The Hierarchy of Literary Devices

In literary analysis, some devices and elements are often considered more fundamental or foundational than others. Here's a hierarchy, taking into account their typical importance in the analysis process. In studying a literary work it is helpful to consider these elements and where you would place them in a hierarchy of literary devices. 

Imagery: Imagery is often considered foundational because it provides the sensory details and vivid descriptions that form the basis for deeper analysis. It sets the stage for other devices to operate.

Figurative Language:

Metaphor: Metaphors are often analysed for their symbolic and thematic significance.
Simile: Similar to metaphors, similes are analysed for their use in drawing comparisons.
Personification: Analysed for its role in humanising non-human entities.
Hyperbole: Examined for its impact on emphasis and exaggeration.
Irony: Irony is crucial for exploring contrasts and subtext in the text.

Symbolism: Symbolism plays a critical role in uncovering deeper meanings and themes in a literary work.

Allusion: Allusions are analysed to understand intertextuality and the author's intent in referencing other works or ideas.

Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is important for predicting and interpreting future events and themes in the narrative.

Theme: Identifying and analysing the central themes of a work is a fundamental aspect of literary analysis.

Allegory: Allegories are examined to reveal underlying moral, political, or philosophical messages.

Tone: Analysing the author's tone helps in understanding their attitude toward the subject matter and the audience.

Mood: Mood analysis explores how the author creates emotional atmospheres and affects the reader's experience.

Rhetorical Devices: at the sentence level (rhetorical devices can be higher level)

Anaphora: Analysed for its impact on rhythm and emphasis.
Epiphora: Examined for its contribution to pacing and emphasis.
Antithesis: Analysed for its role in contrasting ideas.
Parallelism: Explored for its impact on readability and rhythm.

Narrative Techniques:

Point of View: Examined for its influence on the reader's perspective and engagement.
Flashback: Analysed for its role in revealing character backstory and plot development.
Foreshadowing: Reiterated for its function in building anticipation.

Style: Style analysis delves into the author's unique voice and writing choices, including syntax, diction, and sentence structure.

Genre-specific Devices: Depending on the genre, certain devices like satire, irony, or suspense techniques may take precedence in the analysis.

Sound Effects (Prosody):

Rhyme: Examined for its impact on rhythm and emphasis.
Rhythm: Analysed for its contribution to the pacing and mood of a poem or text.
Alliteration: Explored for its role in creating musicality and emphasis.

Onomatopoeia: Analysed for its ability to evoke sensory experiences through sound.

This is the criteria for formulating the hierarchy. Consider these elements and how you would rank them in the hierarchy. 

Foundational Role: Devices that serve as foundational elements in understanding and interpreting a text are placed higher in the hierarchy. These are often the building blocks upon which more complex analyses are constructed.

Thematic Significance: Devices that contribute significantly to the development and exploration of the work's themes and messages are given higher importance.

Narrative Impact: Devices that have a substantial impact on the narrative structure, character development, and plot progression are positioned higher in the hierarchy.

Interpretive Depth: Devices that invite deeper interpretation, symbolism, and subtext tend to be ranked higher.

Authorial Intent: Devices that reveal the author's intent, style, and purpose in writing are considered essential.

Emotional and Stylistic Impact: Devices that strongly affect the emotional resonance and stylistic qualities of the work are emphasised.

Consistency with Genre: The hierarchy acknowledges that certain devices may hold greater importance in specific literary genres, and this is considered when ranking them. Writers can create works consistent with the conventions of genre, but can also challenge the conventions of genre. 

Rhetorical and Stylistic Techniques: Devices that are closely tied to the art of rhetoric and writing style are given their place in the hierarchy, especially when they enhance the overall quality of the writing.

Sound Effects (Prosody): Sound devices like rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, and onomatopoeia are important in poetry and are included in the hierarchy due to their role in shaping the aesthetic and auditory aspects of the text. Will be of lesser importance in prose works. 

While this hierarchy can provide a general framework for literary analysis, it's important to remember that the significance of each device can vary depending on the specific text and the analytical approach being used. A thorough analysis often involves considering multiple devices and their interplay to uncover the depth of meaning in a literary work.

This provides an argument against the expectations that students solely use quotes from texts as evidence in their essays. Literary analysis involves consideration of all aspects of a text; much more than quotes.