Writing Freedom Study Guide - Vocabulary and Rhetorical Devices

Vocabulary and rhetorical analysis flashcards generated from lecture sources covering 'Harrison Bergeron', 'The Declaration of Independence', and Patrick Henry's speech.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect or emphasis rather than to elicit an answer, such as Henry's line: 'Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?'

Charged Language

Words and phrases filled with emotion intended to evoke strong feelings, such as 'death, desolation, and tyranny' in the Declaration of Independence.

Objective Summary

A brief, unbiased statement presenting the main points of a text without personal opinion.

Parallelism (Parallel Structure)

The repetition of a grammatical structure, as seen in the phrasing 'for pleasure, for exercise, and for social contacts' or 'bicycles, cars, and motorcycles'.

Repetition

The intentional reuse of words or phrases for emphasis, such as Jefferson repeatedly referencing 'He' to detail wrongdoings or Henry repeating 'we have' across multiple clauses.

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words.

Diction

An author's specific choice of words.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to form structured sentences.

Tone

The author's attitude toward their subject matter or audience.

Author's Voice

The unique personality and perspective of the writer expressed through their work.

Author's Style

The specific manner in which an author uses language, including word choices, syntax, and rhetorical devices.

Unalienable

A term from the Declaration of Independence referring to rights that cannot be taken away or denied.

Constrains

Severely restricts, compels, or forces action.

Tyranny

Cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary government rule or oppression.

Assent

Official approval or agreement.

Acquiesce

To accept or agree to something reluctantly without protest.

Rectitude

Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.

Supplication

The act of asking or begging for something humbly and earnestly.

Prostrate

To lay oneself flat on the ground in humility or submission.

Implore

To beg someone desperately or earnestly.

Remonstrate

To make a forceful, reproachful protest or objection.

Interposition

Intervention or placing oneself between opposing forces.

Subjugation

The action of bringing someone under complete control or domination.

Indulge

To yield to or satisfy a desire or wish.

Entreaty

An earnest or humble request.

Extenuate

To lessen the seriousness or magnitude of an offense.

Supinely

Failing to act due to moral weakness or lying face upward.

Vigilance

The state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulty.

Envious

Feeling or showing jealousy of someone else's achievements or qualities.

Impediment

A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

Consternation

Feelings of anxiety or dismay at something unexpected.

Oppression

Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.

Hinderance

A thing that provides resistance or obstruction.

Calibrate

To mark, adjust, or measure precisely.

Main Form of Persuasion in the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson offering a list of the colonists' specific complaints against the British king.

"He" in the Declaration of Independence

Refers to King George III; repeated to emphasize his continuous series of wrongdoings against the colonists.

Handicaps in "Harrison Bergeron"

Government devices in Kurt Vonnegut's story used to forcibly suppress and control people's natural talents.