Literary devices establish a foundation for authors to set forth a message that recurs within a passage of text. In Bernard MacLavertys’ “Secrets”, literary devices adequately convey the central theme. Throughout the story, the prominent theme that disloyalty engenders lasting guilt toward one's relationship is enhanced through symbolism. MacLaverty illustrates symbolism through wilting irises, to portray the loss of trust between Aunt Mary and her nephew. As the nephew sits in Aunt Mary’s sitting room, his gaze narrows to the oval table, the story states, “On the table was a cut-glass vase of irises, dying because she had been in bed for over a week. He sat staring at them. They were withering from the tips inward, scrolling themselves delicately,