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Literary element

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A literary element (or element of literature) is an individual aspect or characteristic of a whole work of literature.

Literary elements are not "used" by authors; rather, they exist inherently in forms of literature and are derived by the readers of a work in question. Theme, characterization, conflict, setting, protagonist, antagonist, and point of view are among the many literary elements that exist.

Literary elements are most frequently used to aid discussion on a work or better understand a work of literature. For instance, the New York State English/Language Arts Regents Exam requires that students utilize and discuss literary elements relating to specific works in two of their four essays, much like many other high school exams statewide.

Literary elements