Simplified Rhetorical Schemes: Definitions and Examples for Study

Parallelism

Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases or clauses. Emphasizes similarities, connections, and contrasts.

Isocolon

Use of parallel elements similar not only in structure, but in length (that is, the same number of words or even syllables).

Antithesis

The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, often in parallel structure. Emphasizes dissimilarities and contraries; produces the quality of an aphorism.

Anastrophe

Inversion of the natural or usual word order. Because deviation surprises expectation, anastrophe can be an effective device for gaining attention.

Parenthesis

Insertion of some verbal unit in a position that interrupts the normal syntactical flow of the sentence. Allows the author's voice to be heard commenting or editorializing.

Apposition

Placing side by side two coordinate elements, the second of which serves as an explanation or modification of the first.

Ellipsis

Deliberate omission of a word or of words which are readily implied by the context. An artful and arresting means of securing economy of expression.

Asyndeton

Deliberate omission of conjunctions between a series of related clauses. Produces a hurried rhythm in the sentence.

Polysyndeton

The deliberate use of many conjunctions. Suggests flow or continuity in some instances, special emphasis in others.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial or medial consonants in two or more adjacent words.

Assonance

The repetition of similar vowel sounds, preceded and followed by different consonants, in the stressed syllables of adjacent words. Produces euphonious, onomatopoetic or humorous effect.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginnings of successive clauses. Always used deliberately, this scheme helps to establish a marked rhythm and often produces strong emotional effect.

Epistrophe

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the ends of successive clauses. Sets up a pronounced rhythm and secures a special emphasis.

Epanalepsis

Repetition at the end of a clause of the word that occurred at the beginning of the clause. Gives language an appearance of emotional spontaneity.

Anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause. The repetition created by anadiplosis has the power to persuade, to evoke emotion, to present a logical progression or sequence of steps, and to please the ear through rhythm.

Climax

Arrangement of words, phrases or clauses in an order of increasing importance. Climax is used to render balance and brevity to speech or writing.

Antimetabole

Repetition of words, in successive clauses, in reverse grammatical order. Produces the impressive turn of phrase typical of an aphorism.

Chiasmus

Reversal of grammatical structure in successive phrases or clauses (literally, 'the criss-cross'). Like antimetabole, but without the repetition.

Polyptoton

Repetition of words derived from the same root. Similar to word play, but the meanings of the words do not lose their literal meaning.