What is artifice?

Artifice refers to the clever or cunning use of deception or manipulation. It often involves skill and ingenuity in achieving a desired outcome through indirect or subtle means. It can be seen in various contexts, from personal relationships and social interactions to political maneuvering and even artistic expression.

Artifice is closely related to concepts like:

• Deception: The act of intentionally misleading someone. See: Deception
• Manipulation: Controlling or influencing someone or something in a clever or unscrupulous way. See: Manipulation
• Trickery: The use of tricks to deceive or outwit someone. See: Trickery
• Cunning: Skill in achieving one's ends by deceit. See: Cunning

In literature and art, artifice can be a deliberate stylistic choice, used to create a particular effect or convey a specific message. For example, a writer might use elaborate language or complex plot twists to create a sense of artificiality or theatricality. This contrasts with naturalism, which aims for a realistic and unadorned portrayal of reality. Artifice is also used in stage magic, where Illusion is created through clever trickery and misdirection.