Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are techniques used in speech or writing to persuade, inform, or evoke an emotional response from the audience. These tools enhance the effectiveness of communication by emphasizing ideas, creating contrast, or appealing to logic, emotions, or authority.

What devices are likely to appear on the AP Language exam?

• Analogy: A comparison between two things based on their structure, often used to clarify a complex idea by simplifying it. (e.g., "The movie was a roller coaster ride of emotions.")

• Antithesis: The use of contrasting ideas within parallel structures to highlight differences. (e.g., "Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.")

• Diction: The deliberate choice of words to create a specific effect or mood. (e.g., Using "thy/thee/wherefore" to evoke a Shakespearean tone.)

• Ethos: An appeal to credibility or authority to persuade. (e.g., "9 out of 10 dentists recommend X Toothpaste.")

• Juxtaposition: Placing two contrasting ideas close together for comparison. (e.g., "I thoroughly hate loving you.")

• Logos: Using logical reasoning and evidence to support an argument. (e.g., "More than 90% of people sleep with their eyes closed, according to a meta-analysis.")

• Pathos: Appealing to emotions to sway the audience. (e.g., "Our country is the motherland!")

• Rhetoric: The art of using language effectively in written or spoken form to convey ideas. (e.g., Most content in AP Language is considered 'rhetoric.')

• Syntax: The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences, often focusing on their length or structure. (e.g., "I was frightened for my life as the footsteps grew louder and louder, closer and closer. Then it was silent. I whimpered.")

• Tone: The author's attitude towards a subject, conveyed through word choice and style. (e.g., "Can someone tell me what is going on instead of keeping secrets?" reflects an annoyed tone.)

Purpose of Rhetorical Devices:

• These devices will primarily appear in the multiple-choice section of the AP English Language exam.

• You need to be able to identify them in works of writing.

• While you won't need to use these devices in your own writing, understanding them is crucial for analyzing texts.

Focus on Analysis in Essays:

• In rhetorical analysis essays, you will need to identify the rhetorical devices used in a text.

• It’s essential to explain how these devices affect the overall work.

• Avoid over-explaining devices that don't significantly impact the writer’s argument or tone. Focus on the most impactful choices.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Approach:

• The rhetorical analysis essay is a type of argument essay.

• Rather than forcing rhetorical vocabulary into your essay, describe what is happening in the text.

  • Example: Instead of saying "The author uses imagery," simply state "The author’s vivid images evoke a sense of urgency."

Key Tips for Effective Writing:

• Avoid using jargon that sounds forced or out of place.

• Emphasize how the rhetorical devices contribute to the work’s argument or emotional appeal.

• Keep your writing direct and active, rather than using passive voice or complicated terms unnecessarily.

Examples of Rhetorical Devices (with definition and analysis)

1. Aesthetic

• Definition: Refers to artistic elements or expressions within a text. Not a specific device, but the overall effect created by multiple devices.

• Example: “The Flapper” by Dorothy Parker (1922)

• Analysis: Parker uses various poetic devices like imagery and humor to portray the aesthetic of flapper culture, supporting women who defied social norms, especially those regarding makeup, smoking, and sex.

• Note: The aesthetic is the broader visual or thematic impression, shaped by the combination of rhetorical devices (e.g., imagery, allusion).

2. Allegory

• Definition: A symbolic narrative that uses fictional figures or actions to express truths or generalizations about human existence.

• Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)

• Analysis: Orwell’s use of farm animals to depict the Russian Revolution illustrates the critique of communism, making his political message more approachable by distancing it from direct critique.

3. Alliteration

• Definition: Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of successive words.

• Example: Ronald Reagan’s Address at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial (1988)

• Analysis: Reagan emphasizes the veterans’ bravery and sacrifice using alliteration in “face the fire at freedom’s front,” drawing attention to their courage and valor.

4. Allusion

• Definition: A reference to a historical event, literary work, or well-known figure.

