Rhetorical Devices

Alliteration

the repetition of initial consonant letters (or sounds)in two or more different words across successive sentences, clauses, or phrase

Allusion

a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recgonize

Analogy

a comparison of two different things that are similar in some way

Anaphora

repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses

Anecdote

a brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event

Antithesis

a statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced

Assonance

repetition of similar vowel sounds, preceded and followed by different consonants, in the stressed syllables of adjacent words

Asyndeton

a construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions

Dialect

a variety of speech characterized by its own praticular grammar or pronunciation, often associated with a particular geographical region

Diction

the word choices made by a writer (can be described as: formal, semi-formal, ornate, informal, technical, etc.)

Ellipsis

the omission of a word of phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context

Epistrophe

repetition of the same word or phrase at the ends of successive clauses

Ethos

the persuasive appeal of one's character, or credibility

Euphemism

an indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant

Figurative Language

language employing one or more figures of speech

Hyperbole

intentional exaggeration to create an effect

Imagery

the use of figures of speech to create vivid images that appeal to one of the senses

Inference

a conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence

Irony

the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; or, incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs (situational, verbal, dramatic)

Jargon

the specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession

Juxtaposition

placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast

Logos

appeal to reason or logic

Mood

the emotional atmosphere of a work

Paradox

an apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth

Parallel Structure

using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance

Parody

a humorous imitation of a serious work

Pathos

the quality in a work that prompts the reader to feel pity

Personification

endowing non-human objects or creatures with human qualities or characteristics

Polysyndeton

the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural

Rhetoric

the art of presenting ideas in a clear, effective, and persuasive manner

Rhetorical Devices

literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression

Rhetorical Question

a question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer

Satire

the use of humor to emphasize human weakness or imperfections in social institutions

Style

the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work

Syntax

the manner in which words are arranged into sentences

Tone

the attitude of a writer, usually implied, toward the subject or audience

Vernacular

the everyday speech of a particular country or region, often involving nonstandard usage

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