms that begin with similar sounds to improve your alliteration.
What is conceit in literature?: A conceit in literature is when the author uses an extended metaphor to compare two very different things, often in a surprising way.

One example of a conceit is in John Donne’s poem “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” where he compares two lovers to the two legs of a compass. While one leg spins, the fixed leg leans toward it, always connected.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the perfect words to write your extended metaphors.
What is the difference between an extended metaphor and a regular metaphor?: An extended metaphor is similar to a metaphor in that they both compare two things.

A metaphor is a basic comparison made in one line or phrase (e.g., “You are my sunshine”).

An extended metaphor uses more language to elaborate on a more complex level (e.g., “You are my sunshine. You brighten my day, and your love gives me a warm feeling.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the perfect words to write your extended metaphors.
What is the difference between allegory and extended metaphor?: Allegory and extended metaphors are similar but distinct.

An allegory uses characters, events, and settings to represent one or more comparisons throughout an entire story or work (e.g., Animal Farm by George Orwell).

An extended metaphor says that one thing is another thing and then elaborates by explaining how they are similar. For example, “Life is a journey. Each step takes us further, each turn opens to the unknown, and we sometimes stumble, but forward is the only direction.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the perfect words to write your extended metaphors.
What is near rhyme?: A near rhyme is another term for slant rhyme, which describes words that have similar but not identical sounds (e.g., “bait/paid,” “film/kiln”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
Which words rhyme with orange?: Orange is considered one of the hardest words in the English language to rhyme with, as there is no perfect rhyme.

However, the words hinge, syringe, foreign, and door hinge (two words) are slant rhymes and are considered the closest words to a word that rhymes with orange.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
Which words rhyme with love?: Some words that rhyme with love are dove, glove, shove, of, and above.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
Which words rhyme with me?: Some words that rhyme with me are tea, sea, degree, key, bee, free, and glee.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
What is the difference between alliteration and repetition?: Alliteration is the repetition of an identical consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words (e.g., “the crisp caramel cookie crumbled”).

Repetition is the repeated use of entire words or phrases throughout one or multiple sentences (e.g., “step by step, inch by inch”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you select certain synonyms that begin with similar sounds to improve your alliteration.
What is the difference between assonance and alliteration?: Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in nearby words and can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of the word (e.g., “We keep the keys in the green jeep”).

Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words (e.g., “Big brown bears bounce between boulders”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
What is the difference between consonance and assonance?: Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning, middle, or end of the word (e.g., “The wild winds whisked the leaves away”).

Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound at the beginning, middle, or end of a word (e.g., “The smooth grooves of the music moved me”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
What is the difference between assonance and rhyme?: There are two main differences between assonance and rhyme.

Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in nearby words and can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a word (e.g., “She needs to feed the sheep”).

Rhyme is the repetition of a vowel or consonant sound, but it must be at the end of the word (e.g., “The cat sat on the flat mat”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
What is onomonopia?: Onomonopia is a common misspelling of the word onomatopoeia. The correct term refers to words that phonetically imitate the sounds they describe (e.g., snap, bang).

Scribbr’s free Grammar Checker ensures you use the correct spelling every time.
What is an example of onomatopoeia in advertising?: One of the best examples of onomatopoeia in advertising is Kellogg’s slogan—Snap! Crackle! Pop!—to describe their Rice Krispies.

Onomatopoeia is used in this example to describe the sounds the popular cereal makes when milk is added.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you choose the perfect phrasing to express your ideas clearly.
Can onomatopoeia be found in literature?: Onomatopoeia is often used in literature to enhance the reading or listening experience by using more impactful and immersive auditory language.

For example, in The Sound of Things Falling, Juan Gabriel Vásquez writes, “I heard a loud thud, and I turned to see the object that had fallen.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you choose the perfect phrasing to express your ideas clearly.
What is an example of anachronism in literature?: An example of anachronism in literature is Shakespeare’s reference to cannon fire in Macbeth.

The play is set during King Macbeth of Scotland’s reign, which occurred during the 11th century. However, cannons were not introduced to Europe until the 14th century—about 300 years after the setting of Macbeth.

