Rhetoric and Literary Devices: Key Terms and Concepts

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively and persuasively.

Exigence

The event or situation that prompts a writer to write.

Anaphora

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

Absolutes

Words free from limitations or qualifications (e.g. “always,” “never”).

Diction

The author’s word choice.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation

The implied or emotional meaning of a word.

Colloquial

Informal language or slang used in everyday conversation.

Formal Language

Language that is more serious and follows established rules.

Informal Language

More casual and conversational language.

Jargon

Specialized language used by a specific group or profession.

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what is expected actually happens.

Verbal Irony

Saying one thing but meaning the opposite.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotional condition created by a piece.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Figurative Language

Language not meant to be taken literally (e.g. simile, metaphor).

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as.”

Personification

Giving human traits to non‑human things.

Understatement

Presenting something as less significant than it is.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.

Paradox

A statement that seems self‑contradictory but reveals a truth.

Rhetorical Questions

Questions asked for effect, not requiring an answer.

Allusion

A reference to another text, historical event, or figure.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and sentence structure.

Parallelism

The repetition of similar grammatical structures.

Juxtaposition

Placing two elements side by side to present a contrast.

Antithesis

The direct opposite, or a contrast of ideas in a balanced structure.

Anecdote

A short personal story used to illustrate a point.

Allegory

A story with two levels of meaning: literal and symbolic.

Analogy

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told.

First Person

Narration using “I” or “we.”

Second Person

Narration using “you” (rare in literature).

Third Person

Narration using “he,” “she,” or “they.”

Subjective

Based on personal feelings or opinions.

Objective

Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.

Expository Essay

Explains or informs about a topic.

Description Essay

Uses sensory details to describe a person, place, or thing.

Persuasion Essay

Aims to convince the reader to accept a point of view.

Narrative Essay

Tells a story or recounts an event.

Cause/Effect Essay

Explains reasons something happened or its consequences.

Process/Analysis Essay

Explains how something is done or how it works.

Compare/Contrast Essay

Shows similarities and differences between two or more things.