Function of Allegory

Writers use allegory to add different layers of meanings to their works. Allegory makes their
stories and characters multidimensional, so that they stand for something larger in meaning than
what they literally stand for. Allegory allows writers to put forward their moral and political
points of view. A careful study of an allegorical piece of writing can give us an insight into its
writer’s mind, how he views the world, and how he wishes the world to be.
Function of Alliteration
Alliteration has a very vital role in poetry and prose. It creates a musical effect in the text that
enhances the pleasure of reading a literary piece. It makes reading and recitation of the poems
attractive and appealing; thus, making them easier to learn by heart. Furthermore, it renders flow
and beauty to a piece of writing.
In the marketing industry, as what we have already discussed, alliteration makes the brand names
interesting and easier to remember. This literary device is helpful in attracting customers and
enhancing sales.
Function of Analogy
Writers use analogy to link an unfamiliar or a new idea with common and familiar objects. This
makes it is easier for readers to comprehend a new idea, which may have been difficult for them
to understand otherwise. In addition, by employing this literary tool, writers catch the attention
of their readers. Analogies help increase readers’ interest as analogies help them relate what they
read to their life.
Function of Cliché
Anton C. Zijderveld, a Dutch sociologist, throws light on the function of cliché in the following
excerpt, taken from his treatise On Clichés:
“A cliché is a traditional form of human expression (in words, thoughts, emotions, gestures, acts)
which – due to repetitive use in social life – has lost its original, often ingenious heuristic power.
Although it thus fails positively to contribute meaning to social interactions and communication,
it does function socially, since it manages to stimulate behavior (cognition, emotion, volition,
action), while it avoids reflection on meanings.”
Function of Hyperbole
The above arguments make clear the use of hyperbole. In our daily conversation, we use
hyperbole to create an amusing effect, or to emphasize our meaning. However, in literature it has
very serious implications. By using hyperbole, a writer or a poet makes common human feelings
remarkable and intense to such an extent that they do not remain ordinary. In literature, usage of
hyperbole develops contrasts. When one thing is described with an over-statement, and the other
thing is presented normally, a striking contrast is developed. This technique is employed to catch
the reader’s attention.
Function of Imagery
The function of imagery in literature is to generate a vibrant and graphic presentation of a scene
that appeals to as many of the reader’s senses as possible. It aids the reader’s imagination to
envision the characters and scenes in the literary piece clearly. Apart from the above-mentioned
function, images drawn by using figures of speech like metaphor, simile, personification, and
onomatopoeia, serve the function of beautifying a piece of literature.
Function of Meter
Though meter is a poetic device, playwrights as well as prose writers often use it to heighten the
dramatic quality of the work, adding enchantment, mystery and emotion to their language. If you
look carefully, you will notice metrical feet are not only suitable in poetry, but also in plays to
achieve dramatic purposes. However, its basic function is to provide rhythm and uniformity, and
to give a rounded and well-formed structure to the poetic work. Meter makes the tone of a
language more lyrical. When a situation requires heightened language, the poets use meter for
artistic effect. Besides, a meter has importance and value to the readers, which could, however,
be lost if paraphrased or translated.
Function of Symbolism
Symbolism gives a writer freedom to add double levels of meanings to his work: a literal one
that is self-evident, and the symbolic one whose meaning is far more profound than the literal.
Symbolism, therefore, gives universality to the characters and the themes of a piece of literature.
Symbolism in literature evokes interest in readers as they find an opportunity to get an insight
into the writer’s mind on how he views the world, and how he thinks of common objects and
actions, having broader implications.
Function of Metaphor
From the above arguments, explanations, and examples, we can easily infer the function of
metaphors; both in our daily lives and in a piece of literature. Using appropriate metaphors
appeals directly to the senses of listeners or readers, sharpening their imaginations to
comprehend what is being communicated to them. Moreover, it gives a life-like quality to our
conversations, and to the characters of the fiction or poetry. Metaphors are also ways of thinking,
offering the listeners and the readers fresh ways of examining ideas and viewing the world.
