Rhetorical Terms AP Lang

CONCRETE nouns

Nouns that have physical, tangible properties, such as Fence, Desk, Chair, Bench.

ABSTRACT nouns

Nouns that are conceptual and represent ideas without physical properties, such as Love, Truth, Beauty, Evil.

RHETORIC

The technique of using language effectively and persuasively in speaking or writing.

VOICE

The unique personality of a text, formed by the writer's word choices and style.

THESIS

A statement in a work that a writer intends to support or prove, specifying the point being argued.

EXTENDED METAPHOR

A figure of speech that makes an implied comparison between two unrelated things, continuing throughout a piece.

DENOTATION

The strict dictionary definition of a word.

CONNOTATION

The subtle degrees of meaning and emotional association of a word beyond its dictionary definition.

CONFLICT

A struggle between opposing forces, necessary to propel a story forward.

PROPAGANDA

The spreading of information or ideas to influence society's opinion.

ANALOGY

A comparison that explains an idea by relating it to something more familiar.

ALLUSION

A brief reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical or cultural significance.

ARCHETYPE

A typical character or situation representing universal patterns of human nature.

AMBIGUITY

A word or phrase that has more than one meaning or interpretation.

AD HOMINEM

An argument that attacks the person instead of addressing the argument.

SARCASM

A literary and rhetorical device meant to mock, often with a satirical or ironic twist.

SATIRE

A technique used to expose and criticize societal flaws through humor or irony.

EUPHEMISM

Polite expressions which replace words or phrases considered harsh or unpleasant.

PARODY

An imitation of a particular work, exaggerating it for comic effect.

DRAMATIC IRONY

When the audience knows something that the characters do not.

SITUATIONAL IRONY

When an unexpected outcome occurs contrary to what is expected.

VERBAL IRONY

When what is said is the opposite of what is meant.

SYNECDOCHE

A literary device where a part represents the whole.

MOTIF

An object or idea that repeatedly appears in a literary work.

OXYMORON

A figure of speech in which two contradictory terms appear together.

ONOMATOPOEIA

A word that imitates the natural sound of a thing.

TROPE

A figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression.

CONCEIT

A figure of speech that likens two vastly different objects in an imaginative way.

INVECTIVE

Speech or writing that attacks, insults, or denounces a person or topic.

HYPERBOLE

An exaggerated statement that isn't meant to be taken literally.

EXPOSITION

Background information provided to the audience about events, characters, or settings.

JUxtaposition

Placing two or more ideas or elements side by side for comparison.

FOIL

A character that contrasts with another character to highlight specific traits.

DENOUEMENT

The resolution of the conflict in a narrative plot structure.

INFERENCE

A conclusion reached based on logical reasoning from premises assumed to be true.

LITOTES

An understatement for rhetorical effect, often by negating the opposite.

BEGGING THE QUESTION

A logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premises.

ANAPHORA

The deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence for artistic effect.

CHIASMUS

A rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures.

ANTIMETABOLE

A rhetorical device that involves repeating a phrase in exact reverse order.

METALEPSIS

A reference to something by means of another thing that is related but remote.

STRAW MAN

An argument that misrepresents or simplifies an opponent's position to make it easier to attack.

ANTITHESIS

A rhetorical device that contrasts opposing ideas within a sentence.

EULOGY

A laudatory expression in a speech or written tribute to someone who has died.

SYLLOGISM

A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given premises.

APOTHEOSIS

The highest point of development or the elevation to divine status.

ANAGRAM

A word or phrase resulting from rearranging the letters of another.

DOUBLE ENTENDRE

A figure of speech with two meanings, one of which is usually risqué.

DEUS EX MACHINA

A plot device where an unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected event.

CATHARSIS

The emotional release and purification achieved through the expression of feelings.

SPOONERISM

A playful error in speech where consonants or vowels are switched between words.

MONDEGREEN

A mishearing or misinterpretation of a phrase that gives it a new meaning.

ENUMERATION

The listing or detailing of the parts of something.

EPANALEPSIS

A figure of emphasis where the same word begins and ends a phrase or sentence.

ANTANACLASIS

The repetition of a word in a sentence where the meaning changes in the second instance.

ISOCOLON

A rhetorical device involving a succession of sentences of equal length and structure.

ANADIPLOSIS

The repetition of a word or words in successive clauses, where the second clause starts with the same word as the end of the previous one.

CHIASMUS 

Chiasmus is a rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures in order to produce an artistic effect.

ANTIMETABOLE 

•Antimetabole is derived from a Greek word which means “turning about”. It is a literary term or device that involves repeating a phrase in exact reverse order.

•Similar to CHIASMUS, but in CHIASMUS one doesn’t necessarily have to reverse the exact order of the words, just the general meaning.

•So, all examples of ANTIMETABOLE can also be called CHIASMUS, but all examples of CHIASMUS cannot necessarily be called ANTIMETABOLE.

METONYMY 

A figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy both from literature and in everyday life.

•Unlike synecdoche in that synecdoche uses something that is a PART of the whole. Metonymy uses something merely associated.

•“The pen is mightier than the sword.” 

