Literary Term - Anagram

 

Literary Term

Anagram 

Definition of Anagram

A literary device is a technique or tool that writers use to enhance their writing and create a more engaging and effective piece of literature. Literary devices can include figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, as well as rhetorical devices like alliteration, repetition, and hyperbole. These devices can be used to convey a deeper meaning, create a specific mood or tone, or add complexity to a character or plot.

An anagram is a word or phrase that is formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase. For example, the word "listen" can be rearranged to form the word "silent." Anagrams can be used as a form of wordplay, and are often found in puzzles and games. They can also be used in literature as a literary device, such as in the works of Lewis Carroll, who frequently used anagrams in his writing.

Common Anagram Examples

"Listen" and "silent"

"Elvis" and "lives"

"Dormitory" and "dirty room"

"Astronomer" and "moon starer"

"Funeral" and "real fun"

"The eyes" and "they see"

"Clint Eastwood" and "old west action"

"Schoolmaster" and "the classroom"

"Conversation" and "voices rant on"

"Debit card" and "bad credit"

These examples show how the same set of letters can be rearranged to create different words or phrases, often with different meanings or connotations. Anagrams can be used as a form of wordplay, as a way to create humor, or as a literary device to convey a deeper meaning.

Anagrams to create Pseudonyms

Anagrams can be used to create pseudonyms by rearranging the letters of a person's name or a phrase that represents them. Here are some examples:

Dan Brown - "Board Nerd"

J.K. Rowling - "King L. Row"

Ernest Hemingway - "The Menacing Wry"

William Shakespeare - "I am a weakish speller"

Agatha Christie - "A tragic case hit he"

Stephen King - "The Kings Pet"

George Orwell - "Lore Grew Ego"

Edgar Allan Poe - "A Gallop Near Doe"

Neil Gaiman - "Aiming Alien"

Roald Dahl - "Ho All Lard"

These examples show how anagrams can be used to create unique and interesting pseudonyms that reflect the writer's personality or style. By rearranging the letters of their name or a phrase that represents them, writers can create a memorable and distinctive pen name that stands out in the crowded world of literature.

Anagrams in Naming Characters

Anagrams can be used in naming characters in literature to create clever and memorable names that add depth and meaning to the story. Here are some examples of characters in literature that have anagram names:

Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - Her name can be rearranged to spell "sour, grim, blonde," which reflects her personality and physical appearance.

Madam Kozlowska in The Secret History by Donna Tartt - Her name can be rearranged to spell "ask me a howl down," which hints at her connection to the supernatural.

The title character in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - His name can be rearranged to spell "a young, ideal lord," which reflects his good looks, charm, and wealth.

Dr. Abel Gideon in the Hannibal Lecter series by Thomas Harris - His name can be rearranged to spell "I enable bad egg," which hints at his criminal nature.

Dr. John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle - His name can be rearranged to spell "what's on and jot," which reflects his role as Holmes' loyal companion and chronicler.

These examples show how anagrams can be used to add depth and meaning to character names in literature, creating memorable and impactful names that help to bring the story to life.

Examples of Anagram in Literature

Anagrams have been used in literature as a literary device to create wordplay, convey deeper meaning, and add complexity to the story. Here are some examples of anagrams used in literature:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - The poem "You are old, Father William" contains the anagram "I have a carrot."

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - The name "Leonardo da Vinci" is an anagram of "Vinci's lion do," which is a hint at the secret society at the heart of the story.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare - The phrase "To be or not to be" can be rearranged to spell "Bootee or no beet."

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - The name "Sam Westing" is an anagram of "wants gems."

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling - The anagram "Tom Marvolo Riddle" can be rearranged to spell "I am Lord Voldemort," which reveals the true identity of the story's villain.

The Holy Bible - The phrase "The Lord is my shepherd" can be rearranged to spell "Herds he my Lord's sheep."

These examples show how anagrams can be used in literature to create wordplay, add depth to character names, and reveal hidden messages or meanings.