Key Methods Used in the Novels

Language Techniques writers may use and their effects.

Narrative Voice

Definition: The perspective from which the story is told (first person, third person, omniscient, etc.). Effect: Shapes the reader's understanding of characters and events, and can create intimacy, reliability, or distance in the narrative.

Metaphor and Simile

Definition: Comparing two things, with metaphors stating one thing is another and similes using "like" or "as". Effect: Creates vivid imagery and deepens understanding by linking abstract concepts with more familiar or concrete ideas.

Personification

Definition: Attributing human qualities to non-human things. Effect: Brings objects or abstract concepts to life, making descriptions more vivid and relatable.

Pathetic Fallacy

Definition: The attribution of human emotions to the weather or environment, often reflecting the mood. Effect: Enhances the atmosphere and reflects the emotional tone of a scene or character's feelings.

Symbolism

Definition: Using symbols to represent larger ideas or themes. Effect: Adds depth to the narrative by allowing readers to uncover multiple layers of meaning.

Allusion

Definition: A reference to another text, historical event, or figure. Effect: Adds depth to the text by connecting it to broader cultural, literary, or historical contexts.

Irony

Definition: A contrast between appearance and reality, or what is expected and what actually occurs. Effect: Can create humour, highlight contradictions, or underscore thematic points.

Dialogue

Definition: Conversation between characters. Effect: Reveals character traits, advances the plot, and develops relationships between characters.

Gothic Imagery

Definition: Descriptions that evoke a sense of horror, decay, or the supernatural. Effect: Creates a dark, mysterious atmosphere and can reflect the psychological states of characters.

Hyperbole

Definition: Exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. Effect: Highlights the intensity of emotions or situations, often adding a sense of urgency or importance.

Foreshadowing

Definition: Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. Effect: Builds suspense and prepares the reader for future events, creating a more cohesive narrative.

Structural Features writers may use and their effects.

Multiple Narratives (e.g., Frankenstein)

Definition: The use of more than one narrative voice or perspective in the text. Effect: Provides different viewpoints, adding complexity to the story and deepening the reader's understanding of the plot and themes.

Cliffhanger

Definition: Ending a chapter or section with a suspenseful situation. Effect: Creates tension and encourages the reader to continue, keeping them engaged with the story.

Flashback

Definition: A scene set in a time earlier than the main story. Effect: Provides background information, reveals character history, or explains motivations, enriching the narrative.

Foil

Definition: A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist. Effect: Highlights particular qualities of the main character, often illuminating central themes of the novel.

Epistolary Form (e.g., Frankenstein)

Definition: A novel written in the form of letters, diary entries, or other documents. Effect: Creates a sense of realism and immediacy, allowing readers to engage directly with the characters' thoughts and feelings.

Gothic Structure

Definition: A narrative structure that emphasises mystery, horror, and the supernatural. Effect: Creates an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere, often reflecting the psychological turmoil of characters.

Circular Structure

Definition: A narrative that ends in the same place it began. Effect: Creates a sense of inevitability and can reinforce themes of fate, destiny, or the cyclical nature of life.

Juxtaposition

Definition: Placing two contrasting ideas, characters, or scenes close together. Effect: Highlights differences and can emphasise the complexity of themes or the conflicts within the narrative.

Social Commentary

Definition: A critique or observation about society, often embedded in the narrative. Effect: Encourages readers to reflect on societal issues, often prompting consideration of morality, justice, or social norms.

Pivotal Moments

Definition: Key events or turning points in the narrative. Effect: Drives the plot forward, often resulting in significant character development or thematic exploration.

Unreliable Narrator (e.g., Jekyll and Hyde)

Definition: A narrator whose credibility is compromised. Effect: Creates ambiguity, forcing readers to question the truth of the narrative and engage more critically with the text.

Form Variations writers may use and their effects.

First-Person Narrative

Definition: The story is told from the perspective of one character using "I" or "we". Effect: This creates a closer connection to the narrator, offering deep insight into their thoughts and emotions, but may also limit the perspective to their experiences.

Third-Person Omniscient

Definition: The narrator knows all the thoughts, actions, and feelings of every character. Effect: Provides a comprehensive view of the story, allowing for a more balanced and all-encompassing understanding of events and characters.

Gothic Novel (e.g., Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein)

Definition: A genre characterised by mystery, horror, and the supernatural. Effect: Creates a dark, suspenseful atmosphere, often reflecting the fears and anxieties of the time.

Bildungsroman (e.g., Jane Eyre, Great Expectations)

Definition: A coming-of-age story focusing on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist. Effect: Explores themes of identity, growth, and the challenges of adolescence, offering readers insight into the protagonist's journey towards maturity.

Social Satire (e.g., Pride and Prejudice)

Definition: The use of humour, irony, or ridicule to criticise societal norms or behaviours. Effect: Engages the reader while delivering a critique of social structures, often encouraging reflection on societal values and conventions.