Why Literary Devices Matter
Why Literary Devices Matter
Author(s): Lorraine K. C. YeungSubject(s): Comparative Study of Literature, Cognitive Psychology, Theory of Literature, American Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: Affects; Non-cognitive Emotions; Literary Devices; Fiction; Psycho;
Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the emotional import of literary devices deployed in fiction. Reflecting on the often-favored approach in the analytic tradition that locates fictional characters, events, and narratives as sources of readers’ emotions, I attempt to broaden the scope of analysis by accounting for how literary devices trigger non-cognitive emotions. I argue that giving more expansive consideration to literary devices by which authors present content facilitates a better understanding of how fiction engages emotion. In doing so, I also explore the somatic dimension of reading fiction.
Journal: Estetyka i Krytyka
- Issue Year: 60/2021
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 19-37
- Page Count: 20
- Language: English