• Example: “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

• Analysis: King alludes to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to align himself with Lincoln’s fight for justice, reinforcing his message of equality and connecting his audience with a shared history of struggle for freedom.

5. Ambiguity

• Definition: A word, phrase, or statement that can be interpreted in more than one way.

• Example: The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1899)

• Analysis: The ambiguity of Edna’s last words, “Good-bye— because I love you,” leaves her death open to interpretation, adding to the emotional complexity and the sense of confusion experienced by the characters and readers.

6. Analogy

• Definition: A comparison between two things that are alike in some ways, used to make a point.

• Example: “What True Education Should Do” by Sydney J. Harris (1994)

• Analysis: Harris compares students to oysters, emphasizing that teaching should be about opening students up and revealing their potential, not merely filling them with information. This analogy helps the audience view education as a process of discovery and development.

7. Anaphora

• Definition: Repetition of a word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

• Example: “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

• Analysis: King uses the repetition of “I have a dream” to emphasize his vision for racial equality, creating rhythm and making his message more memorable while uniting his audience in a shared hope for the future.

8. Anecdote

• Definition: A brief narrative of an interesting, often personal, incident used to illustrate a point.

• Example: “Gender Equality is Your Issue Too” by Emma Watson (2014)

• Analysis: Watson uses anecdotes from her own life, such as being called “bossy” and observing her male friends unable to express their emotions, to make her feminist message relatable and emotionally compelling, engaging the audience in her cause.

9. Antithesis

• Definition: The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced or parallel structures.

• Example: Neil Armstrong’s moon landing (1969)

• Analysis: Armstrong contrasts “one small step for man” with “one giant leap for mankind,” emphasizing the immense significance of the moon landing by highlighting the disparity between its modest physical nature and its monumental impact.

10. Assonance

• Definition: Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, not necessarily the consonants.

• Example: The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)

• Analysis: The repetition of the "i" sound in “sicker an sicker” and “kilt it” gives the passage a rhythmic, staccato quality that mimics the pain and illness being described, while adding to the mood of discomfort and despair.

• Note: Assonance is often used for euphony (soothing, pleasant sounds), but in this case, it creates a sense of harshness and tension.

11. Asyndeton

• Definition: Omitting conjunctions in a sentence, resulting in a faster, more rapid flow of prose.

• Effect: Creates a sense of urgency or intensity.

• Example: “Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur (1962)

  • Analysis: The omission of conjunctions emphasizes each word equally, creating a rhythmic and memorable phrase that can energize and inspire the audience.

  • Purpose: Simplifies and intensifies the message, making it easy to remember and repeat, which helps in rallying and motivating others.

12. Chiasmus

• Definition: The repetition of ideas in reverse order.

• Effect: Highlights contrasts or reinforces ideas by structuring them symmetrically.

• Example: John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address (1971)

  • Analysis: The inversion of the phrase "ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country" creates a powerful shift in perspective, challenging the audience to adopt a selfless, patriotic mindset.

  • Purpose: Emphasizes the importance of national service and civic responsibility in a memorable way.

13. Colloquial

• Definition: Language that imitates informal, everyday speech.

• Effect: Creates a conversational tone, making the speaker relatable and accessible.

• Example: Barack Obama’s message about political ‘wokeness’ (2019)

  • Analysis: Obama uses informal, contemporary language ("woke") to connect with younger audiences, making his message feel more personal and grounded in current societal discourse.

  • Purpose: Builds rapport with the audience, particularly in addressing modern social issues in a casual yet impactful way.

14. Connotation

• Definition: The set of associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning.

• Effect: Adds emotional depth or subtle implications to a word.

• Example: “Black Men in Public Space” by Brent Staples (1986)

  • Analysis: The use of "victim" and "menacingly close" evokes a sense of danger, even though the narrator's intentions were not violent. This connotation forces readers to confront racial biases and stereotypes.

  • Purpose: Challenges preconceived notions and biases, particularly those related to race and public perception.

15. Consonance

• Definition: The repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the end of words.

