Creative Non-Fiction: Literary Techniques Are Specific, Deliberate Construction and Use of Language To
Creative Non-Fiction: Literary Techniques Are Specific, Deliberate Construction and Use of Language To
Module 2
You have learned that there are specific differences of a total fiction text and a
creative non-fiction text. Some of these are the elements, styles and techniques.
However, there are also similarities underlying between the two. Some of these are
the themes, tone, mood, point of view and some other styles and techniques present
in fictional accounts.
Creative non-fiction texts are true accounts while utilizing some of the techniques
and styles of fiction. Creativity includes the use of literary devices which can be divided
into two: literary techniques (which include the use of figurative language) and literary
elements (which include the theme). In this module, you will discover and analyze the
techniques and themes used in creative non-fiction texts.
Literary Techniques are specific, deliberate construction and use of language to
convey meaning. Oftentimes, these techniques are indirectly or implicitly used in a
text. Sometimes, readers experience difficulty in figuring out the intended meaning
because of these techniques. Unlike literary texts, techniques are not necessarily
present in all texts. However, creative non-fiction texts utilize techniques commonly
used in literary texts as part of art and aesthetic aspect of writing. Sometimes, these
techniques are used in free and formal and informative and narrative essays.
Some of these techniques are the inclusion of figures of speech, dialogue, imagery, kenning,
symbolism, parallelism, foreshadowing, flashback, approach to events such as deductive or inductive,
employment of sounds, choice of word, humor, representation, and form of writing and more others.
The direct statements (items) from activity 1 utilized techniques which make
the whole discourse creative and figurative. The items in activity 1 used symbolism,
figurative language, point of view, alliteration and imagery. These are called
techniques employed in writing and could possibly be used also in speaking.
On the other hand, theme refers to the central idea, subject, topic or message
of the text. Oftentimes, a narrative text, poetry and literary texts have themes. Themes
are the overall idea or message conveyed in the text. It is an underlying belief and
outlook of the author about life inside and outside him. It is often universal.
Universality means true to all- felt and experienced by all.
Some of the examples of themes are love, power, corruption, courage,
excellence, prejudice, discrimination, good versus evil, heroism, beauty, nationalism,
patriotism, positivity, poverty, piousness or religiosity, survival and many more.
If you have noticed, activity 2 showed the themes used in the items but it only
utilized direct statements. However, based from the direct statements, it can be noted
that themes can be identified easily by feeling their contents.
Thus, the task of this module is for you to analyze the techniques and interpret
the themes in a text. For you to do it, you should at least have the following
competencies: (1) You can read text at least in a comprehension, interpretive and critical level;
(2) You should have knowledge about literary techniques, elements forms and types; (3) You have
the skill to relate experiences to the text or vise versa; and (4) You love reading and learning. If you
have all of these, then Ibelieve you could do better than expected!
To better facilitate your understanding about techniques and themes used in a
text, figure 2 below is presented. Have at least a little research about the literary
techniques and themes.
Figure 2
Dear Diary,
It was a very cold winter when the breath of the light of home was taken
back by the Giver of life. I was out in the dark during that time. The moon keeps
on smiling but suddenly it cried. I have cried out so loud from the envelope of
love and caress. At the same time, the deafening silence of the great woman
cornered the four sides of the white room. Together with the men and women
in white, is the pillar of home. Yes, he was left alone, just with me, with that
day of tears, sorrow and melancholy.
But he, knowing I am the cause of the decease of his dearly love, his
flower of delight since high school of loyalty and honesty, with love and
tenderness, with sacrifice and devotion, he poses that smile of inspiring and
motivating love as I was going out of the school. It seems he always misses me
after eight hours stay inside that highly-cost home of human knowledge and
wisdom. He holds and carries me in his strong arms as he turns me once or
twice around. He kisses me with his beard that tickles my thin skin. But the
feeling is different. I love it.
Yes, he was left alone with only a piece of land inherited from his
deceased parents (which was sold when I was out to light) since my mom’s
family defied him for his indigence and misfortune. He was alone. He works
nine or ten hours a day in that factory of not-so-popular cloth trade. His pay
is just a little. However, his money is like abundant leaves. I was wondering
how he pays our rent, our water, our food, my ice cream, my Barbie, my tiny
thick uniform, my candies, my chocolates and my pretty toys.
Sometimes, I ask the air, “Where on earth my dad get lots of money?” Isn’t it
surprising? Yes it is. It is really surprising that my dad pretends to be happy
though I am the cause of his heartaches when mom died. Yes he is rich because
he pretends to be someone because he wants me to be happy at all times. He
pretends not to be tired because he wants me to be good at school. He makes
me laugh because he does not want me to be lonely. And most of all, he wants
me to smile because when I do, his pain will go away. Sometimes, he holds his
stomach. I know it is empty for the whole day. How I wish that time must fly
so fast so I could accompany him to bear his burdens.
I knew it then. I knew that his joy is me. He sacrifices, he lies and he
pretends because I am the only fruit of his sweet long love from the great
woman whom I owe my life- my mom. How touching for a little girl like me
with five and four years in this world! Though innocent, I feel the warm caress
and tender touch, sweetest smile and eyes so bright of my dad.
This is Sharina, leaving you of the greetings, “Happy Father’s Day! Love
your dad unconditionally!”
Activity 3: I need your basic comprehension! Read and answer me!
Directions: Read the questions below and choose the correct answer from
the given choices by encircling the letter of your choice.
1. What point of view was used in the text?
A. First Person B. Omniscient C. Second Person
3. What happened during that cold winter as stated in the introduction part
of the text?
A. The mother died.
B. The father left.
C. C. The baby died.
5. How will you describe the tone of the opening or introduction part?
A. Happiness B. Excitement C. Sadness
7. What does the persona mean when she said “home of human knowledge and
wisdom”?
A. Family B. Hospital C. School
Hello!? How did you find Activity 3 and 4? These activities assess your basic
and critical comprehension about the text and how the text was written by the writer.
The said activities are focused on the techniques of writing. I hope you see these
features during your reading and activities.