FLASHBACK

Flashback- an interruption of the chronological series in which the character recalls a prior memory. Flashbacks are often used by authors to provide background information or to add context to the current storyline.

Example from The Count of Monte Cristo

The story of Villefort burying an illegitimate newborn baby, Benedetto, and then stabbing of villefort by Bertuccio, the Count’s steward, is an example of a flashback.

Function- In this case the flashback of the tragic moment allowed Dumas to give more insight into the history of Villefort, as well as to show certain characters’ motivations. For instance, Bertuccio has a personal vendetta against Villefort due to this moment. This shows why he was hired by the Count as his personal steward.

Example from To Kill a Mockingbird

When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury.

Non-Original Mnemonic

Original Mnemonic

If the Flash runs really fast from east to west we will go back in time.

Suspense

Suspense

Definition:

An intense feeling the reader or audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of events to happen. This technique leaves the reader wanting more and being on the edge of their seat. Depending on the amount of suspense used, it can lead to a reader or audience to not stop until they find out information. A sequence of events will happen while leading to the climax to keep the reader hooked while the story is developed.

Example from Count of Monte Cristo:

From the time Edmond Dantes escapes from prison, the reader is left in suspense. The Count’s arranged duel with Albert, the murders taking place in the Villefort household, and the kidnapping of Danglers at the end are all examples of suspense. Almost every event that takes place after the Count’s new identity is established can be considered suspenseful.

Function:

Due to the fact the book does not have a true climax, Dumas uses suspense throughout the whole novel to keep the reader interested and entertained. Without the use of suspense, the reader could lose interest fairly quickly because nothing is keeping the reader’s attention.

Another Example:

In Shakespeare’s Othello, he uses dramatic irony to create suspense in the work. A malevolent Iago is the villain who creates jealousy in Othello to try to destroy his life and career by persuading him that his wife is unfaithful. The reader knows that Othello’s wife is not guilty and that Iago has ill intentions toward Othello. But, Othello is ignorant of this fact, thus creating suspense throughout the play.

Non-Original Mnemonic

Original Mnemonic:

S: Subtle

U: Unexpected

S: Series

P: Providing

E: Exciting

N: Narration

S: Supporting

E: (the) Ending

Hyperbaton

Hyperbaton

Definition: A device in which the author changes the regular positioning of words and phrases within a sentence to create a different structure that conveys the same meaning. This allows words or phrases to overstep their conventional uses and creates a more intriguing, complex sentence with more depth.

Example from The Rape of the Lock:

“This nymph, to the destruction of mankind, / Nourished two locks, which graceful hung behind / In equal curls, and well conspired to deck / with shining ringlets the smooth iv’ry neck” (Pope 71-74).

Function: By rearranging the words within each one of these lines and placing phrases such as “two locks,” “equal curls,” and “shining ringlets,” Alexander Pope is able to place the emphasis on what he is conveying in these few lines on the hair of the young girl itself, and not what is actually happening to the hair.

Example from Measure for Measure:

“Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall”

-William Shakespeare

Non-Original Mnemonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVI28EieHW4

Original Mnemonic: Some people may twirl their baton hyperly while others may hyperly twirl their baton.