• Effect: Creates a musical, often jarring or harsh sound, which can affect the tone of the text.

• Example: “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll (1871)

  • Analysis: The repetition of the "j" sound in "jaws" and "Jubjub" creates a dissonant, unsettling rhythm that mirrors the fantastical danger of the Jabberwock.

  • Purpose: Contributes to the fantastical, eerie, or playful tone of the poem, enhancing its whimsical yet ominous atmosphere.

16. Deductive Reasoning

• Definition: Reasoning that moves from general principles to specific instances (top-down approach).

• Effect: Offers logical, clear arguments based on established theories or premises.

• Example: Mahatma Gandhi’s letter to British Viceroy Lord Irwin (1930)

  • Analysis: Gandhi presents a series of if-then statements to argue for Indian independence, beginning with broad ethical principles and narrowing to specific actions.

  • Purpose: Persuades through logical progression, providing a clear and irrefutable argument based on reason and moral authority.

17. Denotation

• Definition: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

• Effect: Establishes the basic, neutral meaning of a word, often used to clarify misunderstandings.

• Example: “Gender Equality is Your Issue Too” by Emma Watson (2014)

  • Analysis: Watson clarifies the true definition of feminism, juxtaposing it against its common misinterpretations.

  • Purpose: Dispel myths and provide clarity, particularly in addressing misconceptions about gender equality.

18. Diction

• Definition: The choice of words and their arrangement to create meaning and tone.

• Effect: Establishes the tone, mood, and style of a piece by selecting specific language that aligns with the writer’s intent.

• Example: “On Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner (1992)

  • Analysis: Eighner uses precise, technical language to elevate the practice of dumpster diving, presenting it as a rational and informed choice rather than a desperate or shameful act.

  • Purpose: Highlights the dignity and practicality of a seemingly demeaning act, challenging societal judgments.

19. Didactic

• Definition: Intended to teach, often with an emphasis on moral, ethical, or educational lessons.

• Effect: Directly instructs or imparts knowledge, often with a moral or practical focus.

• Example: “Advice to Youth” by Mark Twain (1882)

  • Analysis: Twain uses a didactic tone to mock traditional advice to children, humorously advising them to obey their parents but questioning the authority behind it.

  • Purpose: Uses satire to critique the often moralizing, preachy tone of parental advice while still imparting a lesson.

20. Elegiac

• Definition: A tone of mourning or sorrow for something that has passed.

• Effect: Evokes sadness, loss, and nostalgia, creating an emotional connection with the audience.

• Example: Ronald Reagan’s address following the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle (1986)

  • Analysis: Reagan’s elegiac tone mourns the loss of the astronauts, empathizing with the grief of the families and the nation.

  • Purpose: Fosters a collective sense of mourning, allowing the audience to process the loss together before discussing the future.

21. Epistrophe

• Definition: Repetition of the same word or words at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

• Example: Madelynn Albright's 1997 commencement speech for Mount Holyoke College.

• Key Points:

  • Repeats the phrase “have courage still—and persevere” to emphasize resilience in the face of challenges.

  • Albright acknowledges opposition, but repeatedly encourages perseverance, reinforcing the message throughout.

  • The repetition creates a rhythmic and motivational effect, highlighting perseverance as the main theme.

  • The speaker uses epistrophe to drive home the idea that no matter the obstacle, one must continue with courage.

22. Ethos

• Definition: Appeal to the speaker's credibility or authority.

• Example: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (1963).

• Key Points:

  • King establishes his authority by mentioning his leadership role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other affiliations.

  • He explains his presence in Birmingham, showing that his actions are based on a solid organizational foundation, not an arbitrary decision.

  • King aims to show that his actions are legitimate and justified, building respect and trust with his audience.

  • The appeal to ethos helps him gain the respect of clergymen and other authorities, strengthening his argument.

23. Extended Metaphor

• Definition: A metaphor that is developed throughout several lines or sentences, with consistent comparisons.

