Literary and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Active Voice
The subject of the sentence performs the actions. This is a more direct and preferred style of the writing in most cases.
Allusion
An indirect reference to something with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Alter-ego
A character that is used by the author to speak the author’s own thoughts; when an author
speaks directly to the audience through a character.
Anecdote
A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non
fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Antecedent
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally
asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.
Classicism
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world; sticks to traditional
themes and structures
Comic relief
When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood
somewhat.
Diction
Word choice, particularly as an element of style.
Colloquial
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation.
Connotation
the associations suggested by a
word; implied meaning rather than literal meaning.
Denotations
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Jargon
The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity.
Vernacular
- Language or dialect of a particular country.
- Language or dialect of a regional clan or group.
- Plain everyday speech
Didactic
A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or moral or
provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.
Adage
A folk saying with a lesson.
Allegory
A story, fictional or non fictional, in which characters, things, and events represent
qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an
abstraction or a truth.
Aphorism
A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. An aphorism
can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.
Ellipsis
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Euphemism
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts.
Figurative Language
writing that is not meant to be taken literally
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables.
Hyperbole
Exaggeration
Idiom
A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Metaphor
Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.
Metonymy
Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
Synecdoche
A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its
parts, or vice versa.
Simile
Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very
different things.
Active voice example
“Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.”
Allusion example
(usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events)
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.
Anecdote example
a group of coworkers are discussing pets, and one coworker tells a story about how her cat comes downstairs at only a certain time of the night
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.” An AP question might read: “What is the antecedent for “it”?
Classicism example
feelings of inferiority to higher-class
Comic relief example
The “gatekeeper scene” in Macbeth
Diction example
formal or informal, ornate or plain
Colloquialism example
Bo bananas, or go nuts – go insane or be very angry.
Connotation example
“policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation.
Denotation example
Pandemic-(of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world.
Jargon example
I need a nurse to room 12 stat
Vernacular example
An example of vernacular is medical terms used by doctors.
Didactic example
An example of didactic writing is Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Criticism
Adage example
“A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Allegory example
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
Aphorism example
“God helps them that help themselves,” and “A watched pot never
boils.”
Ellipsis example
“The whole
day, rain, torrents of rain.”
Euphemism example
“Vertically challenged” in place
of “short.”
Figurative language example
You’re a couch potato
Analogy example
“America is to the world as the
hippo is to the jungle.”
Hyperbole example
“My mother will kill me if I am late.”
Idiom example
“I got
chewed out by my coach.”
Metaphor example
“My feet
are popsicles.”
Metonymy example
“I could not understand his tongue,”
Synecdoche example
“Check out my new wheels.”
Simile example
“My feet are so cold they feel like popsicles.”
Active voice effect
The opposite is passive voice –
when the subject of the sentence receives the action. “The car was driven by Anthony.” Passive voice is
often overused, resulting in lifeless writing. When possible, try to use active voice.
Allusion effect
it can give deeper meaning to a story by referring to another piece of work that most are familiar with.
Alter-ego effect
to see their perspective
Anecdotes effect
Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or non
fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Antecedent effect
The AP language exam occasionally
asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences.
Classicism effect
sticks to traditional
themes and structures
Comic relief effect
in order to lighten the mood
somewhat.
Diction effect
Different types of words have significant effects
on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise
than street slang. You should be able to describe an author’s diction.
Colloquial effect
When appropriately used, colloquial language can be useful in creating a bond between reader and writer that makes it easier for the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view,
Adage effect
The truths they communicate are reflections on life experiences that many people can relate to. One of the best ways to gain knowledge is to read, read, and read some more.
Allegory effect
The interaction of these characters, things, and events is meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth.
Aphorism effect
increased understanding and relatability of the audience.
Ellipsis effect
To show an omission of a word or words
Euphemism effect
Sometimes they are used for political correctness. “Physically challenged,” in place of “crippled.” Sometimes a euphemism is used to exaggerate correctness to add humor.
Figurative Language effect
enhance the emotional significance of passages,
Analogy effect
to show that the relationship between the first pair of variables is
the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables.
Hyperbole effect
to emphasize the text
Idiom effect
amplify messages in a way that draws readers in and helps awaken their senses
Metaphor effect
writer is more able to convey emotions and impressions
Metonymy effect
enables writers to express a word in a different way by using a closely related word.
Synecdoche effect
allows variation of expression and produces an effect for the reader
Simile effect
eliminates the need for excessive information and description on the writer’s part
Connotation
words that are strongly negative or positive effects how readers feel
Denotation
helps reader understand the word
Jargon
enhance communication
Vernacular
helps express that the language is used for a specific group
Didactic effect
meant to entertain, the aesthetics in a didactic work of literature are subordinate to the message it imparts
Synesthesia
a description involving a “crossing of the senses.”
Synesthesia example
“I was deafened by his brightly-colored clothing.”
