What Is Literary Device Analysis?
In IB English exams, simply spotting a literary device isn’t enough. You must explain how the author uses it, why they chose it, and the effect it achieves—to show depth, insight, and command of the text.
Why Bother Analyzing ‘How’ and ‘Why’?
- Shows that you understand the author’s craft and not just the text’s surface.
- Demonstrates critical engagement with themes and characters.
- Helps you reach the higher levels of the IB markscheme, which reward analysis over description.
5-Step Method for Literary Device Analysis
Explain: Spot devices like metaphor, imagery, symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, POV
Explain How: Describe its function—tone, mood, narrative shift, character insight
Explain Why: Consider the author’s intent—what does it reveal or evoke?
Link to Big Ideas:Connect to themes, messages, character arcs, or broader context
Use Evidence: Support with concise quotes and precise literary terms
Step 1: Identify Key Literary Devices
Frequently tested devices include:
- Symbolism (objects/events that carry deeper meaning)
- Imagery (sensory-rich descriptions)
- Metaphor (implicit, insightful comparisons)
- Irony (gap between appearance and reality)
- Foreshadowing (subtle clues about what’s ahead)
- Narrative Techniques (POV, structure, setting, flashbacks)
Step 2: Explain How the Device Is Used
Detail the technique and its immediate effect. For example:
“The author uses dreary autumnal imagery—‘ashen skies, brittle leaves’—to reflect the protagonist’s fading hope and emotional decay.”
Step 3: Explain Why the Device Is Used
Trace the author’s purpose and reader impact:
“This bleak imagery mirrors the character’s disillusionment, emphasizing how his inner world collapses, and amplifying the sense of inevitable tragedy.”
Step 4: Link to the Text’s Larger Meaning
Show how it supports big ideas:
“By linking internal decay to external decay, the author critiques the moral erosion of post-war society, elevating the text from personal tragedy to societal commentary.”
Step 5: Support with Evidence and Precise Language
Always quote and label devices explicitly:
“When the protagonist notes that ‘the world closed in like a shutter’, the metaphor highlights his inescapable loneliness and foreshadows his ultimate isolation.”
Additional Advanced Tips
- Use narrative structure or form as devices—chronology, fragmented P.O.V., or alternating timelines can be symbolic.
- Treat setting or dialogue patterns as devices—e.g., dialogue triangles indicating power games.
- Practice writing tight paragraphs: identify → explain how → explain why → link broadly → quote.
- Keep a robust glossary of literary terms and use them accurately.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to cover both ‘how’ and ‘why’ for every device?
Yes—treating both demonstrates deeper analysis and is essential for higher marks.
Q2: Can I analyze two devices in one paragraph?
If they interact meaningfully (e.g., a metaphor and imagery reinforcing the same idea), yes—but keep it focused.
Q3: How much quoting is enough?
Use short, potent quotes. A line or phrase is usually sufficient; don’t overquote.
Q4: Is this method the same for Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Absolutely. Whether analyzing unseen texts or coursework passages, the how–why–effect approach is fundamental.
Final Thoughts
Mastering literary device analysis means going beyond identification—delving into how the device shapes meaning and why the author uses it. By following this structured method—with focused examples, precise language, and clear connections—you can craft essays that stand out, demonstrate analytical flair, and earn top IB marks.
Dive into literary dissection, and let your essays reveal the author’s intentions with clarity and insight.
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