AP Latin 4: Rhetorical & Poetic Devices

repetition

an author may repeat words or phrases for a variety of rhetorical or poetic effects

• stress importance/significance
• make a point more memorable
• musical effect (sometimes)

alliteration

repetition of the same initial consonant sound in successive words

• drawing attention to an idea
• enforce any elements conveyed by the text
• rhythm

anaphora

repetition of a word/phrase in the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or lines, primarily used for emphasis

parallel structure/parallelism

repetition of phrases, clauses, and sentences

• balances ideas
• emphasize ideas
• establish a relationship between ideas

chiasmus

A-B-B-A word order, used to show emphasis or to call attention

synchysis

A-B-A-B interlocking word order, used to create an unexpected moment

enjambment

author delays the final word of a phrase, clause, or sentence to the next line, used to create suspense or emphasis

simile

explicit comparison between two things made, using "like" or "as"

• tend to appear in descriptive passages
• help make images more clear or vivid

metaphor

implied comparison between two things made through a figurative use of words

• transfer meanings
• create surprising or unexpected connections
• provide vivid imagery

meter & metrical feet

verses formed by a sequence of long and short syllables

• dactyls - long + short + short
• spondees - long + long
• trochees - long + short

elision

act of partially suppressing the end of a word when reading a verse, occurs when a vowel/m is followed by a vowel/h

dactylic hexameter

used to compose all epic poetry, 4 dactyls/spondees + dactyl + spondee/trochee