This is an example of prochronism, a type of anachronism where something from the future is depicted in a past setting.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool ensures you’re using the right language to express your ideas effectively.
What is a parachronism?: Parachronism is a type of anachronism that occurs when something from the past is placed in a futuristic or modern setting.

In other words, parachronism is when a modern setting uses a person, object, or technology that doesn’t fit because it is considered outdated (e.g., a typewriter in a modern office setting).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool ensures you’re using the right language to express your ideas effectively.
What is constrained writing?: Constrained writing is a literary technique where writers follow specific rules or limitations while coming up with text. These constraints are often self-imposed and used as a writing exercise to inspire creativity and think within a set of boundaries.

Two examples of constrained writing are writing haikus or palindromes.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you expand your writing style by suggesting alternate phrasing.
What is the difference between a malaphor and a mixed metaphor?: The terms malaphor and mixed metaphor are often used interchangeably because they both involve combining phrases in a clashing way. There are some differences between the two, though.

A malaphor unintentionally combines two common phrases or idioms in an unexpected or nonsensical way (e.g., “Let’s burn that bridge when we get to it”).

Mixed metaphors are when two metaphors with clashing meanings are combined. For example, in the following sentences, the ideas of love as a plant and love as a baby bird are combined: “Love is like a seed. You have to water it and wait patiently. After many months, it might finally take flight.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the perfect words to express your writing.
What is the opposite of understatement?: The opposite of understatement is overstatement, which is a rhetorical device that uses deliberate overexaggeration to emphasize a point or evoke emotion (e.g., “I told you a million times!”).

While understatement is used to downplay the severity or significance of something, overstatement is used to make something seem more significant.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the best phrasing for understatements in your writing.
What is the difference between understatement and verbal irony?: Understatement and verbal irony are both figures of speech, but they serve different purposes.

Understatement is when someone intentionally downplays the significance or severity of a situation (e.g., saying that a totaled vehicle “needs a bit of work”).

Verbal irony is when someone says the exact opposite of what they mean to express humor or sarcasm (e.g., saying “Right on time!” to someone who is late).

Both understatement and verbal irony use roundabout language to express meaning, but they do so in different ways.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the best phrasing for understatements in your writing.
What is an example of understatement?: Examples of understatement would be saying “It’s a bit chilly” during a severe snowstorm or saying “He’s not bad at cooking” to describe a world-class chef.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the best phrasing for understatements in your writing.
What is the effect of anaphora?: Anaphora emphasizes the key message of the repeated word or phrase at the beginning of each sentence. It makes the phrase more impactful, can evoke emotions, and can captivate an audience (e.g., run far, run fast, run free).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the best wording to express your ideas clearly.
What are some rhetorical devices related to anaphora?: Rhetorical devices related to anaphora are epistrophe and symploce.

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence.

Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of a sentence.

Symploce is a combination of both repetition at the beginning and end of the sentence.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the best wording to express your ideas clearly.
What is an example of anaphora?: Poet Amanda Gorman used anaphora in her inauguration day speech in 2021 when she repeated “We will rise…” in her speech, “The Hill We Climb.”

“We will rise from the golden hills of the West.
We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.
We will rise from the sun-baked South.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the best wording to express your ideas clearly.
How is epistrophe different from anaphora?: Epistrophe and anaphora both repeat words or phrases for emphasis, but they are different.

Epistrophe repeats a word or phrase at the end of the sentence (e.g., see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil).

Anaphora repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of the sentence (e.g., Life is short, life is fragile, life is precious).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the best wording to express your ideas clearly.
What is the difference between enjambment and end-stopped lines?: Enjambed lines are lines in poems that continue from one line to the next without pause or punctuation. End-stopped lines pause at the end of a line in a poem, often because of a punctuation mark.

Enjambed lines allow for a more continuous flow throughout the poem, while end-stopped lines make the reader pause.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the perfect wording for your poetry.
Why is enjambment important in poetry?: Enjambment is important because it dictates the flow and rhythm of a poem. The seamless transitions between lines draw the reader along at the pace the author intended the poem to be read.

It also allows the poet to emphasize certain words. Using enjambment quickens the pace, so when the reader comes to an end-stopped word, it brings attention to it.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the perfect wording for your poetry.
What is the difference between assonance and sibilance?: Assonance and sibilance are both literary devices that involve the repetition of sounds, but they differ in the type of sound that’s repeated.

