Exploring the Use Literary Techniques in Bossypants
To create a striking and memorable story, authors often use literary devices to bring a text to life. Literary devices help eloquently express one’s feelings while also playing to the reader’s emotions. In Tina Fey’s Bossypants, several techniques applied help successfully create a notable work of literature. Her use of literary devices proves to be effective as shown through the irony, humour and flashbacks.
Irony is often used by authors to add an element of humour to a simple narrative; Tina Fey’s use of verbal irony helps effectively convey her story. An example of this is when she says: “…I took a personal inventory of all my healthy body parts for which I am grateful: wide German hips that look like somebody wrapped Pillsbury dough around a case of soda” (Fey 25). This is verbal irony as Tina Fey expresses an opinion that is opposite of what she actually means; wide hips are not considered healthy. Her use of irony adds interest to the plot while also making the text more human to readers. By proving that she is not perfect, her story becomes more relatable. A successful story is one that is easy to connect to. Situational irony also contributes to effectively conveying her story. This is evident when Tina and her husband go on a cruise to avoid planes but end up having to fly home anyways due to several problems aboard the ship. Situational irony adds a comedic feel to the story, which breaks down barriers between the reader and the author. The readers feel they can better relate to the story, and more thoroughly understand the author’s message. Tina Fey’s use of both verbal and situational irony are effective in communicating her story as readers reflect upon Tina’s past and who she is as a person.
Humour is a simple literary technique universally applied to add flavour to a text. Tina Fey’s use of