Literary
Terms
Anecdote
The term “anecdote” originally comes from a
Greek phrase which means “things unpublished.”
An
anecdote is a very short story that is significant to the topic at hand;
usually adding personal knowledge or experience to the topic. Basically,
anecdotes are stories. Like many stories, anecdotes are most often told through
speech; they are spoken rather than written down. Anecdote is a short and
interesting story, or an amusing event, often proposed to support or
demonstrate some point, and to make the audience laugh.
Anecdotes
are valuable literary devices because of their diversity in style, tone, and
utility. They can be used by almost any person, in any situation, in any genre.
Anecdotes serve countless purposes and make situations more interesting for
both the characters and the audience. Anecdotes, like other forms of stories,
are common and highly effective devices found throughout literature, film,
television, theater, and even real life. Anecdotes make conversations or
dialogue more personal and interesting.
Examples:
You
know, when I was a kid, my dog was my best friend. My childhood was better
because of him.
That
reminds me of a wild party I went to with the groom, before he got that new
ball and chain! If you had told me back then that he would choose just ONE
woman, I never would have believed it!
I
was an owl last year—it was a real hoot!
Types of Anecdotes
a. Humorous,
b.
Reminiscent,
c. Philosophical,
d.
Inspirational,
e.
Cautionary.
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