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words (e.g., “The rain in Spain mainly stays in the plain”). The vowel sound emphasized in this sentence is the long “a.”

Sibilance is the repetition of the “s” sound (or, similar sounds, like “z”) in nearby words (e.g., “He spoke in a soft, soothing tone, settling his son to sleep.”

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you select the best wording to effectively communicate in your writing.
What is semantic change?: Semantic change is when the meaning of a word changes over time.

It can broaden where the definition becomes more inclusive, narrow where the definition becomes more specific, or it can shift the meaning entirely. For example, the word “awful” used to mean “worthy of awe” but now means “terrible.”

Scribbr’s free Grammar Checker can ensure you’re using the correct words in your writing.
What’s the difference between schemes and tropes?: Schemes and tropes are both rhetorical devices but serve two different functions.

Tropes are related to the meaning of words (i.e., a word or phrase that has a different meaning to its intended meaning). Schemes are related to word order, syntax, sounds, and letters (i.e., sibilance and alliteration).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the perfect wording for using tropes in your writing.
What are some common romance tropes?: Some common romance tropes in literature and movies are:

Second chance romance. When two characters are given a second chance at love.

Friends-to-lovers. When two characters are friends for a long time before finally realizing their true feelings for each other.

Love triangle. When one character is torn between feelings for two other characters.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the perfect wording for using romance tropes in your writing.
What is a synonym of trope?: A synonym for trope is motif. Both refer to recurring elements such as symbolism, themes, or character types.

Two other similar terms are cliché, for overused and predictable tropes, and archetype, for universal character patterns.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with the perfect wording for using tropes in your writing.
What is the difference between synecdoche and metaphor?: Synecdoche and metaphor are both figures of speech, but they are different.

Synecdoche uses a part of something to represent the whole (or vice versa) (e.g., “wheels” to refer to a car). A metaphor compares two seemingly unrelated things by saying one is the other (e.g., “life is a highway”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with synonyms to help you use synecdoche in your writing.
What is the difference between synecdoche and metonymy?: Synecdoche and metonymy are both tropes that replace one word with another. While they are similar, they are distinctly different.

Synecdoche is when you use a part of something to refer to the whole (or vice versa), while metonymy uses a closely related word to replace another word.

For example, referring to a newspaper as “the paper” is synecdoche because the newspaper is made up of paper, while “the news” is metonymy because it is a word closely associated with “newspaper.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you come up with synonyms to help you with using synecdoche in your writing.
What is the difference between metonymy and metaphor?: Metonymy and metaphor are both figures of speech that relate one thing to another thing, but they do so differently.

Metonymy replaces one word or phrase with another word or phrase that is closely related or associated with it (e.g., using “Silicon Valley” to describe the “American tech industry”).

A metaphor makes a direct comparison between two seemingly unrelated things by stating one is the other (e.g., “Life is a highway”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you express your ideas more clearly in your writing.
What is an example of metonymy?: An example of metonymy is “Rising interest rates are making Wall Street nervous.”

“Wall Street” is used in place of “American financial markets.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you express your ideas more clearly in your writing.
What is an example of consonance?: An example of consonance is the repeated “l” sounds in the following sentence: “The little boy kicked the ball, his laughter ringing out as it rolled into the tall grass.”

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you clearly express your ideas in your writing.
What is the difference between verbal irony and Socratic irony?: Verbal irony involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite, while Socratic irony involves feigning ignorance to provoke critical thinking in others.

Verbal irony example: A person arrives late to a meeting, and someone says, “Well, look who decided to join us!”

Socratic irony example: In a classroom discussion, a teacher asks seemingly naive questions to lead students to reconsider their assumptions or explore complex concepts further.
How do you use cliché in a sentence?: Cliché can be used as a noun or an adjective. (“Clichéd” is more commonly used as the adjective form.)

Noun usage:

The movie was filled with every cliché imaginable.

That phrase has become a tired cliché.

Adjective usage:

The plot was cliché(d) and predictable.

