rhetorical devices simple

tone

attitude of speaker

diction

word choice

denotation

literal meaning of word

connotation

implied meaning of word/phrase

syntax

word order

parallel structure/parallelism

recurrent syntax similarity

declarative sentences

sentence making a statement, usually accompanied by strong diction

repetition

when words/phrases are repeated through text to emphasize point

rhetorical question

question asked merely for effect

punctuation

choice of ; : - ! , …

pathos

emotion

ethos

credibility

logos

logic

cumulative sentence

sentence completing main idea at beginning of sentence + build

periodic sentence

sentence withholding main idea until end

Interrupted sentence

syntax interruption in sentence

balanced sentence

sentence/ clause are set off to show contrast

descriptive lang.

metaphor

2 seemingly unlike compared to make image

extended metaphor

author uses metaphor through long passage

analogy

comparing diff things w/ similar features to explain thought

imagery

vivid use of lang. descriptive, sensory

symbolism

using object to represent idea/quality

comparing

contrast

differences (to argue in favor of one over other)

compare

similarities (to argue in favor of one over other)

juxtaposition

placing side by side for comparing(usually ideas/example for point)

process analysis

explain step-by-step of how to do something

anecdote

brief recounting of story; developing humor/personal connection

allusion

reference(explicit/implicit) to something previous in lit/history; passing comment, not detailed(reader knows context)

paradox

statement/situation that seems contradictory

characterization

way in which author presents + define characters; way author revels personality/appearance

allegory

text with interpretable hidden meaning(moral/political)

polysyndeton

using conjunction b/w each word/phrase/clause, feeling of build up,

asyndeton

omitting conjunction b/w words/phrases/clauses in a list, feels unplanned(unpremeditated, extemporaneous) “not complete”, building up feeling

metonymy

speech replacing name of thing w/ name of closely related thing

mood

atmosphere

motif

recurring idea in lit

understatement

ironic minimizing of idea; “less significant”

antithesis

2 opposite contrasting words/phrase/clause/idea w/ parallel structure

reaction to thesis; opposite of main point

colloquial

slang, ordinary + familiar type of lang, casual speech

jargon

diction used by group practicing similar profession + activity(specific to field)

euphemism

more agreeable + less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words + concepts

alliteration

repeating initial sounds