10H Rhetorical Terms: Choices (copy)

Definitions

Allusion

An author's reference to someone or something from history or literature that the reader is expected to know; allusions are implicitly stated rather than directly stated.

Analogy

A comparison arguing that two seemingly different items are proportional, and in so doing, build an argument about a larger issue.

Anaphora

A specific form of repetition where a phrase or group of words is repeated at the beginning of several consecutive sentences to emphasize an image or concept.

Antithesis

Placing two opposing ideas side by side in a balanced structure to show a clear difference.

Connotation

An idea or meaning associated with a word

Denotation

A word's literal meaning or dictionary definition.

Diction

An author's deliberate selection of connotative words and phrases to convey a specific tone, mood, or meaning.

Imagery

The use of words that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Figurative Language

The use of words or phrases with a meaning different from their literal interpretation to create a special effect or emotional connection.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration used for serious, comical, or dramatic effect.

Juxtaposition

The act of placing two different ideas, characters, actions, or settings side-by-side for the purpose of comparing or contrasting to create an interesting or striking effect.

Simile

A comparison of two different objects using the words "like," "as," "than," "so," or "resembles."

Metaphor

A direct comparison of two different objects that does not use "like" or "as," which can be drawn out as an extended metaphor throughout a stanza or an entire poem.

Personification

A figure of speech where animals, ideas, or inorganic objects are given human characteristics.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part of something stands for the whole or the whole stands for a part.

Metonymy

A form of metaphor in which the item chosen for the metaphorical image is closely associated with, but not an actual part of, the subject being compared.

Oxymoron

A seeming contradiction between two words that are placed together to achieve a dramatic, particular effect.

Paradox

A statement that seems untrue on the surface but is true nevertheless.

Parallel Structure

The achievement of balance in a sentence by using similar grammatical structures of words, clauses, or phrases.

Personal Anecdote

A short, real-life story that happened to the writer.

References (literary, historical, pop culture)

Deliberate, explicit mentions of other works, characters, authors, or cultural, historical, and biblical events designed to add deeper layers of meaning, context, and intertextuality.

Repetition

Repeating key words, ideas, or phrases to create an effect.

Rhetorical Questions

Questions that are posed for effect, to emphasize a point, or to provoke thought rather than to elicit an answer.

Syntax

The way in which words and phrases are arranged to form the grammatical structure of sentences.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward their reader and subject, reflecting their mood or moral view.