His speech was full of cliché(d) expressions.
Is Grammarly free?: Grammarly offers free and paid premium subscriptions. Its free subscription offers limited access to its text correction and enhancement tools.

Read our full Grammarly review.
What is the predestination paradox?: The predestination paradox is a time-travel concept in which an event is both a cause and an effect of itself.

One classic example of the predestination paradox is from the science fiction film 12 Monkeys. The film’s protagonist, Cole, is sent back in time to gather information about a virus that kills most of humanity. He eventually learns that his own actions in the past contributed to the outbreak of the virus, creating a self-referential loop of cause and effect. By trying to prevent the catastrophe, Cole is causing it.

Other time-travel paradoxes include the grandfather paradox and the bootstrap paradox.

More broadly, a paradox is a saying or scenario that seems logically contradictory or impossible, which upon closer examination reveals a deeper truth or coherence within a specific context or framework.
What is the difference between a paradox and an oxymoron?: Paradoxes and oxymorons both involve contradictions, but there is a key difference:

A paradox is a complete statement or scenario that seems self-contradictory but reveals a thought-provoking truth upon further examination (e.g., “The only constant in life is change”).

An oxymoron is a figure of speech consisting of a short phrase that combines contradictory terms for rhetorical effect (e.g., “alone together”).
What is an example of paradox in literature?: The plot of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 is a classic example of literary paradox.

The central paradox is that airmen who are considered insane can request to be grounded and thus avoid flying dangerous combat missions. However, airmen who request to be grounded based on safety concerns are not actually insane, having the presence of mind to recognize the danger of their situation. Heller uses this paradox to satirize the circular logic of military bureaucracy.

Heller’s paradoxical narrative is the origin of the term “catch-22,” which describes any situation where contradictory rules or conditions prevent a solution or escape.
What is the purpose of a paradox?: Paradoxes can serve several purposes:

In literature and rhetoric, paradoxes can be used as rhetorical or plot devices. They can add humor, provoke philosophical thought, or express critique through satire.

Example: “Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” (Oscar Wilde, De Profundis)

In logic and other branches of philosophy, paradoxes highlight flaws or contradictions in currently accepted definitions and systems, demonstrating the need for further inquiry.

Example: If you keep removing grains of sand from a heap, at what point does it stop being a heap? (This problem is referred to as the “paradox of the heap,” or the “sorites paradox”).

In everyday aphorisms, paradoxes are used to express philosophical insights and practical wisdom in a memorable and sometimes humorous way.

Example: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
What is a famous play on words example in literature?: A famous literary play on words can be found in William Shakespeare’s Richard III:

“Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York.”

This line blends metaphor with wordplay, using a pun on “son” and “sun” to depict Richard, son of the House of York, as the force that ends winter’s troubles.
What is an example of play on words?: An example of a play on words is the joke “He had a photographic memory but never developed it.” The word “developed” can refer to developing skills or developing photographs.

This particular form of wordplay is called a pun, creating humor using words or phrases with multiple meanings.
What is the purpose of a play on words?: A play on words can serve several purposes in written and spoken communication.

Purposes of wordplay include:

humor

irony

subtlety

emphasis

creativity

engagement

persuasion
What is a synonym for cliché?: Cliché has several synonyms and near-synonyms:

Noun Adjective

banality

bromide

chestnut

commonplace saying

platitude

stereotype

stock phrase

trope
banal

derivative

hackneyed

overused

played out (slang)

stereotypical

tired

trite

Various short sayings can become clichés through overuse but lack the term’s inherent negative connotations. These include adages, aphorisms, catchphrases, idioms, mantras maxims, mottos, proverbs, slogans, and truisms.
What are some examples of verbal irony in “The Cask of Amontillado”?: In Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” he uses verbal irony to create tension and dark humor.

For example, Montresor offers Fortunato wine, saying, “It will help to keep us warm.” This statement is ironic because Montresor is leading Fortunato to a cold, damp catacomb, where he plans to kill him. Later, Fortunado says, “I drink to the dead who lie sleeping
around us.” Montresor responds, “And I, Fortunato—I drink to your long life,” though he means the opposite.

