Rhetorical Terms 1 to 12- Purpose

Colloquialism

The casualness and informality of the speech/conversation can help identify the setting of where the speech/conversation is taking place.

Alliteration

The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, and/or supply musical sound. to put an emphasis on a certain part of a sentence or phrase. A catchy introduction to an essay, speech, etc. Something that can be easily stuck in a person's mind, good for commercials and ads.

Allusion

This device creates a strong image and description about something without using elaborate details (since the comparison already has an impression that is commonly recognized.) It is used by the writer to instill in the reader a set of ideas or bring certain emotion forward without having to actually explain it.

Clause

To vary sentence syntax. To fluidly add detail or lengthen a sentence.

Ad Hominem Argument

A fallacy (Which is a misconception relating to emotion instead of clear logical thinking, a way to take advantage of a listener) used to destroy your opponents moral credibility.

Apostrophe

The use of this device can add dramatic/ emotion intensity by addressing an intangible, or absent, human idea. It can also expose or express hidden feelings or thoughts that people or character may have but would never tell another person. This device can also be used to alter an audience's opinion of a character (for example, to receive sympathy.)

Antecedent

This device helps prevent repetition, improves the overall flow and decrease the "clumsiness" in some sentences.

Ambiguity

In literature, this term may be used to intensify suspense or irony. It also can be used to make something seem vague intentionally, as to allow the audience/ reader to come to his/her own conclusions. Allows the audience to believe something other than the literal meanings.

Allegory.

This device portrays a character or story in two ways. One of which is symbolic, and the other more literal. Essentially, it allows the reader to better understand the situation of the character or story through settings and descriptions. It invokes the reader to read between the line and think beyond its denotative form.

Aphorism

To make memorable and summarize the finest thoughts in the fewest words. To quickly summarize the main idea and make readers or listeners remember it.

Analogy

Can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. Can also make writing more vivid, imaginative or intellectually engaging.

Atmosphere

The purpose of this device is to establish the mood or emotional standpoint of a scene. It grasps the readers attention and prepares them for what is to come later in the story. This device helps establish the mood and tone, which helps the reader see from a certain perspective.