Lesson 5: Literary Techniques in Prose

📚 Literary Appreciation of Novels and Short Stories

🟦 Introduction
Have you ever admired how a writer creates suspense, makes you laugh, or reveals deep truths without saying them directly? That’s the magic of literary techniques. These are the special tools authors use to enrich storytelling and engage the reader. In this lesson, you’ll explore the most common techniques found in WASSCE prose texts and learn how to identify and explain their purpose and effect.

🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations

1. What Are Literary Techniques?

Literary techniques (also called devices) are deliberate methods writers use to:

• Create mood or suspense

• Highlight a theme or message

• Shape how characters and events are understood

• Make the story more interesting or memorable

They are different from general language features because they serve a specific literary function.

2. Common Literary Techniques in Prose

3. Why Writers Use Literary Techniques

These tools help the writer:

• Deepen the reader’s emotional connection

• Emphasize ideas or warnings

• Shape the narrative flow (e.g., through flashback or suspense)

• Create layers of meaning (symbolism, irony)

🧭 Sample Walkthrough: Analyzing Literary Techniques

Excerpt 1:
“The sun hid behind the clouds as the funeral procession passed. Even the birds were silent.”

Technique Used: Personification (sun “hid”), atmosphere-mood connection.
Effect: Enhances the sorrowful, respectful mood of the scene.

Excerpt 2:
“Whenever Kofi passed the broken mirror in the hallway, he looked away. He didn’t want to see who he had become.”

Technique Used: Symbolism – the mirror reflects a shattered identity.
Effect: Helps readers understand the character’s internal struggle.

🟨 Practice Exercises

Exercise A: Identify the Technique

“She smiled brightly as she served the poisoned tea.”

Questions:

1. What technique is used here?

2. What effect does it create?

✅ Answers:

1. Irony – The pleasant action contrasts with a deadly intention.

2. Creates suspense and surprise; shows deception.

Exercise B: Match the Technique to the Description

✅ Answers:

• A – Flashback

• B – Satire

• C – Personification

• D – Foreshadowing

🔁 Recap

Here’s what you learned in this lesson:

• Literary techniques add depth, meaning, and emotion to a story.

• Common devices include foreshadowing, flashback, irony, satire, symbolism, and personification.

• In WASSCE, you must not only identify these devices but also explain their effect on the story, mood, or theme.

🪞 Reflection Prompt

Think of a novel or story where the author used a literary device that really stood out to you.

• What was the device?

• How did it affect your understanding or emotional reaction to the story?

• Could the story have worked without it?