Rhetorical Devices and Enlightenment Texts: Key Concepts and Examples

Rhetorical Question

A question meant for emphasis of an issue, but no answer is required.

Parallelism

Repetition of words or phrases in the same grammatical form to connect ideas. Examples: "I came, I saw, I conquered." - Julius Caesar / "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Loaded Words

Strong words that create emotion or emphasis. Examples: agony vs. discomfort, bony vs. slim, dreadful vs. bad, triumphant vs. very good, propaganda vs. message.

Restatement

Saying the same thing in two different ways. Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." - JFK

Antithesis

Juxtaposing contrasting ideas in parallel grammatical structures. Examples: "To err is human; to forgive divine." - Alexander Pope / "You either support praying in public schools or you're an atheist."

Aphorism

A concise saying that expresses truth or wisdom. Examples: "Actions speak louder than words." / "All for one and one for all."

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or sentences. Examples: "Go big or go home." / "I wish I may; I wish I might."

Coverture

Laws stating that married couples are one entity, meaning women legally belong to their husbands.

Persuasion

The act of convincing someone to do or believe something.

Repetition

The recurrence of words, phrases, or lines for emphasis.

Allusion

A well-known reference to an event, figure, or work of literature that helps the reader make connections. Examples: "His smile is like kryptonite to me." / "Moves like Jagger."

Epistolary writing

Literature presented in the form of letters.

Pathos

Emotional appeal; creates feeling and connection to support an argument.

Ethos

Ethical appeal; relies on the speaker's credibility, experience, and moral standing.

Logos

Logical appeal; uses reasoning, facts, and evidence to support a claim.

SOAPSTone

Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone.

Age of Enlightenment / Age of Reason

1700s movement emphasizing reason, logic, and science over faith or superstition. Belief in natural rights (life, liberty, property). People can improve society through reason. Influenced American Revolution writers. Appeals to logos, ethos, pathos, and Deism.

Patrick Henry's "Speech in the Virginia Convention"

To convince Virginia leaders to prepare for war against Britain and persuade hesitant colonists to fight for independence.

SOAPSTone for Patrick Henry's speech

Speaker: Patrick Henry; Occasion: Virginia Convention, 1775; Audience: Delegates; Purpose: Persuade to fight; Subject: Call for independence; Tone: Passionate, urgent, defiant.

Purpose of Thomas Paine's 'The American Crisis'

Motivate soldiers and citizens during the darkest part of the Revolutionary War.

Persuasive elements used by Thomas Paine

Pathos: 'These are the times that try men's souls.' Ethos: Writes as a fellow patriot. Logos: Explains why tyranny must be resisted.

SOAPSTone for 'The American Crisis'

Speaker: Thomas Paine; Occasion: Revolutionary War defeats; Audience: Colonists and soldiers; Purpose: Motivate perseverance and sacrifice; Subject: Struggle for liberty; Tone: Inspirational, defiant, moral.

Purpose of Benjamin Franklin's 'Autobiography'

Share moral lessons and self-improvement methods. Encourage virtue, discipline, and rational self-improvement.

Persuasive elements used by Franklin in his 'Autobiography'

Logos: 13 virtues and logical plan for moral perfection. Ethos: Speaks from personal experience and success.

Franklin's 13 virtues

Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, Humility.

SOAPSTone for Franklin's 'Autobiography'

Speaker: Benjamin Franklin; Occasion: Reflection on life; Audience: General readers; Purpose: Teach moral improvement; Subject: Virtue and self-betterment; Tone: Humble, instructive.

Purpose of 'Poor Richard's Almanac'

To entertain and educate through proverbs and practical wisdom. Encourage thrift, hard work, and morality.

Persuasive methods used by Franklin in 'Poor Richard's Almanac'

Aphorisms appealing to reason, humor, and morality. Examples: 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.' / 'A penny saved is a penny earned.'

Purpose of Abigail Adams' 'Remember the Ladies' letter

Urge John Adams to consider women's rights in the new government.

Persuasive elements used by Abigail Adams

Pathos: 'Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands.' Logos: Men would be tyrants if unchecked. Ethos: Writes as an intelligent, moral wife and patriot.

SOAPSTone for Abigail Adams' letter

Speaker: Abigail Adams; Occasion: 1776, during Revolutionary debate; Audience: John Adams; Purpose: Advocate for women's rights; Subject: Equality and justice; Tone: Respectful, assertive, witty.

Key study tips for these works

Review SOAPSTone for each author, identify pathos/ethos/logos in quotes, notice strong diction and repetition, and remember all reflect Enlightenment values: reason, liberty, and moral improvement.