What literary devices are used in short stories?

Many authors use a variety of literary devices to create the mood. Some of the more common literary devices to watch for include: allusion, irony, foreshadowing, mystery, sarcasm, stereotyping, understatement, humour, satire, and dialogue. There are more devices than the ones listed here. Try to find these devises in the short stories you are about to read. Look for them in other types of narrative also.

Allusion is a reference made to an event, object, or time. Unless the reader is aware of the reference, they will miss out on the hidden meaning. Researching the author’s background and the setting of the story may help you catch these references.

Irony refers to the discrepancy between an expected outcome from an action or actions and the actual outcome. It would be ironic that a person purposely tries to get fired and ends up with a promotion.

Foreshadowing is hints at the future. Writers leave clues that can help you predict the outcome of a story.

Mystery is created in a number of ways. Writers present isolated or incomplete observations. The reader naturally responds by asking a question such as “Why?” or” “How?”. The only way to answer the question is to continue reading.

Sarcasm is often found in the dialogue between characters or comments made by the narrator. A character makes a statement but he or she clearly means the opposite of the statement. The reader knows this by paying attention to the tone of the character.