What is Anachronism? Definition, Meaning and Example

Anachronism is the appearance of items or actions which are anachronistic. It suggests an error on the author’s part, but can also be used to add humor to a work.

Example of Anachronism in Literature:

A classic example of anachronism in literature is Charles Dickens’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’.
In the first part of the novel, Dickens refers to the people who want to save themselves from the guillotine as ‘mobsmen’ instead of ‘mobsmen’ in the proper time. Then, he refers to Lady Dedlock as a ‘newly rich’ woman instead of a ‘newly wealthy woman’.

Conclusion

Overall, an anachronism is considered as an error, but it can also present the style of an author.