Rhetorical Devices – Lecture Review

Twenty question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions, purposes, and effects of major rhetorical devices discussed in the lecture.

What is anaphora?

The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or paragraphs.

Why do speakers and writers use anaphora?

To add rhythm, link and emphasize ideas, and appeal to the audience’s emotions to inspire, motivate, or encourage.

What is antithesis?

The juxtaposition of opposite or contrasting ideas in a parallel grammatical structure within the same sentence or a sequence of sentences.

How does antithesis influence the reader?

It forces readers to weigh contrasting ideas, clarifies pros and cons, and sharpens judgment on the subject.

Define asyndeton.

The intentional omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., “I came, I saw, I conquered”).

What are the rhythmic and emphatic effects of asyndeton?

While it speeds up spoken rhythm by removing conjunctions, it can slow the reader’s pace as they infer meaning, drawing strong attention to the listed ideas.

What is a cumulative (loose) sentence?

A sentence that states the main idea first and then piles on modifying phrases or clauses with additional detail.

What effect does a cumulative sentence produce?

It showers the reader with information, creating an immersive, overwhelming feeling that pulls them into the scene.

Define rhetorical juxtaposition.

Placing normally unassociated ideas, words, or images side-by-side to highlight contrast or create surprise and suspense.

Why use juxtaposition?

To emphasize differences, provoke thought, and generate wit or tension for the audience.

What is an oxymoron?

A two-word (or brief) phrase that combines contradictory terms, such as “cold fire” or “deafening silence.”

What is the purpose of an oxymoron?

To create a dramatic, thought-provoking effect and emphasize an idea through stark contrast.

Define parallelism (parallel structure).

The use of similar grammatical patterns in words, phrases, clauses, or sentences to give structural balance and rhythm.

Name two rhetorical devices that rely on parallelism.

Antithesis and anaphora (both employ parallel grammatical structure).

What is a periodic sentence?

A sentence that withholds its main idea until the end, beginning with several dependent clauses or phrases packed with detail.

How does a periodic sentence build emphasis?

By creating suspense and tension as details accumulate, it delivers a climactic or impactful final idea.

Define polysyndeton.

The deliberate overuse of conjunctions (e.g., “…and history and math and music and physics”).

What effect does polysyndeton have on rhythm and emphasis?

Despite adding extra words, it can quicken the cadence and intensify focus on each joined element.

What is a rhetorical question?

A question posed for effect that requires no answer because the speaker assumes the audience already knows the response.

Why employ rhetorical questions?

To guide the audience toward a desired conclusion, emphasize a point, and make an idea more memorable and powerful.