It’s easy to see how an automobile has changed, adapted and advanced from its original form. In the writing industry, terminology sometimes evolves or changes in time just as inventions or products might do. There are words and phrases that are commonly understood to mean certain things among writers; however, such meanings sometimes change. Such is the case for the term, “literary tropes.”
In its original (or, as we say in the writing industry, its “classical”) form, the term “literary tropes” typically refers to various yet specific writing tools that authors use to embellish and enhance a story. This would include mechanisms, such as hyperbole, metaphor or the occasional oxymoron. These and other story elements are useful descriptive writing tools. Modern day authors still use these elements, although the term “literary tropes” has evolved.
Literary tropes refer to common motifs
In books or motion pictures, what color do good guys wear versus bad guys? You undoubtedly thought that good guys wear white and bad guys wear black, right? That’s because this particular motif is one of many modern-day literary tropes. As opposed to the classical version of a trope, such as those mentioned earlier in this post (I.e., hyperbole, metaphor, etc.), the basic meaning of literary tropes today refers to a commonly understood and recognizable recurring theme or story element.
Good guys wearing white versus bad guys wearing black is one example. Another might be a broader motif, such as “good triumphs over evil.” Authors implement literary tropes in various ways. Sometimes they use character tropes. An example of this might be a character who comes across as a “chosen” individual, meaning that God has given him or her a specific mission. The chosen one in a novel is usually the protagonist.
Writers can also use tropes in their plots. Good triumphing over evil is an example of this. Romance novels often feature the literary trope known as “a love triangle.” Avid readers easily recognize literary tropes (even if they don’t know the term) and will infer or expect certain things to happen in a story because of a specific element or recurring theme.
Use this writing tool sparingly
Literary tropes, whether understood by the classical definition (specific writing elements) or more modern meaning (recurring motif or theme) are a useful writing tool for fiction authors. A word of caution: Avoid overusing tropes. If you overuse a trope, it becomes cliché. This translates as boredom for your readers. As you become an experienced author, you’ll learn to how to take advantage of available writing tools without overusing them to enhance a story and entertain your audience.