•“Pen” stands for writing. “Sword” stands for military strength. 

STRAW MAN 

•A common form of argument and is an informal fallacy based on giving the impression of refuting an opponent's argument, while actually refuting an argument that was not advanced by that opponent.

•The so-called typical "attacking a straw man" argument creates the illusion of having completely refuted or defeated an opponent's proposition by covertly replacing it with a different proposition (i.e. "stand up a straw man") and then to refute or defeat that false argument ("knock down a straw man") instead of the original proposition.

ANTITHESIS 

•Antithesis, literal meaning opposite, is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect.

•Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.

•Speech is silver, but silence is gold.

•Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit.

•Money is the root of all evils: poverty is the fruit of all goodness.

•You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart.

EULOGY 

•The term eulogy originates from a Greek word eulogia, which means to praise somebody or something. A eulogy is a literary device that is a laudatory expression in a speech, or a written tribute to a person deceased recently. We can say, it is a commendation or high praise intended to give honor, generally, to a dead family member, or a loved one, or it is a tribute given to a dead person at his/her funeral. Eulogies are also paid as tributes to living persons; for instance, one can dedicate it to his retired colleagues, bosses or employees for winning respectable position and noble deeds. Hence, in general, it is a gesture of honoring somebody.

SYLLOGISM 

•Syllogism is a rhetorical device that starts an argument with a reference to something general and from this it draws conclusion about something more specific.

•Example: We start with a general argument “All men are mortal,” we know that “John is a man” so “John is mortal.” It is a deductive approach to reason and is based on deducing specific conclusions from general facts.

•We notice in the above example that Syllogism is a three-part set of statements; a major statement or premise, a minor statement or premise and a conclusion that is deduced. Therefore, “All men are mortal” is a major statement or premise which stands as a general fact. “John is a man” is minor statement or premise that is specific and “John is mortal” is the logical conclusion deduced from the two prior statements.

LITOTES 

•Litotes, derived from a Greek word meaning “simple”, is a figure of speech which employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite expressions.

•For example, using the expression “not too bad” for “very good” is an understatement as well as a double negative statement that confirms a positive idea by negating the opposite. Similarly, saying “She is not a beauty queen,” means “She is ugly” or saying “I am not as young as I used to be” in order to avoid saying “I am old”. Litotes, therefore, is an intentional use of understatement that renders an ironical effect.

INFERENCE 

Inference is a literary device used commonly in literature and in daily life where logical deductions are made based on premises assumed to be true. Another definition of inference suggests that it is rational but non-logical, which means that through the observation of facts presented in a particular pattern, one ultimately sees different or new interpretations and perspectives.

BEGGING THE QUESTION 

Begging the question, sometimes known by its Latin name petitio principii (meaning assuming the initial point), is a logical fallacy in which the writer or speaker assumes the statement under examination to be true. In other words, begging the question involves using a premise to support itself.

“If such actions were not illegal, then they would not be prohibited by the law."

ANAPHORA 

In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect is known as Anaphora.

“We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender.”

EPISTROPHE 

Derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence.

EPISTROPHE is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of the clauses or sentences. It is also called epiphora. EPISTROPHE examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing and speeches.

•“Then I’ll be all aroun’ in the dark. I’ll be ever’where – wherever you look. Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. . . . . An’ when our folk eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build – why, I’ll be there…..”

INDUCTION / DEDUCTION 

–Conclusions reached through reasoning. 

–An INDUCTIVE statement is derived using facts and instances which lead to the formation of a general opinion. Though all the facts upon which the conclusion is based are true, there is still a chance of the conclusion reached being false. This type of reasoning goes from specific facts to a general statement. (PROBABLE)

–Even though Sherlock Holmes claims to “deduce” the answers, he is mostly using inductive reasoning, taking clues and determining the answer through observation. 

–A DEDUCTIVE conclusion is derived using general premises or statements which lead to a logically certain result. This type of reasoning goes from generalities to a factual statement. (CERTAIN)

–This is called “top-down” logic. One begins with a premise and seeks to prove something else related based on previously “known” information. 

APOTHEOSIS 

–The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax. 

–“The actor’s appearance as Hamlet was the apotheosis of his storied career.” 

–The elevation of someone to divine status; deification.

–“Take heart, take heart, O Bulkington! Bear thee grimly demigod! Up from the spray of thy ocean-perishing- straight up, leaps thy apotheosis.” – Moby-Dick

ANAGRAM 

–An ANAGRAM is direct word switch or word play, the result of rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to produce a new word or phrase, using all the original letters exactly once; for example, the word anagram can be rearranged into nag-a-ram.

–William Shakespeare – I am a weakish speller

–Madame Curie – radium came

–T.S. Eliot - toilets

DOUBLE ENTENDRE 

–A figure of speech or a particular way of wording that is devised to be understood in either of two ways, having a double meaning. Typically one of the meanings is obvious, given the context whereas the other may require more thought.

–“To Serve Man”

–“Moving Pictures”

DEUS EX

MACHINA 

–This is a plot device in literature (and film, etc.) whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly or abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. 

