From the Written Word to the Moving Image
While narrative devices are primarily concerned with the structure of the plot (how the story is told), literary devices are more concerned with the texture, theme, and deeper meaning of the story (the artistry of the telling). These techniques, which have their roots in poetry and prose, are adapted by filmmakers to use the language of cinema—images and sounds—to achieve effects similar to what an author achieves with words. They add layers of complexity and invite interpretation, elevating a film from a simple story to a work of art.
Distinguishing from Narrative Devices
The line can sometimes be blurry, but a helpful distinction is Structure vs. Meaning. A narrative device like a flashback is a structural choice about when to present information. A literary device like symbolism is a choice about imbuing an object within that flashback with a deeper meaning. One is about the timeline, the other about the theme.
Common Literary Devices in Film
Filmmakers use a variety of literary devices to enrich their stories:
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Symbolism: An object, person, place, or image that stands for a larger abstract idea. In Inception (2010), Cobb’s spinning top is a powerful symbol of his struggle with reality and his longing for his children.
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Motif: A recurring element—be it an image, sound, line of dialogue, or color—that is repeated throughout the film to reinforce a central theme. In Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite (2019), the recurring motifs of stairs, rain, and stones all serve to underscore the film’s powerful themes of class hierarchy.
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Foreshadowing: Subtle hints or clues that suggest future events in the plot. In The Sixth Sense (1999), the recurring presence of the color red is used to foreshadow a connection to the supernatural or a moment of great danger.
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Irony: A contrast between what is said and what is meant (verbal irony), what is expected to happen and what actually happens (situational irony), or when the audience knows something the characters do not (dramatic irony). Dramatic irony is a staple of the horror genre, where the audience knows the killer is in the house, but the character does not.
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Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things that is not literally true but helps explain an idea or make a point. The entire dystopian society in The Matrix (1999) serves as a metaphor for conformity, control, and the nature of reality.