Function of Personification
Personification is not merely a decorative device, but serves the purpose of giving deeper
meanings to literary texts. It adds vividness to expressions, as we always look at the world from
a human perspective. Writers and poets rely on personification to bring inanimate things to life,
so that their nature and actions are understood in a better way. Because it is easier for us to relate
to something that is human, or which possesses human traits, its use encourages us to develop a
perspective that is new as well as creative.
Function of Rhetorical Question
Writers employ rhetorical questions for rhetorical effects, and we cannot easily quantify the
impact rendered by a rhetorical question. The idea becomes all the more powerful, and our
interest is aroused to continue to read and enjoy the technical and aesthetic beauty that a
rhetorical question generates. Moreover, it is a requirement in persuasive speeches.
Function of Rhyme Scheme
Rhyme scheme is an integral part of the constitution of a poem, which includes meter, length of
phrase, and rhythm. In fact, rhyme scheme, like other writing tools, is used to create balance and
relieve tension, manage flow, create rhythm, and highlight important ideas. Its basic function is
to form units of sound and suggest units of sense. It also communicates the idea in a more
effective way.
Function of Simile
From the above discussion, we can infer the function of similes, both in everyday life, and in
literature. Using similes attracts attention, and appeals directly to the senses of listeners or
readers, encouraging their imaginations to understand what is being communicated. In addition,
it rhythm life-like quality in our daily speech, and in the characters of fiction or poetry.
Simile allows readers to relate the feelings of a writer or a poet to their personal experiences.
Therefore, the use of similes makes it easier for readers to understand the subject matter of a
literary text, which may have been otherwise too demanding to be comprehended. Like
metaphors, similes also offer variety in our ways of thinking and offer new perspectives on the
world.
Functions of Verbal Irony
Verbal irony is very common in everyday speech, plays, novels, and poetry, and usually occurs
in the form of sarcasm. It depends upon timing and suitable circumstances to achieve its effect.
Verbal irony develops funny and dramatic situations. Through verbal irony, writers and poets
can convey their bitter messages indirectly, in a less bitter and more effective way. It makes a
literary piece more effective by provoking readers into analyzing and thinking harder about a
situation. By contrasting and comparing suppositions with reality, the readers can better
understand the writer’s intent.
Function of Syntax
To convey meaning is one of the main functions of syntax. In literature, writers utilize syntax
and diction to achieve certain artistic effects, like mood, and tone. Like diction, syntax aims to
affect the readers as well as express the writer’s attitude.
Function of Dialect
The narrative voice in literature usually aspires to speak in concert with the reality it illustrates.
African American authors often criticize this condition, while discussing the significance of
speaking in so-called “standard” American English in comparison with African American
English. Toni Cade Bambara has made a remarkable contribution to this aspect by choosing the
language of her culture and community.
She used her language as a very productive critical tool, and her dialect illustration in The
Lesson functioned as an examination of how the people who listen to it ultimately hear the
disparaged speech. By reviving the language, which had long been marginalized, she contributes
towards the effort to salvage the cultural identity of African Americans. This integration of non-
standard linguistic features into the literature in “the lesson” works as an insightful response to
marginalization. It also proves the strength and power of language in portraying the diverse
realities of people from different places.
Function of Diction
In literature, writers choose words to create and convey a typical mood, tone, and atmosphere to
their readers. A writer’s choice of words, and his selection of graphic words, not only affect the
reader’s attitude, but also conveys the writer’s feelings toward the literary work. Moreover,
poetry is known for its unique diction, which separates it from prose. Usually, a poetic diction is
marked by the use of figures of speech, rhyming words, and other devices.
Function of Genre
Different genres have different roles. For example, fiction and dramatic genres help students and
writers learn and improve their communication skills. A poetic genre, on the other hand,
enhances imaginative and emotional power of the readers. Non-fictional texts and essays help
readers develop analytical and persuasive capabilities. However, the major function of genre is to
establish a code of behavior between the writers and audience, and keep the readers informed
about the topics discussed or the themes presented.
