rhetorical terms AP Lang 2024

abstract

(n.) An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship and research. (adj.) Dealing with or tending to deal with a subject apart from a particular or specific instance.

ad hominem

Literally, “against the man.” An argument directed against a person rather than the position he is maintaining.

adage

A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language.

allegory

A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface of the literal story.

alliteration

repetition of the initial consonant sound

allusion

A reference to a person, place, or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea.

ambiguity

A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations.

anachronism

A person, scene, event, or other element that fails to correspond with the appropriate time or era.

analogy

A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things; a passage that points out several similarities between two unlike things is called an extended analogy

anecdote

A brief narrative often used to illustrate an idea or make a point.

annotation

A brief explanation, summary, or evaluation of a text or work of literature.

antagonist

A character or force in a work of literature that, by opposing the protagonist, produces tension or conflict.

antecedent

A word to which a pronoun refers.

antithesis

A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words, clauses, or sentences, as in the following:

aphorism

A short, pithy statement of a generally-accepted truth or sentiment. Also see adage and maxim.

Apollonian

In contrast to Dionysian, it refers to the most noble, godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.

apostrophe

A locution that addresses a person not present or a personified thing. Example: “Oh, you stupid computer! Why won’t you cooperate?”

arch (adj.)

Characterized by clever or sly humor, often saucy, playful, and somewhat irreverent.

archetype

An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form.

assonance

The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words in prose or poetry.

asyndeton The omission of the conjunctions that ordinarily join coordinate words or clauses

bard

A poet; in olden times, a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment.

bathos

Anticlimax.

belle-lettres

A French term for the world of books, criticism, and literature in general.

bibliography

A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject.

bombast

Inflated, pretentious language.

burlesque

A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation.

cacophony

Grating, inharmonious sounds.

canon

The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied.

caricature

A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things.

carpe diem

Literally, “seize the day”; enjoy life while you can, a common theme in life and literature.

circumlocution

Literally, “talking around” a subject; i.e. discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject.

classic

A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time.

classical, classicism

Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint.

clause

A structural element of a sentence, consisting of a grammatical subject and a predicate.

climax

The high point, or turning point, of a story or play.

comparison and contrast

A mode of discourse in which two or more things are compared and contrasted. Comparison often refers to similarities, contrast to differences.

conceit

A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea, often stated in figurative language.

concrete detail

A highly specific, particular, often real, actual, or tangible detail; the opposite of abstract.

connotation

The suggested or implied meaning of a word or definition. Contrast with denotation.

consonance

The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a unit or speech or writing.

critique

An analysis or assessment of a thing or situation for the purpose of determining its nature, its limitations,and its conformity to a set of standards.

cynic

One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.

deductive reasoning

A method of reasoning by which specific definitions, conclusions, and theorems are drawn from general principles.

denotation

The dictionary definition of a word. Contrast with connotation.

denouement

The resolution that occurs at the end of a narrative or drama, real or imagined.

descriptive detail

Graphic, exact, and accurate presentation of characteristics of a person, place, or thing.

deus ex machina

In literature, the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem.

diction

The use of words in oral and written discourse.

didactic

Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson, usually in a dry, pompous manner.

digression

That portion of discourse that wanders, or departs from the main subject or topic.

Dionysian

As distinguished from Apollonian, the word refers to sensual, pleasure-seeking impulses.

dramatic irony

A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character.

ellipsis

Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.

elliptical construction

A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words, In the sentence, “May was hot and June the same,” the verb was is omitted from the second clause.

empathy

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.

epic

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.

epigram

A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement.

euphony

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

epithet

An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing; sun-bright topaz, sun-lit lake, and sun-bright lake are examples.

eponymous

A term for the title character of a work of literature.

euphemism A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term. Example: pass away is a euphemism for to die.

exegesis A detailed analysis or interpretation of prose or poetry.

expose A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings.

exposition The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.

explication The interpretation or analysis of a text.

extended metaphor a series of comparisons between two unlike objects.

fable A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn.

fallacy, fallacious reasoning An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.

fantasy A story containing unreal, imaginary features.

farce A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.

figure of speech, figurative language In contrast to literal language, figurative language implies meanings. Figures of speech include, among many others, metaphor, simile, and personification.

frame A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative or other discourse.

Example: a group of pilgrims exchanging stories while on the road is the frame for Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

genre A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay.

harangue A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.

hubris Excessive pride that often affects tone.

humanism A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity.

hyperbole Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect.

idyll A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place.

image A word or phrase representing that which can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled, or felt; imagery is the use of images in speech and writing.