Rhetorical Devices and Literary Terms

These flashcards cover various rhetorical devices and literary terms essential for understanding literature and effective writing.

Ad Hominem

An attempt to discredit someone’s argument by personally attacking them instead of discussing the argument.

Allegory

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.

Alliteration

The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in two or more neighboring words.

Allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known.

Ambiguity

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Analogy

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.

Anaphora

One of the devices of repetition in which the same expression is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.

Antithesis

Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed through parallel structure.

Aphorism

A terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth or moral principle.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person.

Appeal to Authority

Rhetorical arguments in which the speaker claims to be an expert or relies on information provided by experts.

Assonance

A figure of speech in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words.

Asyndeton

Consists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses.

Atmosphere

The emotional mood created by the entirety of a literary work.

Chiasmus

A figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words.

Clause

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.

Colloquial/Colloquialism

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.

Coherence

A principle requiring that the parts of any composition are arranged to make the meaning immediately clear and intelligible.

Conceit

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy.

Connotation

The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.

Denotation

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Diacope

The repetition of a word or phrase after an intervening word or phrase.

Diction

The writer’s word choices, especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

Didactic

A type of literature that is written to inform or instruct the reader.

Enumeration

A figure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details.

Expletive

A figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase interrupts normal speech.

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.

Exposition

The description or explanation of background information within a work of literature.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently throughout the work.

Figurative Language

Writing or speech not intended to express a literal meaning and usually meant to be imaginative.

Generic Conventions

Traditions for each genre that help to define it.

Genre

The major category into which a literary work fits.

Homily

A serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.

Hypophora

A figure of reasoning in which one or more questions are asked and then answered by the same speaker.

Imagery

The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.

Inference

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

Invective

An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.

Irony

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant.

Juxtaposition

When two words, phrases, or ideas are placed close together for comparison or contrast.

Litotes

A figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite.

Loose Sentence

A type of sentence in which the main idea comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units.

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a comparison is made between seemingly unlike things.

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.

Mood

A piece of writing’s general atmosphere or emotional complexion.

Narrative

The telling of a story or an account of an event.

Onomatopoeia

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms.

Paradox

A statement that appears to be self-contradictory but contains some degree of truth.

Parallelism

A figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions are used several times in close succession.

Parody

A work that mimics the style of another work, usually for comic effect.

Pedantic

A concern with precision, accuracy, and minute details.

Periodic Sentence

A type of sentence in which the main idea comes last.

Personification

A figure of speech in which concepts, animals, or objects are given human attributes.

Predicate Adjective

An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes or identifies the subject.

Predicate Nominative

A noun that follows a linking verb and names the subject.

Prose

A literary medium closer to spoken language than rhythmic poetry.

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.

Rhetorical Question

A figure of speech in which a question is asked to make a persuasive point.

Sarcasm

A use of language intended to mock or convey contempt.

Satire

The use of humor or irony to criticize or mock something.

Subject Complement

A word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.

Subordinate Clause

A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole.

Syntax

The rule system governing how words and phrases are arranged into clauses and sentences.

Theme

A universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.

Thesis

The sentence introducing the main argument or point of view of a composition.

Tone

A literary device that reflects the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter.

Transition Word

A word or phrase that links different ideas.

Trope

A convention or device establishing a common representation of a character or scenario.

Understatement

A figure of speech employed to intentionally make a situation seem less important.

Undertone

An implied meaning that points towards the underlying theme.

Wit

The use of clever statements, sarcasm, and other humor-based remarks.