–Its function is generally to resolve an otherwise irresolvable plot situation, to surprise the audience, to bring the tale to a happy ending, or act as a comedic device. 

–Ex: The writers of Avengers: Endgame have admitted that the time travel plot device as well as the arrival of Captain Marvel in the climax of the film is bordering on a deus ex machina. 

–Ex: The eagles arriving to save Frodo and Sam in Mordor is definitely a deus ex machina. 

CATHARSIS 

–Derived from an Ancient Greek word meaning “purification” or “cleansing.” 

–Commonly refers to the purging of thoughts and emotions by expressing them. The desired result is an emotional state of renewal and restoration. 

–Writers of literature / film will often create high stakes and emotional drama in order to achieve a sense of catharsis by the end. 

–Ex: Any book or movie that has made you cry or perhaps even breathe a sigh of relief is considered catharsis. 

SPOONERISM 

–An error in speech or deliberate play on words in which corresponding consonants, vowels, or morphemes are switched (see metathesis) between two words in a phrase.

–The Frog Prince

–Runny Babbit

MONDEGREEN 

–A mishearing or misinterpretation of a phrase as a result of near-homophony, in a way that gives it a new meaning.

–Generally, when you mishear the lyrics of songs, it can be called a MONDEGREEN:

–“Excuse me while I kiss this guy” (kiss the sky)

–“There’s a bathroom on the right” (bad moon on the rise)

–“Wet dream tomato” (where dreams are made of)

–“Blessed art thou a monk swimming” (amongst women)

ENUMERATION

–Figure of amplification in which a subject is divided into constituent parts or details, and may include a listing of causes, effects, problems, solutions, conditions, and consequences; the listing or detailing of the parts of something.

–Example:

–"It is true that this international union is a strong, militant organization. This international union is comprised of 17 trade divisions, an executive board of 15 individuals, 13 Vice Presidents...."

EPANALEPSIS 

–Figure of emphasis in which the same word or words both begin(s) and end(s) a phrase, clause, or sentence; beginning and ending a phrase or clause with the same word or words.

–

–Example: "Nothing is worse than doing nothing."

ANTANACLASIS 

–The repetition of a word or phrase whose meaning changes in the second instance.

–Example: Your argument is sound...all sound. —Benjamin Franklin 

METALEPSIS 

–Reference to something by means of another thing that is remotely related to it, either through a farfetched causal relationship, or through an implied intermediate substitution of terms. Often used for comic effect through its preposterous exaggeration. A metonymical substitution of one word for another which is itself figurative. 

–Example: “He is such a lead foot.”

This means, "he drives fast" but only through an implied causal chain: Lead is heavy, a heavy foot would press the accelerator, and this would cause the car to speed.

CONUNDRUM 

Now considered a confusing or difficult problem or question, this once rhetorically meant a question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a twist creating humor; a riddle.

Q: Why will one never starve in the desert?

A: Because of all the sand which is there. (Say it fast).

AESTHETIC 

Theory or set of principles governing the idea of beauty at a given time and place: the clean lines, bare surfaces, and sense of space that bespeak the machine-age aesthetic; the Cubist aesthetic.

CANON

First, it is defined as a traditional collection of writings against which other writings are evaluated. In other words, it means a long list of works taken as authentic in the Bible written in Hebrew or even translated versions. This sense makes canon opposite to apocrypha, which means written works having anonymous authors. The Bible was considered a yardstick to evaluate a literary piece according to a certain criterion.

Secondly, students of literature use it to refer to the writings included in anthologies, or textbooks under certain genres and thus are evaluated according to the genre they are placed under. This meaning covers the entire literature generally thought as suitable for aesthetic admiration and academic use.

The third definition of the term indicates the literary writings of a particular author, which are considered by scholars and critics in general to be the genuine creations of that particular author based on some already deduced rules intended to be applied on the future pieces in the same genre. 

EPISTOLARY 

•Epistolary comes from a Greek word, epistolē, which means letter. Epistolary is a literary genre pertaining to letters, in which writers use letters, journals and diary entries in their works, or they tell their stories or deliver messages through a series of letters. Though the usual format of epistolary is letters, however, sometimes writers use other forms of documents such as newspaper clippings and diary entries. Recently, you can see electronic documents like emails, blogs, radio and recordings have come into use in writings.

•Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a good example of an epistolary novel. 

EPIPHANY 

•Derived from the Greek word “epiphaneia”, epiphany means “appearance” or “manifestation. In literary terms, an epiphany is that moment in the story where a character achieves realization, awareness or a feeling of knowledge after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story.

FOIL 

A character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective of highlighting the traits of the “other character.” 

In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tom Buchanan is the foil of Jay Gatsby. All of the descriptions of Tom’s demeanor are in direct contrast with those of Jay so that we become more sympathetic to the main character.  

DENOUEMENT 

This is the resolution of a conflict in a narrative plot structure. It occurs at the end of a story, after the climax, and serves to resolve plot lines. 

The word comes from the French denoue, which means “to untie.” 

Ex: In Romeo & Juliet, when the Capulets and Montagues use the untimely deaths of their children to end their feud, this is a denouement.