AP Notes 21 22 23 24

Question 1

ANAPHORA

Answer 1

In writing or speech, the deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to
achieve an artistic effect is known as Anaphora. Anaphora, possibly the oldest literary device, has
its roots in Biblical Psalms used to emphasize certain words or phrases. Gradually, Elizabethan and
Romantic writers brought this device into practice

Question 2

EPISTROPHE

Answer 2

Epistrophe is derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the
same word returns at the end of each sentence. Epistrophe is a stylistic device that can be defined
as the repetition of phrases or words at the end of the clauses or sentences. It is also
called epiphora. Epistrophe examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing
and speeches. The opposite of EPISTROPHE is???

Question 3

ASYNDETON

Answer 3

Asyndeton is derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a
stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the
phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in
reducing the indirect meaning of the phrase and presents it in a concise form. Asyndeton helps in
speeding up the rhythm of words. Mostly this technique is employed in speech but can be used
in written works too.

Question 4

POLYSYNDETON

Answer 4

The term polysyndeton comes from a Greek word meaning “bound together”. It
makes use of coordinating conjunctions like “and”, “or”, “but” and “nor” (mostly and and or)
which are used to join successive words, phrases or clauses in such a way that these conjunctions
are even used where they might have been omitted.