Synesthesia effect
It makes their ideas more vivid, and adds more layers of meaning to a text
Personification
Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human.
Personification example
“The tired old truck
groaned as it inched up the hill.”
Personification effect
to make descriptions of non-human entities more vivid
Foreshadowing
When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story.
Foreshadowing example
weather motifs: clouds, rain, wind etc.
Foreshadowing effect
creates an atmosphere of suspense in a story
Genre
The major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose,
poetry, and drama.
Genre example
(poetry can be classified into lyric, dramatic,
narrative, etc.). autobiography,
biography, diaries, criticism, essays, and journalistic, political, scientific, and nature writing.
Genre effect
Genres appeal to writers because they give a structure and something to build on, while they offer audiences the pleasure of the familiar and ingenious diversion from it.
Gothic
Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear and/or death.
Gothic example
18th century literature like vampires, witches, curses and ghosts
Gothic effect
gave audience mystery and suspense, atmosphere and setting, and omens and curses
Imagery
Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind.
Imagery example
The concert was so loud that her ears rang for days.
Imagery effect
Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind.
Invective
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.
Invective example
how slavemasters talk to slaves
Invective effect
to express strong negative emotion or to stir up emotion in the audience
Irony
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
Irony example
A post on instagram complaining about how useless instagram is
Irony effect
can create suspense or tension for the audience
Verbal irony
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.
Verbal irony example
For example,
if your gym teacher wants you to run a mile in eight minutes or faster, but calls it a “walk in the
park” it would be verbal irony.
Verbal irony effect
It allows readers to exercise a little bit of perception and omniscience
Dramatic irony
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the
character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
Dramatic irony example
For example, in many horror movies, we (the
audience) know who the killer is, which the victim-to-be has no idea who is doing the slaying.
Dramatic irony effect
Dramatic irony can stimulate strong emotions in a reader because the reader knows what awaits a character and may see the character act against his or her own well-being.
Situational irony
Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie. Sometimes it
makes you laugh because it’s funny how things turn out.
Situational irony example
(For example, Johnny spent two hours
planning on sneaking into the movie theater and missed the movie. When he finally did manage to
sneak inside he found out that kids were admitted free that day).
Situational irony
lay emphasis on important scenes and make strange and unusual images vivid
Juxtaposition
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.
Juxtaposition example
(For example, an author my juxtapose the average day of a
typical American with that of someone in the third world in order to make a point of social commentary).
Juxtaposition effect
Authors often use juxtaposition
of ideas or examples in order to make a point.
Mood
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice
Mood example
Syntax
is often a creator of mood since word order, sentence length and strength and complexity also affect pacing
and therefore mood. Setting, tone, and events can all affect the mood.
Mood effect
It evokes various emotional responses in readers, and thus ensures their emotional attachment
Motif
a recurring idea in a piece of literature.
Motif example
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the idea that “you never really
understand another person until you consider things from his or her point of view”
Motif effect
strengthen a story by adding images and ideas to the theme present throughout the narrative
Oxymoron
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox
Oxymoron example
wise fool or jumbo shrimp
Oxymoron effect
creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader.
Pacing
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing.
Pacing example
syntax, polysyndeton, anaphora, meter
Pacing effect
It refers to how fast or slow events in a piece unfold and how much time elapses in a scene or story.
Paradox
A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true.
Paradox example
“You can’t get a job without
experience, and you can’t get experience without getting a job.”
Paradox effect
The purpose of a paradox is to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought.
Parallelism
Sentence construction which
places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
Parallelism example
“Cinderella swept the
floor, dusted the mantle, and beat the rugs.”
Parallelism effect
It also shows that each repeated structure is of equal importance
Anaphora
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or
clauses in a row.
Anaphora example
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Anaphora effect
helps make the writer’s point more
coherent.
Chiasmus
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of
the words is reversed.
Chiasmus example
“When the going gets tough, the tough get
going.”
Chiasmus effect
To give structure and poetic form, making text more digestible and memorable
Antithesis
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel
structure.
Antithesis example
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”
Antithesis effect
strengthen an argument by using either exact opposites or simply contrasting ideas, but can also include both
Zuegma (Syllepsis)
When a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, and the
meaning of the first word must change for each of the other words it governs or modifies.
Zuegma (Syllepsis) example
“The
butler killed the lights, and then the mistress.”
Zuegma (Syllepsis)
when used skillfully, produces a unique artistic effect, making the literary works more interesting and effective as it serves to adorn expressions, and to add emphasis to ideas in impressive style
Parenthetical Idea
Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence.
Parenthetical Idea example
“In a short time (and the time is getting shorter by the
gallon) America will be out of oil.”
Parenthetical Idea effect
It is almost
considered an aside…a whisper, and should be used sparingly for effect, rather than repeatedly. Parentheses
can also be used to set off dates and numbers.
