Review Terms

Vocabulary

anaphora

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences, phrases, or clauses

polysydeton

a list or series of words, phrases, or clauses that are connected with the repeated use of the same conjunction, the most common are “and” or “or”

asydeton

a list in which no “and” is used at all, rather the list is separated with commas

metonym

the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant

synecdoche

a part of something is used to signify the whole or vice-versa

catharsis

the expression of emotion through which a character achieves a state of moral or spiritual renewal or achieves a state of liberation from anxiety and stress

iambic pentameter

lines of verse or poetry that have ten syllables comprised of five iambs, where the first syllables is stressed the second is unstressed, the third is stressed, etc.

oxymoron

when two words are paired together that have opposite meanings

apostrophe

a phrase or speech made by a character that is addressed to a subject that is not literally present

antithesis

refers to the juxtaposition of two opposing elements through the parallel grammatical structure, this is presented in rythic and lyric speech

conceit

a comparison that is convoluted, unconventional, and/or improbable; its comparison between things is so unlikely that there must be an imagined connection

syllogism

a rhetorical device that starts an argument with a reference to something general and from this it draws a conclusion about something more specific

euphony

the use of words and phrases that are distinguished as having a wide range of note worthy melody or loveliness in the sounds they create, it gives pleasing and soothing effects to the ear due to repeated vowels and smooth consonants

cacophony

the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing, and unmelodious sounds

invective

denotes speech or writing that attacks, insults, or denounces a person, topic, or institution, involves the use of abuse and negative language

euphemism

commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept that might be uncomfortable, impolie, harsh, or unpleasant

aphorism

a short saying that observes a general truth; typically concise and somewhat humorous statements that are intended to appeal to the masses as a message of wisdom or understanding

litotes

a phrase that utilizes negative wording or terms to express a positive assertion or statement, not literal