Rhetorical Terms

abstract

(n.) A shortened synopsis of a longer work. (adj.) Dealing with a subject apart from a specific instance.

adage

a saying with experience-based truth, often phrased w/ metaphorical lang.

allegory

a story with a second, hidden meaning

anachronism

an element that doesn't match up with the right time period.

analogy

a comparison emphasizing the similarities betw. two unalike things (an entire passage abt an analogy = extended analogy

anaphora

Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

annotation

A brief summary, explanation, or eval. of a text/literary work

antecedent

a word that a pronoun refers to

antimetabole

repeating words in successive clauses, but in swapped order

antithesis

Contrasting ideas via an arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences

aphorism

Short & pithy statement of a generally accepted truth/statement. (Like adage/maxim)

Apollonian

Noble & godlike qualities of humans and behavior (Ant. Dionysian)

Archetype

An abstract & ideal conception of a type. (Atticus is the archetype of the noble gentleman)

Assonance

Repeating vowel sounds (2+) in a group of words

asyndeton

Taking out conjunctions that usually split up words & clauses (ex: I loved, I laughed, I lived)

Bombast

(n: inflated, pretentious language) (adj: bombastic — characterized by inflated, pretentious language)

Canon

When considering a national literature or time period, canon works are considered of most import

Caricature

A distorted likeness of defining qualities in ppl/things

carpe diem

Seeeeeiiiiizzzeeee the day!

circumlocution

discussing a subject indirectly

classical/classicism

formality and restraint, derived from orderly ancient Greek/Roman culture

clause

a group of words, subject + predicate

dependent/subordinate clauses

cannot stand alone

adjectival, noun, and adverbial clauses

dependent clauses functioning as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs (ex: “Since I'd never been to Fiji, I took my Dad as a guide” — bolded is a causal adverbial clause)

coordinating conjunctions

connect an independent and dependent clause —> FANBOYS

subordinating conjunctions

join 2 ind. clauses —> SWABI (since, when, after, because, and if)

conjunctive adverbs

shows the relationship betw. 2 thoughts —> THAMO (therefore, however, also, meanwhile, & otherwise) (ex: John was tired after the hike; therefore, he subsequently took a nap.)

conceit

a witty, fanciful notion (often said using figlang)

concrete detail

a tangible (non-abstract) detail