Rhetorical Techniques

Pun

A play on words suggesting two different meanings in context.

Figurative Language

Non-literal words or phrases creating deeper meaning.

Double Entendre

A word or phrase with a double meaning, often one being offensive.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates the sound associated with an action.

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as."

Metaphor

A non-literal comparison between two unlike things.

Analogy

A comparison for explanation or clarification.

Conceit

An extended metaphor comparing two things in an elaborate way.

Personification

Giving human characteristics to non-human things.

Zeugma

Using one word to refer to two different things in multiple ways.

Allegory

A story with a hidden moral or political meaning.

Fable

A short story with animals conveying a moral.

Metonymy

Substituting one word for another closely associated word.

Synecdoche

A part representing the whole.

Apposition

Two noun phrases placed side by side for identification.

Epithet

Characterizing words or phrases used in place of a name.

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration for emphasis.

Understatement

Downplaying a particular aspect of a situation.

Litotes

An understatement expressing a positive by negating its opposite.

Euphemism

A softer term for an uncomfortable topic.

Paradox

A contradictory statement with a deeper meaning.

Oxymoron

Combining contradictory words with opposing meanings.

Rhetoric of Parallelism

Using the same word pattern to show equal importance.

Rhetoric of Ellipsis

Omitting words that must be supplied by the reader.

Rhetoric of Antithesis

Highlighting contrasts using parallel structure.

Asyndeton

Leaving out conjunctions between words or phrases.

Polysyndeton

Repetition of conjunctions in close succession.

Anaphora

Repetition of words at the beginning of sentences or phrases.

Anadiplosis

Repeating a word at the end of one clause and beginning the next with it.

Isocolon

Successive phrases or clauses with equal length and structure.

Chiasmus

Repeating words or concepts in reverse order.

Exclamation

A sudden remark expressing strong emotions.

Parenthesis

An inserted explanation or afterthought in a passage.

Apostrophe

A punctuation mark indicating possession.

Style

The author's expression through language, including word choice and tone.

Diction

Specific words and phrases affecting mood and meaning.

Syntax

The arrangement of words to create well-formed sentences.

Organization/Structure

The arrangement of a text's information.

Narrative Structure/Narration

The framework of a story and its sequence of events.

Detail

Specific elements enriching the narrative for visualization.

Theme

The central idea or message of a text.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter.

Mood/Attitude

The emotional atmosphere created by a text.

Humor

The quality of being amusing or entertaining.

Irony

Discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Verbal Irony

Saying something but meaning the opposite.

Situational Irony

Contrast between expected and actual outcomes.

Dramatic Irony

Audience knows something characters do not.

Sarcasm

Verbal irony used mockingly.

Satire

Writing that uses humor to criticize societal issues.

Language

The system of communication in a text.

Literal Meaning

The straightforward definition of a word.

Metaphorical/Figurative Meaning

The symbolic interpretation of a word.

Formal Language

Structured language used in serious contexts.

Informal Language

Casual language used in everyday situations.

Colloquial Language

Everyday language or slang of a specific group.

Denotative Meaning

The literal definition of a word.

Connotative Meaning

Additional meanings or emotions associated with a word.

Abstract

Concepts that are not tangible or specific.

Concrete

Specific, tangible items perceived with the senses.

Simple

Straightforward and easy-to-understand language.

Pretentious

Overly elaborate language used to impress.

Imagery

Descriptive language creating vivid sensory experiences.

External Conflict

Physical events involving characters and their environment.

Internal Conflict

Psychological events occurring within a character's mind.

Exposition

Introduction providing background information in a story.

Rising Action

Events building up to the climax of a story.

Climax

The most intense point of a story