• Example: Nicholas Carr’s “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” (2008).

• Key Points:

  • Carr compares his brain to a machine that has been “tinkered” with, “remapping” and “reprogramming” his neural circuitry.

  • The metaphor suggests the mind is being influenced and altered by technology, in particular the internet.

  • The extended metaphor conveys his concern that technology is impacting his ability to think deeply and engage with longer texts.

  • This comparison underscores the theme of technological interference with cognitive processes.

24. Imagery

• Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid pictures in the mind.

• Example: Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods (2008).

• Key Points:

  • Louv describes scenes from childhood, such as drawing on fogged windows and watching animals and nature pass by.

  • The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to the natural world.

  • It creates vivid mental pictures that appeal to the reader's sensory experiences (sight, touch, sound).

  • The specific, sensory-rich details invite readers to remember their own childhood experiences of wonder.

25. Inductive Reasoning

• Definition: Drawing broad generalizations from specific observations, leading to theories or hypotheses.

• Example: Nancy Mairs’ “On Being a Cripple” (1986).

• Key Points:

  • Mairs observes the imprecision and inaccuracy of terms like "handicapped" or "differently-abled" and reasons that these euphemisms detract from the reality of her condition.

  • She contrasts these terms with the directness of "cripple," using personal experiences and observations to support her argument.

  • Her inductive reasoning suggests that language cannot change reality, and the use of euphemisms dilutes the truth.

  • The argument relies on observations that lead to a broader conclusion about language and disability.

26. Irony

• Definition: Expressing something contrary to what is meant, often to highlight a discrepancy.

• Example: Mark Twain’s “Advice to Youth” (1882).

• Key Points:

  • Twain humorously advises youth to build character, but the irony is that following conventional advice will make them just like everyone else.

  • The unexpected twist at the end exposes the conformity in adhering to societal expectations.

  • The irony serves to question the value of societal norms and challenges the idea of blindly following advice.

  • Twain’s tone suggests that true individuality comes from breaking away from conventional expectations.

27. Juxtaposition

• Definition: Placing two or more things side by side for comparison or contrast.

• Example: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962).

• Key Points:

  • Carson juxtaposes the serene beauty of the countryside with the grim, destructive effects of environmental harm.

  • Describes the idyllic environment alongside the devastation caused by pollution and chemical use.

  • This sharp contrast emphasizes the urgency of environmental protection and the devastating consequences of inaction.

  • The juxtaposition of the past and the present underscores the irreversible damage done to the natural world.

28. Logos

• Definition: Appeal to logic, using reasoning and evidence to support an argument.

• Example: Greta Thunberg’s speech at the National Assembly in Paris (2019).

• Key Points:

  • Thunberg uses scientific data from the IPCC report to demonstrate the urgency of addressing climate change.

  • She presents specific facts, such as the remaining carbon dioxide budget and the annual CO2 emissions.

  • The logical evidence appeals to the audience’s reason and supports her claim that action is needed to avoid catastrophic temperature rise.

  • By using data, Thunberg strengthens the credibility of her argument and appeals to her audience’s rational understanding of climate change.

29. Metonymy

• Definition: A figure of speech where one thing is substituted for another that is closely associated with it.

• Example: Margaret Thatcher’s eulogy for Ronald Reagan (2004).

• Key Points:

  • Thatcher uses “Moscow’s evil empire” to refer to the Soviet Union, a symbolic reference to its leadership and government.

  • The term “Moscow” serves as a stand-in for the broader concept of Soviet oppression and authoritarianism.

  • By using metonymy, Thatcher strengthens her rhetoric, as it evokes the image of an empire rather than simply a country or government.

  • This figurative language highlights the ideological struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

30. Pacing

• Definition: The speed at which a piece of writing flows.

  • Can refer to the speed of action, shifts in syntax, or interruptions.

• Purpose: Used to affect the tone, mood, and overall reading experience.

