Isabel Allende
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Literary devices

Our featured writer has such a peculiar style, it is hardly mistaken. This is greatly due to a repeated use of the following rhetorical techniques and devices, which are now associated to her.

The first one, evidently, is magical realism. Although she did not originate the movement, she is one of its best known promoters. Her subtle introduction of a world of fantasy in her sharply realistic writing makes the reader almost want to believe it is possible. Some of her priviledged characters are gifted with supernatural abilities or fertile imaginations, which help them cope with the harsh reality they face.

A favorite aspect of her writing is the simple, easy to understand diction, which is key to the popularity of her novels. Yet it is amazingly powerful, since Allende manages to contain in a few words so many emotions and nuances, each word is powerfully charged. Allende also regularly employs Chilean colloquial language, which helps set a more realistic atmosphere and shows the pride in her country.

Allende is also known for her wide employement of vivid imagery, which complements her simplistic style. This imagery is usually related to Chilean Nature, showing her deep love for her country. By enriching her writing, this effective imagery makes every one of her novels truly engaging.

A highly criticized characteristic of her writing is the heavy use of foreshadowing, which makes the plot somewhat predictable. Allende often reveals the way a character will die or who she will marry when the character is just a child, taking away much of the suspense. Yet her writing remains powerfully engaging due to the sense of complicity this technique creates.

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