Rhetorical Devices

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

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

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

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

a brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event

a statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced

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

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

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

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

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

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

the persuasive appeal of one's character, or credibility

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

language employing one or more figures of speech

intentional exaggeration to create an effect

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

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

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)

the specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession

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

appeal to reason or logic

the emotional atmosphere of a work

an apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth

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

a humorous imitation of a serious work

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

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

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

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

literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression

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

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

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

the manner in which words are arranged into sentences

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

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