• Example: Notes on ‘Camp’ by Susan Sontag

  • Sontag uses a list format (jottings) to create a quick, irregular pace, reflecting the spontaneous and ever-changing nature of Camp.

  • The speed at which ideas move mirrors the whimsicality of Camp, creating an erratic but engaging flow.

31. Paradox

• Definition: A statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals an underlying truth upon closer inspection.

  • Forces the reader to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning.

• Purpose: Arrests attention and provokes fresh thought.

• Example: “On the Writing of Essays” by Alexander Smith

  • "If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness."

  • A paradox illustrating that frankness, often considered revealing, can hide secrets or make them less obvious.

32. Parallelism (Parallel Structure)

• Definition: Repetition of similar grammatical structures in sentences.

  • Creates rhythm and emphasizes equal importance of ideas.

• Purpose: Highlights connections and builds to a climax.

• Example: “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” by Lou Gherig

  • Repeats "that's something" to build gratitude, culminating in the phrase "that's the finest I know" to emphasize the importance of family over career.

33. Pathos

• Definition: An appeal to emotion, aiming to evoke feelings from the audience.

• Purpose: Persuades by creating an emotional response.

• Example: Viola Davis’s Women’s March Speech (2018)

  • Davis emphasizes the silent suffering of women who cannot speak up due to social and economic constraints.

  • Her repetition of "don’t have" and references to stigma evoke empathy for marginalized women.

34. Polysyndeton

• Definition: The use of multiple conjunctions in close succession.

  • Slows the pace or emphasizes the quantity of items or actions.

• Purpose: Creates a sense of overwhelming detail or emotional intensity.

• Example: “After the Storm” by Ernest Hemingway

  • The repetitive use of "and" slows down the pace and captures the narrator's shock and confusion after hearing about the murder.

35. Rhetorical Question

• Definition: A question posed by the speaker not meant to be answered.

  • Invites the audience to consider the topic more deeply.

• Purpose: Engages the reader in reflection or provides a transition in thought.

• Example: Clare de Booth Luce’s Speech at the Women’s National Press Club (1960)

  • Luce asks, "For what is good journalism all about?" to prompt her audience to reflect on the role of journalism before she offers her answer.

36. Stream of Consciousness

• Definition: A narrative technique that captures a character’s thoughts and feelings in a continuous flow.

  • Lacks a structured narrative, mirroring the character's inner monologue.

• Purpose: Reflects the complexity and messiness of thoughts and emotions.

• Example: “Ain’t I a Woman” by Sojourner Truth (1851)

  • Truth's disorganized, spontaneous speech reflects the continuous, unending struggles of African American women.

37. Synecdoche

• Definition: A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa.

• Purpose: Focuses on specific elements to represent a broader idea or concept.

• Example: “Falling Down is Part of Growing Up” by Henry Petroski (1985)

  • Refers to "beams and girders and columns" to represent the support systems (parents and crib) in a child's life.

38. Syntax

• Definition: The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

  • Includes sentence structure, punctuation, and the flow of ideas.

• Purpose: Affects tone, clarity, and emotional impact.

• Example: “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

  • King’s use of long sentences and semicolons mirrors the overwhelming and continuous nature of segregation, emphasizing the constant struggle.

39. Thesis

• Definition: The main statement or central argument in a work.

  • Provides direction and purpose to the text.

• Purpose: To communicate the author’s main point or purpose clearly.

• Example: Notes on ‘Camp’ by Susan Sontag

  • Sontag’s thesis is that Camp is “good because it’s awful,” summarizing her main argument and setting the conditions under which Camp can be both good and bad.

40. Tone

• Definition: The author's attitude toward the subject conveyed through writing style and choices.

  • Influences how the audience perceives the message.

• Purpose: Helps communicate the author's stance and shapes the reader's emotional response.

• Example: “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?” by James Baldwin (1979)

  • Baldwin uses a formal, academic tone to explain the historical and cultural significance of Black English, asserting its legitimacy as a distinct language.