Literary Devices, Rhetorical Strategies, and Key Vocabulary in English Literature

Understatement

the presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which something is referred to by using the name of something that is associated with it

Anaphora

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

Counterargument

A challenge to a position; an opposing argument

Synecdoche

a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa

Connotation

an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

Denotation

The dictionary definition of a word

Qualify

to limit or restrict a statement

figurative language

Language that cannot be taken literally since it was written to create a special effect or feeling.

Complex sentence

A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause

Chronological sequence

Describing the events in the order they occur

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality

Allusion

A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art

Polemic

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

Portrayal

The way in which a person or a character is presented

Oppressor

One who keeps others down by the cruel use of power

Apt

To fit

Deceptive

Intending to mislead or trick

Shrewd

Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.

Reproach

To find fault with, blame

indifference

A lack of interest or concern

Condescending

Possessing an attitude of superiority, patronizing

Grudging

Unwilling; reluctant; stingy

Depravity

Moral corruption

Abolitionist

A person who wanted to end slavery

Irate

Angry

Judicious

Sensible; showing good judgement

Stratagem

A scheme to outwit or deceive an opponent or to gain an end

Commence

To begin

Chattel

An item of personal, movable property; slave

Mere

Nothing more than; only

Prudence

Wisdom, caution, or restraint

Vindication

Proving right after prior doubt