Choices and their Jobs

Allegory

The expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence. & Uses simple ideas/items to explain a more complex one; sometimes used to disguise morally or politically controversial topics.

Allusion

An implied or indirect reference. & Connects the text to another text, or to broader cultural or historical knowledge, creating instantaneous depth.

Analogy

A comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect. & Clarifies an unfamiliar or abstract idea by comparing it to something familiar.

Anecdote

A usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident. & Humanizes the speaker, captures attention, or provides a relatable example to ground a larger argument.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that unfolds over a sustained section of text, a stanza, or an entire work through multiple interlinked comparisons. & Deepens a concept through multiple layers of connection, allowing readers to experience an abstract idea through a sustained story.

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another. & Creates a conceptual link, asserting that one thing is another thing to directly transfer emotional or symbolic quality.

Personification

Representation of a thing or abstraction as a person or by the human form. & Makes non-human elements relatable by attributing human feelings, motives, qualities, or actions to them.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things and often using "like" or "as". & Creates an immediate, highly vivid image in the reader's mind without claiming the two things are identical.

Metonymy

The use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated. & Provides a symbolic shorthand that reduces complex entities or abstract ideas into a single, concrete image.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (or whole for a part). & Emphasizes a specific characteristic, function, or physical detail to draw attention to its most relevant quality.

Colloquial

An informal style of speaking or writing that uses everyday, conversational language. & Establishes a casual, authentic, or conversational tone; builds rapport with the audience.

Didactic

A writing or speaking style explicitly intended to instruct, educate, or provide moral guidance. & Imparts knowledge, preaches a lesson, or directs the audience toward a specific moral viewpoint.

Elegiac

A style that expresses sorrow, mourning, or a nostalgic longing for something lost. & Evokes sadness, respect, pity, or reflection on past loss or impermanence.

Euphemism

A mild, indirect, or polite expression used to replace a harsh or offensive one. & Softens unpleasant truths, maintains politeness, or avoids taboo subjects.

Imagery

The use of specific language to appeal to the five physical senses. & Evokes vivid sensory experiences, placing the audience directly inside the narrative world.

Loaded Language

Wording that relies on strong emotional reactions and connotations to influence an audience. & Persuades or sways an audience by appealing directly to emotional triggers rather than pure logic.

Pedantic

A style that sounds overly rigid and formal, focusing excessively on minor details or academic knowledge. & Demonstrates strict expertise, though often risks distancing the audience by appearing arrogant.

Polysyndeton

A figure of speech where coordinating conjunctions (e.g., "and," "or") are repeated in quick succession. & Slows down the rhythm, builds momentum, or emphasizes the overwhelming quantity of items listed.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same or similar sounds at the beginning of nearby words. & Creates rhythm, emphasis, or makes a phrase memorable.

Assonance

Repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds in words. & Creates rhythm, mood, or musicality.

Cacophony

The purposeful use of harsh, unpleasant, or discordant sounds. & Can create tension, chaos, anger, confusion, or discomfort.

Consonance

Repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds. & Creates rhythm, emphasis, or a connected sound pattern.

Euphony

A combination of sounds that is pleasant, smooth, or harmonious to hear. & Creates a calm, beautiful, peaceful, or pleasant feeling.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or words at the start of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. & Emphasizes an idea by repeating words at the beginning, creating rhythm.

Antithesis

Using parallel sentences or clauses to make a contrast between two opposing ideas. & Highlights a contrast between two opposing ideas, making the difference clear.

Chiasmus

Reversing the grammatical order or key terms in two otherwise parallel phrases. & Emphasizes a relationship or contrast between ideas by reversing their structure.

Epistrophe

Repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. & Creates strong emphasis and emotional resonance by closing statements with the same phrase.

Repetition

The reuse of words, phrases, or sentence structures. & Emphasizes a central idea by repeating important components.

Dramatic Irony

When the reader or audience knows critical information that the characters do not. & Creates suspense, tension, and emotional connection between the audience and the story.

Litotes

A kind of understatement that uses double negatives to express a positive statement. & Emphasizes a point subtly or softens a claim through restrained, ironic understatement.

Overstatement

Deliberate exaggeration (Hyperbole) used to emphasize a point. & Dramatizes an effect, generates humor, or highlights extreme intensity.

Understatement

Making something sound less serious or important than it actually is. & Creates ironic humor or subtle emphasis by downplaying a significant situation.

Situational Irony

When the actual outcome of an event is the opposite of what is reasonably expected. & Highlights life's unpredictability or absurdity through sharp contrast.

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says one thing but means the exact opposite. & Signals shared understanding, sparks engagement, or exposes absurdity.

Ambiguity

Phrasing or concepts that can be interpreted in multiple valid ways. & Allows the reader to explore multiple interpretations, adding nuance and intrigue.

Juxtaposition

Placing two or more contrasting concepts, images, or places side-by-side. & Highlights subtle differences and gives depth to both elements through direct contrast.

Paradox

A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. & Forces the reader to pause and consider a complex reality beyond surface contradictions.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to make a point rather than to elicit a literal answer. & Drives an argument home, engages the audience's mind directly, or creates a dramatic effect.