📚 • Lesson 8 : Literary & Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
What is verbal irony in literature?
When a speaker says the opposite of what they mean, often sarcastically.
Ex. Saying “Oh, great weather!” During a thunderstorm.
What is situational irony in literature?
When the opposite of what is expected happens.
Ex. A fire station burning down.
What is dramatic irony in literature?
When the audience knows something that the characters do not.
Ex. In Romero and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is still alive, but Romeo believes she is dead.
What is assonance in literature?
The repetition of vowel sounds within closely placed words.
Ex. “The early bird catches the worm” is an example, with the repetition of the “e” sound.
What is anaphora in literature?
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
Ex. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up… I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted…”
What is epiphora in literature?
The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.
Ex. “I will not give up. We will not give up. They will not give up.
What is zeugma in literature?
A figure of speech in which a single word governs or modifies two or more words, though these words typically don’t have the same meaning or function.
Ex. “He stole my heart and my wallet.” Here, the word ‘stole’ governs both “heart” (emotion), and “wallet” (object).
What is chiasmus in literature?
A rhetorical device in which two clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures.
Ex. “Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You.”
What is parallelism in writing?
The use of similar grammatical structures in successive phrases or sentences to create rhythm and clarity.
Ex. “Like father, like son.”
What is hypophora in writing?
A rhetorical device where a write poses a question and immediately answers it.
Ex. “Why should we care about climate change? Because our future depends on it.”
What is **anadiplosis* in writing?
The repetition of the last word of one sentence at the beginning of the next.
Ex. “Fear leads to anger. Anger leds to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
What is ”paradox” in writing?
A statement that contradicts itself but reveals a deeper truth.
Ex. “The only constant in life is change.”
“The thunder grumbled like an old man clearing his throat.”
What literary device is used here, and what effect does it create?
Simile.
The comparison helps personify the thunder, making it sound more alive and ominous, enhancing the mood of the scene.
“She had a heart of stone.”
What literary device is used here, and how does it shape the reader’s perception of the character
Metaphor.
In this case, suggests that the character is cold, unemotional, or lacks empathy, shaping the reader’s judgement of them.
“Bang! The gunshot echoed through the alley.”
Which literary device is being used, and why might a writer include it?
Onomatopoeia.
Creates a sensory experience for the reader, making the action more vivid and immersive.
“Less is more.”
Which literary device is at play here, and what does it imply?
Paradox.
This phrase challenges conventional logic but conveys the deeper truth that simplicity can be more powerful than excess.
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
What literary device is used, and how does it affect the tone?
Personification.
Gives human-like qualities to nature, creating a calm, eerie, or mystical atmosphere.
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Which rhetorical device is used, and why is it effective?
Chiasmus.
The reversal of word order creates a memorable and impactful statement, making it persuasive and thought-provoking.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
What literary device is used here, and how does it shape the reader’s understanding?
Juxtaposition.
Highlights contrast, emphasizing the complexity of the era being described.
“The silence was deafening.”
What literary device is being used, and what effect does it create?
Oxymoron.
Combines two contradictory ideas to emphasize the intensity of the silence, making it almost overwhelming.
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.”
What rhetorical device is used, and why might a speaker use it?
Anaphora.
The repetition of “we shall fight” reinforces determination and unity, making the speech more powerful and memorable.
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Which rhetorical device is used, and how does it impact the sentence’s effect?
Tricolon.
The three-part structure creates rhythm and impact, making the statement more persuasive and powerful.
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
What literary device is used here, and how does it shape the message?
Antithesis.
In this case, contrasts human flaws with the godly virtue of forgiveness, emphasizing the nobility of letting go of grudges.
“The waves crashed angrily against the shore, as if protesting against the moon.”
Which literary device is used, and what does it convey?
Pathetic fallacy.
Assigns human emotions to nature, making the ocean seem alive and reflecting a sense of conflict or unrest.
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”
What literary device is used here, and what does it imply?
Metonymy.
Replaces “pen” for writing and “sword” for violence, emphasizing that words and ideas have more influence than physical force.