The verbal irony in “The Cask of Amontillado” complements the story’s dramatic irony, building tension for the reader, who is aware of Montresor’s true intentions.
What is an example of a double entendre?: A classic example of a double entendre is Michael Scott’s “That’s what she said” jokes in the TV show The Office. Michael uses this phrase to humorously imply a secondary, suggestive meaning to an otherwise innocent statement. This play on words contributed to the eccentricity of Michael Scott’s persona while adding a humorous twist to the show’s dialogue.
What is a triple entendre?: A triple entendre is a play on words with three interpretations based on the use of words with shared sounds or spellings. Triple entendres often have at least one taboo or risqué interpretation. The name “triple entendre” is based on the name of a more common rhetorical device, “double entendre” (originally from the French for “double meaning”).

An example of a triple entendre can be found in the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles. The line “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave” has at least three possible interpretations:

A person can literally “check out” of Hotel California.

A person can “check out” in the sense of mentally escaping reality through substance abuse.

A person might think they can quit (similar to “check out”) anytime they like when suffering from an addiction.
What is the opposite of irony?: The opposite of verbal irony is straightforwardness—expressing one’s intended meaning directly without any hint of a hidden meaning. “Literalness” or “directness” also express the opposite of “irony.” The word “sincerity” is another antonym for “irony,” emphasizing that the speaker lacks any sarcastic or sardonic intent.
What does no pun intended mean?: “No pun intended” is a common expression used to highlight a pun while ostensibly claiming that the pun was unintentional. This phrase is often used humorously to call attention to a pun that the speaker recognizes is cliché and likely to elicit a groan. However, in some cases the phrase is used sincerely, indicating that the speaker did not notice the pun until after it was spoken.
What is the difference between a double entendre and a pun?: Puns and double entendres both involve double meanings, but there is a key difference:

A pun is any play on words that involves multiple meanings of the same word or phrase.

A double entendre is a specific type of pun that has a slightly indecent (typically sexual) connotation.
What is a portmanteau for air pollution?: “Smog” is a portmanteau of “smoke” and “fog” used to describe the visible air pollution often found in urban areas. The term “smog” was coined by a London resident in 1905 and gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution as cities experienced increased emissions from factories and vehicles. This illustrates the role of neologisms such as portmanteaus in marking societal changes.
What is the difference between a compound word and a portmanteau?: Compound words and portmanteaus are both formed by joining multiple words, but there are a few differences between the two:

Compound words retain all the letters from both original words and don’t always express meanings from both words (e.g., butter + fly = butterfly). A compound word is treated as a distinct word with its own dictionary entry.

Portmanteaus omit letters from the original words (e.g., Spanish + English = Spanglish) to combine the original words’ sounds and meanings. Portmanteaus are often treated as casual or informal, though some become widely accepted and have their own dictionary entries.
What is the difference between a malapropism and a spoonerism?: Malapropisms and spoonerisms are both humorous linguistic errors and literary devices. However, there is a key difference:

Malapropisms confuse similar-sounding words.

Spoonerisms mix up the initial sounds of multiple words within a phrase.

For example, “You have tasted two whole worms” (meaning “You have wasted two whole terms”) is a classic spoonerism from a 1911 issue of The Strand Magazine.
What is the difference between coincidence and situational irony?: Both coincidence and situational irony can involve unexpected outcomes that evoke surprise. However, the terms differ in their emphasis:

Irony: Emphasizes the contrast between expected outcomes and actual results, often revealing deeper meaning or creating a humorous effect; used deliberately in literature

Coincidence: Highlights the randomness and lack of logical connection or deliberateness in events

The controversy surrounding Alanis Morissette’s song “Isn’t It Ironic?” centers on interpretations of whether the situations described in the song qualify as genuine irony or merely as instances of coincidence or bad luck.
What is the difference between consonance and sibilance?: Consonance and sibilance are both literary devices that involve the repetition of sounds, but they differ in the type of sound that’s repeated.

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words (e.g., “Mike likes to hike and ride his bike”). The consonant sound emphasized in this sentence is “k.”

Sibilance is the repetition of the “s” sound in nearby words (e.g., “The whispering sound of the stream soothed their spirits.”

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you select the best wording to effectively communicate in your writing.
What is the difference between symbolism and metaphor?: Symbolism and metaphor are easy to confuse. However, they are two different literary devices.

