Literary element

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A literary element (or element of literature) is an individual aspect or characteristic of a whole work of literature.

Literary elements are not "used" by authors; rather, they exist inherently in forms of literature and are derived by the readers of a work in question. Theme, characterization, conflict, setting, protagonist, antagonist, 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.

Literary elements are most frequently used to aid discussion on a work or better understand a work of literature. For instance, the New York State English/Language Arts Regents Exam requires that students utilize and discuss literary elements relating to specific works in two of their four essays, much like many other high school exams statewide.