AP Vocabulary 22-40

Question 1

Epistrophe

Answer 1

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. Examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing, and speeches.

Question 2

Asyndeton

Answer 2

Derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between phrases and in the sentence yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in reducing the indirect meaning of the phrases and present 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 3

Polysyndeton

Answer 3

The term polysyndeton comes form a Greek word meaning “bound together”. It makes use of coordinating conjunctions like “and”,”or”,”but”, and “nor” (mostly 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.