AP Lang Rhetorical Devices 1-31

Anecdote

Short story told to illustrate a point.

Perspective

Character’s viewpoint on events or situations.

Aphorism

Brief statement expressing a point or commonly held belief.

Juxtaposition

Placing things side-by-side to highlight contrast.

Oxymoron

Contradictory terms combined for effect.

Allusion

Brief reference to historical or literary figure/event.

Syllogism

Logical reasoning from two premises to a conclusion.

Satire

Style used to make fun of or ridicule.

Bildungsroman

Story of a character’s moral or psychological growth.

Foil

Makes another seem better by contrast.

Epitaph

Tribute written for someone deceased.

Parody

Humorous imitation of a work or style for ridicule.

Periodic Sentence

Main idea revealed at sentence’s end.

Cumulative Sentence

Main clause followed by descriptive details.

Sarcasm

Harsh irony disguised as praise.

Eulogy

Speech honoring a person or thing.

Paradox

Seems contradictory, but actually true.

Epiphany

Sudden realization or insight.

Onomatopoeia

Word mimicking sound it describes.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Antagonist

Opposes the protagonist in a story.

Analogy

Comparison showing similarity between two things.

Nostalgia

Sentimental longing for the past.

Chiasmus

Reversed structure in parallel phrases.

Antithesis

Balanced contrast of opposing ideas.

Zeugma

One word modifies two others differently.

Propaganda

Biased information to influence opinion.

Didactic

Intended to teach or instruct morals.

Formal Language

Elevated, impersonal style of speech.

Allegory

Story with symbolic meaning beyond literal.

Abstract Language

Describes intangible ideas or qualities.