AP Rhetorical Terminology Flashcards
allusion
An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
“an allusion to Shakespeare”
Practically a reference
analogy
A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
“The solar system is like an atom. The sun is like the nucleus and the planets are like the electrons.”
Comparing the functions of the solar system to an atom to explain how they function.
diction
The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
The usage of certain words can mean different things.
“The homeless person slowly walks away.”
DIction indicates more respect(author’s attitude.)
Author could have used “Bum,” which would give a negative attitude.
imagery
Use of description to evoke the 5 senses
ALL 5 SENSES
sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.
Irony
3 types
Dramatic Irony
The audience knows something the characters don’t
Verbal Irony
Someone responding in a way opposite of what is true or expected
Situational Irony
Something happening in a way opposite of what you would expect to happen
juxtaposition
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with a contrasting effect.
This highlights the drastic differences of the 2 things being juxtapositioned.
All’s fair in love and war
metaphor
Directly comparing something to something else in order to give the first thing the qualities of the second one; typically using “to be.”
“That test was a breeze.”
Comparing the test to a breeze; the test was easy and quick.
parallelism
When a word, phrase, or idea is repeated in order to suggest a deeper meaning.
repetition
When words, phrases, or ideas are repeated in order to create momentum or emphasize its importance.
anaphora
Anaphora specifically means the repetition of the first part of successive clauses.
Repetition refers to the act of being repeated, or being said or done again. Anaphora makes use of repetition because it involves words or phrases being repeated. These particular words or phrases must, however, occur at the beginning of consecutive sentences or clauses.
“I have a dream” speech as King begins with “I have a dream” repeatedly.
syntax
The organization or arrangement of words and phrases to help create greater meaning.
Short sentences make the words stand out as more important.
Longer sentences tend to mimic the feeling of the subject.
colloquialism
A word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation.
Slang
“You’re nuts.”
“I wasn’t born yesterday.”
litotes
Ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary
“Not bad.” - Good
“You’re not wrong.” - You’re right
“Not Unhappy.” - Happy
hypophora
A figure of speech wherein a writer raises a question and then immediately answers it.
“What is the purpose of life? In my opinion, the purpose of life is…”
“How do we know this to be true?”
“We Observed it in the lab.”
synecdoche
A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa
“Nice set of wheels you got there.”