Symbolism relies on symbols (objects, people, or colors) to represent abstract ideas or concepts. It usually has a direct connection to what it represents, and its meaning can evolve throughout the narrative. For example, in The Scarlet Letter, the letter A initially stands for “adulterer” but evolves to mean “able” by the end of the story.

A metaphor compares two seemingly unrelated things, stating that one thing is another. Metaphors are often brief, like the phrase “She’s a night owl.” The purpose is to create vivid imagery, exaggerate a trait, or express a complex idea.

Symbolism and metaphor both compare two things to each other, but symbolism is when one thing represents another, and metaphor is when one thing is another.

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the right wording for symbols and metaphors in your writing.
What is the difference between allegory and symbolism?: Allegory and symbolism are similar, but they have one key difference.

In a narrative that uses symbolism, the symbol is a singular element that adds to the greater story. When a narrative is an allegory, nearly every plot element represents something in the story.

For example, the green light in The Great Gatsby is an example of symbolism because it’s a single element within the bigger picture.

However, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is an allegory because everything from the cave to the people, fire, shadows, and chains—basically, all of the major elements of the narrative—represents something to form the bigger picture.

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool helps you explore new ways to express yourself in your writing.
What is an example of an oxymoron?: An example of an oxymoron is a “known secret.” Taken at face value, the two words contradict each other, but upon second thought, they combine to create a deeper meaning.

In this case, the deeper meaning is that something is supposed to be a secret, but everyone knows.

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can ensure you use the correct language to express your point effectively.
Can an oxymoron be unintentional?: Oxymorons tend to be intentional, but sometimes they are used unintentionally. “Act naturally” and “old news” are oxymorons that are sometimes used unintentionally.

Scribbr’s Paraphrasing Tool can ensure you use the correct language to express your point effectively.
What is an example of dramatic irony in Shakespeare’s Macbeth?: In Shakespeare’s Macbeth the audience knows that Macbeth plans to kill King Duncan to fulfill the witches’ prophecy of his becoming king. However, Duncan and the other characters, aside from Lady Macbeth, are unaware of his plans. This dramatic irony creates tension and suspense as the audience anticipates the unfolding tragedy while other characters remain oblivious to Macbeth’s sinister plans and ambitions.
What is the difference between dramatic and verbal irony?: Both dramatic irony and verbal irony involve a contrast between what is perceived and what is actually true in a narrative. However, there is a key difference:

Dramatic irony involves the audience’s awareness of information that characters lack. It is used to create tension, often emphasizing themes like the cruelty of fate or the folly of deception.

Verbal irony involves a contrast between what is said and what is meant. It is often used for sarcasm, humor, or to add impact to a paradox.
What is tragic irony?: Tragic irony occurs when the audience can foresee the impending downfall of a character, but the character is unaware. It is a type of dramatic irony.

Tragic irony is related to the concept of a tragic flaw, also known as hamartia. A tragic flaw is a character trait, typically one that is positive or noble, which when taken to an extreme leads the protagonist to their downfall.

Tragic irony can highlight the protagonist’s tragic flaw by emphasizing the gap between the character’s self-concept and the reality that the audience perceives.
What is the difference between a malapropism and a pun?: Malapropisms and puns are similar, but they have key differences:

Malapropisms are usually unintentional on the part of the speaker or character. They typically don’t aim to highlight double meanings.

Puns are typically used deliberately. They rely on multiple meanings of the same word (or similar-sounding words) to achieve a double entendre.
What is cosmic irony?: Cosmic irony, also known as irony of fate, is a literary device where the universe or fate seems to play a cruel joke by thwarting expectations. It is a type of situational irony that involves characters receiving the opposite of what they expect or deserve, giving the impression of a profound injustice inflicted by fate or a higher power.

Example: In the ancient Greek myth of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus tries to avoid his prophesied fate of killing his father and marrying his mother, but his actions unwittingly lead him to fulfill the prophecy. This irony highlights the impression that cosmic forces shape human destiny in unexpected and often tragic ways.
What is Socratic irony?: Socratic irony is the technique of posing simple questions, as if one were ignorant, to expose the ignorance or flaws in others’ arguments. The irony lies in the fact that by feigning ignorance, you can lead people to reveal their own misunderstandings or contradictions, encouraging deeper reflection and critical thinking. This method is a key part of the Socratic method of teaching and dialogue.

