Dr. Rob Final

Politics and the English Language — Theme

Bad language leads to bad thinking. Orwell shows how vague writing can hide the truth using examples, metaphors, and a list of writing rules.

Declaration of Independence — Theme

People have the right to break away from a bad government. Jefferson uses lists of complaints, strong logic, and formal language.

The Rider and the Elephant — Theme

Emotions lead us more than logic. The author uses a story and a metaphor (rider = reason, elephant = emotion) to explain how people make choices.

Civil Disobedience — Theme

You should not follow laws that are wrong. Thoreau tells stories, asks big questions, and uses strong words to show why conscience matters more than law.

Letter from Birmingham Jail — Theme

We can't wait for justice. King uses emotion, logic, and references to religion and history to defend protest and civil rights.

The Prince (Excerpt) — Theme

Rulers should do whatever it takes to stay in power. Machiavelli uses history and straight talk to show that results matter more than morals.

Point of View

Who's telling the story (1st, 2nd, 3rd person). Changes what we know and feel.

Diction

The words a writer chooses. Can sound formal or casual.

Syntax

How words are arranged in a sentence.

Imagery — Literal

Describes what you can see, hear, feel, etc.

Imagery — Figurative

Uses similes or metaphors to paint a picture.

Narrative Distance

How close the narrator feels to the story.

Anaphora

Repeating words at the start of lines.

Polysyndeton

Using lots of 'and' or 'or.'

Syllepsis

One word used with two meanings.

Malapropism

Using the wrong word that sounds like the right one.

Paradox

A statement that seems wrong but makes sense.

Polemic

A strong attack in writing.

Begging the Question

Using your claim as proof.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person, not the point.

False Cause (Post Hoc)

Thinking one thing caused another just because it came first.

Hasty Generalization

Judging everything based on too little info.

Bandwagon

Saying something is true because everyone believes it.

Non Sequitur

Jumping to a conclusion that doesn't follow.

Exigence

The reason a writer writes. The spark.

Equivocation

Using tricky or unclear words to mislead.

Specious Reasoning

Arguments that sound smart but aren't.

Noblesse Oblige

The idea that the rich or powerful should help others.

Supercilious

Acting like you're better than others.

Adroit

Smart or skillful.