Rhetoric Notes - The Art of Persuasion

Flashcards covering vocabulary and concepts related to rhetoric and rhetorical devices.

What is rhetoric?

The study of effective speaking and writing, particularly the art of persuasion and communication.

What is a rhetorical analysis?

A process that involves breaking down an informational text to evaluate the effectiveness of the speaker/writer in conveying their central idea.

Figurative Language

Manipulating words for effect to provide both a literal meaning and a figurative meaning.

What is a rhetorical device?

Techniques that strengthen and enhance an argument in a persuasive text.

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A direct comparison of two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification

Attributing human qualities or abilities to an object, animal, or idea.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Idiom

An expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

Euphemism

A polite phrase used to replace harsh or unpleasant language.

Understatement

Presenting something as less severe than it actually is.

Allusion

A reference to something well-known, such as literature, history, or art.

Irony

The difference between what is expected and what actually happens.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Parallelism

Using similar structures in sentences or parts of sentences.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses.

Epistrophe

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the end of successive clauses.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect that does not expect an answer.

Anecdote

A short, relevant story used to illustrate a point.

Antithesis

Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.

Asyndeton

The omission of conjunctions between words or phrases.

Polysyndeton

The use of multiple conjunctions in close succession.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole or vice versa.

Metonymy

A figure of speech that replaces the name of something with a closely associated term.