Rhetorical Devices

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions of rhetorical devices critical for understanding literary techniques and preparing for exam questions related to this topic.

Antithesis

A rhetorical device that contrasts parallel structures or ideas.

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas close together to highlight their differences.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which two contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

Paradox

A statement that appears contradictory but may reveal a truth.

Polysyndeton

The use of several conjunctions in close succession for emphasis.

Asyndeton

The omission of conjunctions in a series.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

Epistrophe

The repetition of a word at the end of successive phrases or clauses.

Repetition

The act of repeating something in writing or speech.

Allegory

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words.

Ambiguity

A word, phrase, or statement that has multiple meanings or interpretations.

Analogy

A comparison between two different things for the purpose of explanation.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun refers to.

Aphorism

A concise statement that expresses a general truth or principle.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses someone absent or something non-human.

Caricature

A description that exaggerates or distorts features to create a comic or grotesque effect.

Colloquial

The use of informal words or expressions.

Conceit

An extended metaphor with a complex logic that governs a poetic passage.

Denotation

The literal or dictionary meaning of a word.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural association with a word beyond its literal meaning.

Diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in writing.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that is extended throughout a piece of writing.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things.

Metonymy

The substitution of the name of one object for another closely associated with it.

Onomatopoeia

The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.

Parallelism

The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically similar.

Parody

A humorous or satirical imitation of a piece of literature or writing.

Personification

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is narrated.

Litote

A form of understatement that uses negation to express a positive statement.

Sarcasm

The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

Satire

The use of humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock.

Symbol

An object, action, or idea that represents something beyond its literal meaning.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole or vice versa.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

Theme

The central idea or message in a literary work.

Thesis

A statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved.

Tone

The author's attitude or emotional quality of the writing.

Understatement

The presentation of something as being smaller or less important than it actually is.

Wit

Intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.