AP Lang Summer Studying - Rhetorical Terms Flashcards
Rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques
Rhetorical Question
A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected
Logos
An appeal based on logic or reason
Pathos
An appeal to emotion
Ethos
Credibility; argument by reliability of character
Appeals
Ethos, Logos, Pathos
Anaphora
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses . ex “we shall go north, we shall go west, and we shall go east.”
Syntax
Sentence Structure
Diction
A writer or speaker’s choice of words
Allusion
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event
Jargon
Special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or a group and are difficult for others to understand
Personification
the giving of human qualities to an animal, object, or idea
Simile
A comparison using “like” or “as”
Metaphor
A comparison without using “like” or “as”
Motif
A recurring theme, subject, or idea
Antithesis
a direct opposite, a sharp contrast
Thesis
A primary position taken by a writer or speaker
Hyperbole
exaggeration for effect
Litotes
A figure of speech consisting of an understatement for effect. Ex: “Well, he’s certainly not a pauper” no explain that he’s rich
Satire
A literary work that criticizes human misconduct and ridicules vices, stupidities, and follies. Often humorous, but not always. Seeks to initiate change. `ex. The Boys
Irony
The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.
Situational Irony
irony involving a situation where actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome was contrary to what was expected. Ex: A fire station burns down. A person tweets that social media is a waste of time.
dramatic irony
The reader is aware of something that a character isn’t
Anecdote
A brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event. Ex: Pong’s childhood in My Year Abroad
Analogy
A comparison between two different things that are similar in some way
Connotation
All the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests. Social definition of a word.
Denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
Extended Metaphor
A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work`
Symbolism
where an object represents an idea
Theme
A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work
Tone
Attitude a writer takes towards the audience, a subject, or a character
Mood
Feeling or atmosphere that the writer creates for a reader
Parallelism/ Parallel Structure
two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form ex. I came, I saw, I conquered . All parts of the sentence have equal value / balance `
Point of View
The perspective from which a story is told
Narrative
( a fancy word for story ) An account or telling of events
Inference
A conclusion that can be drawn from the presented details
Aphorism
A concise statement of a truth or principle . Ex. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
Concrete Language
describes specific, observable things rather than ideas or qualities
deduction
taking reasoning from general to specific - Ex. “From this, we can deduce that frogs fucking suck”
Alliteration
the occurrence of the same letter or sound
Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds (NOT rhyming - rhyming is just the ending sounds)
Epithet
A descriptive name or phrase use to characterize or describe someone or something Ex. Dizzy Jizzy Izzy the Spewer
Foreshadowing
A narrative device that hints at coming events, often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.
Subjectivity
Decisions based on personal feelings rather than facts. Ex. Mokey Fraggle makes a lot of her decisions based on Subjectivity. or - Art is Subjective
Stream of Consciousness
a style of writing that portrays the inner (often chaotic) workings of a character’s mind. Ex: Basically any Car Seat Headrest song
Mockery
Ridicule, make fun of
Parody
A work which imitates another in a ridiculous manner
innuendo
A hint, indirect suggestion, or reference
Sarcasm
harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule
Invective
An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language. Ex: that one scene in The Boys where Jensen Ackles calls Homelander pathetic in like 45 different ways