Example: In Plato’s dialogues, Socrates questions Euthyphro about the nature of piety. Socrates pretends not to understand what piety is and asks Euthyphro to explain it. Through a series of questions, Socrates exposes the inconsistencies in Euthyphro’s definitions, showing that Euthyphro does not actually understand the concept as well as he claims.
What is an example of irony in literature?: An example of irony in literature is in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” where Jim and Della each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other: Della sells her hair for a chain, and Jim sells his watch for combs.

The situational irony lies in the fact that Jim and Della’s well-intentioned sacrifices make their gifts useless. This irony highlights the idea that the true value of gifts lies in the love and sacrifice they represent.
What is the difference between irony and satire?: While irony is a technique used in satire, satire is a broad genre that aims to provoke thought and promote change.

Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality, highlighting discrepancies through situational irony, verbal irony, or dramatic irony.

Satire uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws or vices of individuals, societies, or institutions. It aims to provoke thought and promote change.
How do you pronounce “paraprosdokian”?: “Paraprosdokian” is pronounced par-uh-pros-DOH-kee-an.

The word “paraprosdokian” is derived from the Greek for “against expectation.” It describes a figure of speech that establishes an expectation and ends with a surprise twist.
What is an unexpected ending to a sentence called?: A figure of speech involving a sentence with a surprise ending is called a “paraprosdokian.” Other terms include “surprise ending” or “twist.”

Paraprosdokian example: “The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it’s still on my list.”
What are some common types of wordplay?: Common types of wordplay include puns, double entendres, paraprosdokians, spoonerisms, and malapropisms.

Puns: Wordplay based on the multiple meanings of words or the similarity of sound between different words (e.g., “I’m a dentist, so I know the drill.”)

Double entendres: Phrases or expressions with two interpretations, one of which is usually somewhat risqué or taboo (e.g., “The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.”)

Paraprosdokians: Sentences or phrases with an unexpected ending or twist, often leading to humor or surprise (e.g., “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”)

Spoonerisms: Errors in speech where corresponding consonants, vowels, or morphemes are switched between two words in a phrase (e.g., “It is kisstomary to cuss the bride.”)

Malapropisms: The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often resulting in nonsensical or humorous statements (e.g., “Texas has a lot of electrical votes.”)

Mondegreens: Misheard or misinterpreted phrases or lyrics, often resulting in humorous or nonsensical meanings (e.g., “Excuse me while I kiss the sky” from the Jimi Hendrix song “Purple Haze” is often misheard as “Excuse me while I kiss this guy.”)
How do you spell cliché?: Cliché is spelled with an acute accent mark (é).

Noun spelling: cliché (plural: clichés)

Adjective spelling: clichéd (preferred) or cliché*

*The word cliché can serve as an adjective without modification because of its French origins as the past participle of “cliquer” (to click).

Noun	Adjective
banality bromide chestnut commonplace saying platitude stereotype stock phrase trope	banal derivative hackneyed overused played out (slang) stereotypical tired trite

Questions?

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem. We are always here for you.

Frequently asked questions

See all

How does Scribbr help students graduate?: Our team helps students graduate by offering:

A world-class citation generator

Highly accurate Plagiarism Checker software

Innovative Citation Checker software

Professional proofreading services

Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more
What type of documents does Scribbr proofread?: Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents. We proofread:

Essays

Papers

Theses

PhD dissertations

Research proposals

Personal statements

Admission essays

Motivation letters

Reports

Reflection papers

Journal articles

Capstone projects
What plagiarism and AI detection software does Scribbr use?: Scribbr uses advanced plagiarism detection technology similar to the software used by most universities and publishers, ensuring you receive the same or very similar results.

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software and is capable of detecting texts generated by ChatGPT, Perplexity and other generative AI tools with high accuracy.
Which citation software does Scribbr use?: The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js. It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github.

Frequently asked questions

What is an example of symbolism in literature?

Related Posts

Frequently asked questions: Rhetoric

Questions?

Ask our team

Frequently asked questions