Function of Persona
The speaker of a dramatic monologue is also known as a persona. Such a monologue is presented
without commentary or analysis. However, emphasis is laid on subjective qualities, and finally
left up to the audience to interpret it. In literature, authors use persona to express ideas, beliefs,
and voices they are not able to express freely, due to some restrictions, or because they cannot
put into words otherwise. Persona is also sometimes a role assumed by a person or a character, in
public or in society.
Function of Mood
Mood helps in creating an atmosphere in a literary work by means of setting, theme, diction, and
tone. It evokes various emotional responses in readers, and thus ensures their emotional
attachment to the literary piece they read. Once the readers are emotionally stirred, they fully
comprehend the message that the writer tries to convey to them.
Function of Tone
Tone, in a piece of literature, decides how the readers read a literary piece, and how they should
feel while they are reading it. It stimulates the readers to read a piece of literature as a serious,
comical, spectacular, or distressing manner. In addition, tone lends shape and life to a piece of
literature because it creates a mood. Moreover, tone bestows voice to characters, and throws light
on the personalities and dispositions of characters that readers understand better.
Function of Ballad: Dramatic Uses
Ballads, as stage performances, enjoyed the status of being one of the main sources of
entertainment in ancient times. Legends and historical events were narrated in the form of a
ballads, which would comprise song and dance.
Ballad was a perfect substitute for our current day technology-based entertainment, albeit with
more emotional appeal. In the 18th century, the ballad-based stage entertainment came to be
known as “ballad opera.” According to ballad aficionados, the first formal ballad opera was
staged in the first half of the 18th century, with the theme of “The Beggar’s Opera.”
Function of Blank Verse
Originating from Latin and Greek sources, blank verse is widely employed as a vehicle in
English dramatic poetry and prose, to create specific grandeur. Blank verse has similarity to
normal speech but it is written in a variety of patterns, which bring interruptions such as pauses.
Therefore, the intention is to produce a formal rhythmical pattern that creates musical effect.
Hence, it tends to capture the attention of the readers and the listeners, which is its primary
objective.
Function of Couplet
The rhyming couplets are usually used in poetry in order to make a poem interesting and
rhythmic. They help create a rhyming effect in a poem. In literature, Chaucer, Dryden, Pope and
Shakespeare have been famous for using rhyming heroic couplets. In Arabic and Chinese
literature, rhyming couplets have also been used extensively.
Function of Lyric
A lyrical poet addresses his audience directly by portraying their state of mind or emotions. That
is why a lyrical poem expresses personal emotions of the poet. The themes of lyrical poems are
also emotional and lofty, enabling the readers to look into the life of things deeply. That is why
such poems have universal appeal, because readers can relate their feelings with the poem.
Function of Sonnet
The sonnet has become popular among different poets because it has a great adaptability to
different purposes and requirements. Rhythms are strictly followed. It could be a perfect
poetic style for elaboration or expression of a single feeling or thought, with its short length in
iambic pentameter. In fact, it gives an ideal setting for a poet to explore strong emotions. Due to
its short length, it is easy to manage for both the writer and the reader.
Function of Stanza
Stanza divides a poem in such a way that does not harm its balance, but rather adds to the beauty,
and to the symmetry of a poem. Moreover, it allows poets to shift their moods, and present
different subject matters in their poems.
Function of Verse
The use of verse in a piece of writing has a pleasing effect on the reader’s mind. It is usually
employed in poetry writing. The poets make use of the tool of verse in order to provide their
poetry with a desired structure. It serves as an avenue through which writers project their ideas in
the form of a composition having rhyme, rhythm, and deeper meanings. The device provides the
writer with a framework for poetry writing.
Function of Refrain
Refrain is purely a poetic device, and the most important function that a refrain may serve in
poetry is to lay emphasis and create rhythm. When a line or phrase recurs in a poem, or a piece
of literature, it becomes noticeable to the readers. By using refrain, poets can make their ideas
memorable, and draw the attention of the readers toward a certain idea. This is done by using a
single line recurrently throughout a poetic work, allowing readers to take a pause each time they
come upon such repetition.