(ENG3U1AP) Literary and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Define an allusion
A reference to a well-known event, person, or thing
What are common sources for allusions?
Literature, history, Greek mythology, and the Bible
Define a symbol
A concrete object that represents an abstract idea or concept
Define a hyperbole
An extreme exaggeration
What is a hyperbole also known as?
An overstatement
What is a hyperbole often used for?
Often used to emphasize a fact
Define an understatement
The opposite of a hyperbole
What is an understatement used for? (3)
An understatement is used to make something appear smaller or less important than it really is
It can be used to entertain or to reduce the importance of the truth
Define a simile
Points out the similarity between two things using “like” or “as”
Define a metaphor
Compares two things without the use of “like” or “as”
Define a personification
Gives human traits to an inanimate object
Define an imagery
Appeals to one or more of the senses by creating a vivid impression through the use of concrete details, adjectives, and figures of speech
Define an analogy
The comparison of two things, which are alike in several respects, for the purpose of explaining or clarifying some unfamiliar of difficult idea or object by showing how the idea or object is similar to some familiar one
What are the differences between a simile and an analogy? (2)
A simile is generally a more artistic likening, done briefly for effect and emphasis
An analogy serves the more practical purpose of explaining a thought process or a line of reasoning or the abstract in terms of the concrete
What can analogies become?
Analogies can be more extended; could be extended into a rather long, multiple-point comparison
Define an euphenism
The substitution of a less negative word/phrase for a harsh/blunt one
Define a paradox
A statement that contradicts itself
Define an irony
A statement or stituation that means the opposite of what it appears to mean
What are the three basic types of ironies?
Verbal, Dramatic, and Situational Irony
Define verbal irony
Saying the opposite of what one means(sarcasm is a type)
Define dramatic irony
Occurs when an audience possesses knowledge to which the character is ignorant
Define situational irony
Occurs when a twist of fate reverses an expected outcome
Define a rhetorical question
A question whose answer is already known or implied
Define a parallel structure
Recurrent syntactical similarity. Specific words, phrases, or clauses are repeated/expressed similarly to show that these ideas/words/sentences are equal in importance
What is parallel structure also known as?
Parallelism
What can parallelism do? (2)
Gives emphasis to the words/ideas in the sentence making them memorable
Can also add balance/rhythm to a sentence
Define a short sentence
A sentence that is grammatically correct, but short. Often used for emphasis
Define a sentence fragment
An incomplete sentence. Often used to put emphasis on key words/ideas
Define a climatic word order
Presents several facts in order from least to most important
Give an example of a climatic word order
“The concerto was applauded at the house of Baron von Schnooty, it was praised highly at court, it was voted best concerto of the year by the Academy, and it has become known as the best concerto in the world”
