Drama Features for IGCSE Literature in English

Humour

• A literary device that writers use in order to make their readers or audience members laugh.

• A technique used to create suspense in a story.

• A method of character development through dialogue.

• A style of writing that focuses on serious themes.

Enjambment

• Occurs where lines run on without punctuation and without a break in the meaning (more significant at the end of a line or stanza).

• A poetic device that involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

• A technique where a word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive lines.

• A form of rhyme that occurs at the end of lines.

Tone

• Conveyed in a poem by the poet's deliberate choice of words; poet's attitude.

• The rhythm and meter of the poem.

• The theme or subject matter of the poem.

• The visual imagery created by the poet.

Diction

• Word choice; the linguistic choices made by a writer to convey an idea or point of view, or tell a story, in an effective way.

• The grammatical structure of sentences used in writing.

• The emotional tone conveyed through the choice of words.

• The overall theme or message of a literary work.

Juxtaposition

• A statement in which two elements are placed closely together to have a comparing/contrasting effect.

• A technique used to create a sense of harmony between two elements.

• A method of organizing ideas in a sequential manner.

• A rhetorical device that involves exaggeration for emphasis.

Personification

• Used when something inanimate is given human (or animal) characteristics.

• A literary device that involves exaggeration for emphasis.

• A technique where the author directly addresses the reader.

• A method of comparing two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Symbolism

• A literary device where a word is used to mean its literal definition.

• A technique used to create vivid imagery in writing.

• When something is meant to represent something else beyond the literal meaning.

• A method of organizing ideas in a structured format.

Dramatists

• Directors of films

• Writers of plays/drama

• Producers of theater

• Actors in plays

Characterization

• The way in which writers present their characters.

• A technique used to create suspense in a story.

• The process of developing a plot in a narrative.

• The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Rhythm

• The pattern of beats in music.

• The sound and length of words or lines used to create meaning.

• A type of dance movement.

• The speed at which a piece of music is played.