Literary Devices and Rhetorical Strategies for Analyzing Texts

Allegory

A narrative in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract ideas or moral concepts, often delivering a larger moral, political, or spiritual lesson.

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words, used for emphasis, rhythm, or mood.

Allusion

A brief reference to a person, event, place, or work (historical, cultural, or literary) that enriches meaning by association.

Ambiguity

The purposeful use of language with multiple possible meanings, creating uncertainty or layered interpretation.

Anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next, for emphasis or continuity.

Analogy

A comparison between two unlike things to explain or clarify an idea, often more extended than a metaphor.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines, often used for rhythm and emphasis.

Anecdote

A short, personal story inserted into a text to illustrate a point, add interest, or connect with the audience.

Antecedent

In grammar, the noun to which a pronoun refers; in literature, it can shape clarity and meaning.

Antithesis

A rhetorical device that contrasts opposing ideas in parallel structure for emphasis.

Aphorism

A concise statement expressing a general truth or principle in memorable, witty language.

Apostrophe

A direct address to an absent person, abstract idea, or inanimate object as if it were present and capable of understanding.

Asyndeton

Deliberate omission of conjunctions between words or clauses, producing a hurried rhythm or forceful effect.

Atmosphere

The prevailing mood created by a literary work, established through setting, imagery, and tone.

Chiasmus

A rhetorical or literary figure in which words or concepts are repeated in reverse order for emphasis or balance.

Clause

A group of words containing a subject and a verb; in literature, used to structure meaning and rhythm.

Conduplicatio

Repetition of a key word from a preceding clause at the start of the next, used for emphasis and cohesion.

Colloquialism

Informal, conversational language or expressions used to create realism or character voice.

Coherence

The logical and clear connection of ideas in writing, creating unity and clarity for the reader.

Conceit

An extended, often elaborate metaphor comparing two vastly different things, typical in poetry.