Literary Devices and Rhetorical Strategies: Definitions and Examples

Allusion

A reference to something well-known (like a book, movie, person, or event). Example: "He was a real Romeo with the ladies."

Anaphora

Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of several sentences or clauses. Example: "I have a dream... I have a dream... I have a dream..."

Apostrophe

When a speaker talks to someone who isn't there or something that isn't human (like an object or idea). Example: "O Death, where is thy sting?"

Asyndeton

Leaving out conjunctions (like "and" or "but") between parts of a sentence for effect. Example: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

Context

The background or situation that helps you understand what's going on in a text. Think: What's happening? When? Why?

Exigence

The reason or urgency behind why something is written or said. What made the speaker feel the need to speak or write now?

Explicit

Clearly stated and easy to find. Example: "The author directly says that she is upset."

Implicit

Not directly stated, but you can figure it out from clues. Example: "He slammed the door and didn't speak" (implies he's angry).

Juxtaposition

Placing two things side by side to show contrast or comparison. Example: Light and darkness used in the same sentence.

Paradox

A statement that seems like it doesn't make sense, but actually reveals a truth. Example: "Less is more."

Parallelism - Balanced

Using similar structure in parts of a sentence to make it flow better or sound stronger. Example: "She likes cooking, jogging, and reading."

Pedantic

When writing or speech is overly academic, detailed, or "show-offy." Can sound boring or too focused on rules and facts.

Periodic Sentence

A sentence that builds up to the main point at the end. Example: "Despite the snow, the cold, and the long trip, we arrived safely."

Polysyndeton

Using many conjunctions (like "and," "or," "but") to slow things down or add emphasis. Example: "He ran and jumped and laughed and danced."

Purpose

The main goal of the writer or speaker. Why are they saying this? To inform? Persuade? Entertain?

Rhetorical Situation

The overall setup of a piece: who is speaking, who's listening, what's the message, and why now? It's the full picture of communication.

Shift

A change in tone, style, or focus in the text. Look for words like "but," "however," or a change in topic or emotion.

Symbolism

When something represents something else, often an idea. Example: A heart symbolizes love.

Syntax

The way words and sentences are arranged in writing. Short vs. long sentences, word order, punctuation — all affect meaning and tone.

Tone

The attitude of the writer or speaker toward the subject or audience. Is it serious? Funny? Angry? Sad?