Which literary technique involves placing together characters, situations, or ideas to highlight common or differing features?

Prepare for the Keystone Literature Content Exam with detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by helpful hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get exam-ready today!

The technique of placing characters, situations, or ideas together to showcase their commonalities or differences is known as compare and contrast. This approach allows writers to draw attention to specific characteristics of each element, thereby enriching the reader's understanding of the theme, character development, or conflict within the narrative. By analyzing similarities and differences, one can gain insights into motivations, intentions, and the underlying messages that a writer may be conveying through their work.

For example, in a story, two characters from contrasting backgrounds might be compared to reveal how their distinct experiences shape their perspectives on a central issue, emphasizing themes such as identity or social justice. This literary technique is essential for deeper textual analysis and assists readers in grasping complex relationships between various narrative components.

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