Literary and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Active Voice: Definition
The subject of the sentence performs the action.
Active Voice: Example
“Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.”
Active Voice: Effect
More direct
Allusion: Definition
An indirect reference to something with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Allusion: Example
“Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.”
Allusion: Effect
It helps the reader understand and feel the scene much better by referencing a well known character or situation.
Alter-Ego: Definition
A character that is used by the author to speak the author’s own thoughts.
Alter-Ego: Example
In Shakespeare’s last play, The Tempest, Shakespeare
talks to his audience about his own upcoming retirement, through the main character in the play, Prospero.
Alter-Ego: Effect
The author can speak to the audience directly.
Anecdote: Definition
A brief recounting of a relevant episode.
Anecdote: Example
“You know, when I was a kid, my dog was my best friend. My childhood was better because of him.”
Anecdote: Effect
Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non-fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Antecedent: Definition
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Antecedent: Example
“If I could command the wealth of all the world by lifting my finger, I would not pay such a price for it.”
Antecedent: Effect
Replaces a pronoun with the actual object name.
Classicism: Definition
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world.
Classicism: Example
TBD
Classicism: Effect
TBD
Comic Relief: Definition
when a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat.
Comic Relief: Example
The “gatekeeper scene” in Macbeth is an example of comic relief.
Comic Relief: Effect
Lightens a serious mood.
Diction: Definition
Word choice, particularly as an element of style.
Diction: Example
“The author uses diction…”.
Diction: Effect
Makes a writing more formal and precise.