Parody
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes.
Parody example
The Simpsons often parody Shakespeare plays.
Parody effect
It borrows words or phrases
from an original, and pokes fun at it.
Persona
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story.
Persona example
The persona of Nectar In a Sieve is the main character, Rukmani.
Persona effect
it is the voice chosen by the author for a particular artistic purpose.
Poetic Device
A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences or lines.
Poetic Device example
Alliteration, personification, metaphor
Poetic Device effect
Poetic devices may enhance the timing and rhythm of the poem, the meaning of the words or the emotions felt by those reading it.
Alliteration
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Alliteration example
“Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore”
Alliteration effect
focuses readers’ attention on a particular section of text
Assonance
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds.
Assonance example
“From the molten-golden notes”
Assonance effect
it develops the internal rhyme that enhances the pleasure of reading.
Consonance
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words.
Consonance example
“Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door”
Consonance effect
makes the structure of poetry or prose appealing for the reader.
Onomatopoeia
The use of a word which imitates or suggests the sound that the thing makes.
Onomatopoeia example
Snap, rustle, boom, murmur
Onomatopoeia effect
. It can add excitement, action, and interest by allowing the reader to hear and remember your writing
Internal rhyme
When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line.
Internal rhyme example
“To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells!”
Internal rhyme effect
It is employed to heighten the poem’s effect,s and this internal rhyme can take place in the same line or two separate alternating lines
Slant rhyme
When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly – they are merely similar.
Slant rhyme example
“I sat upon a stone, / And found my life has gone.”
Slant rhyme effect
catches the reader by surprise and subverts their expectations, delivering a satisfyingly unexpected twist
End rhyme
When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme.
End rhyme example
“Roses are red, violets are blue, / Sugar is sweet, and so are you.”
End rhyme effect
It serves as a strong mnemonic device that facilitates memorization.
Rhyme Scheme
The pattern of a poem’s end rhymes.
Rhyme Scheme example
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? a
Thou art more lovely and more temperate. b
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May. a
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. b
Rhyme Scheme effect
helps establish the form
Stressed and unstressed syllables
In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed, or said with more force
than the other syllable(s).
Stressed and unstressed syllables example
In the name “Nathan,” the first syllable is stressed. In the word
“unhappiness,” the second of the four syllables is stressed.
Stressed and unstressed syllables effect
When a poem has a recognizable but varying pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, the poetry is written in verse.
Free verse
Poetry that doesn’t have much meter or rhyme.
Meter example
Iamb, Trochee, Dactyl
Meter effect
Meter is an important part of poetry because it helps readers understand rhythm as it relates to words and lines in a poem
Free verse effect
gives a greater freedom for choosing words, and conveying their meanings to the audience
Iambic pentameter effect
to keep up decorum and grandeur of the language.
Free verse example
The red wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams
Sonnet example
Death be not proud- John Donne
Sonnet effect
contain strong themes of love
Polysyndeton
When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions.
Polysyndeton example
“I walked the dog, and fed
the cat, and milked the cows.”
Polysyndeton effect
Polysyndeton is often used to slow down the pace of the writing and/or add an authoritative tone.
Pun
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.
Pun example
I was struggling to figure out how lightning works, but then it struck me
Pun effect
It also used to create a comedic effect and also covey a sense of irony.
Rhetoric
The art of effective communication.
Rhetoric example
MLK I have a dream Speech. “Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.”
Rhetoric effect
uses language to appeal mainly to emotions, but also in some cases to shared values or logic.
Rhetorical Question
Question not asked for information but for effect.
Rhetorical Question example
“The angry parent asked the
child, ‘Are you finished interrupting me?’”
Rhetorical Question effect
draws the attention to what they wanted to express
Romanticism
Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the
world, and an emphasis on nature.
Romanticism example
ex
Romanticism effect
ef
Sarcasm
Sarcasm - A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded. However, not all satire and
irony are sarcastic.
Sarcasm example
ex
Romanticism example
Song of myself by Walt Whitman
Romanticism effect
It questioned the settled way of thinking which had widely spread with the age of Enlightenment
Satire example
Good satire usually has three layers: serious
on the surface; humorous when you discover that it is satire instead of reality; and serious when you discern
the underlying point of the author.
Sarcasm example
When you get a F on a test and your friend says Good Job Einstein.
Sentence
A sentence is group of words (including subject and verb) that expresses a complete thought.
Sentence example
ex
Sentence effect
to express a complete thought
Sentence example
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Appositive
A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its
meaning.
Appositive example
“Bob, the lumber yard worker, spoke with Judy, an accountant from the city.”
Appositive effect
ef
Clause
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb. An independent clause
expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
Clause example
(Example: “Other than baseball, football is my favorite sport.” In this sentence, the independent
clause is “football is my favorite sport” and the dependent clause is “Other than baseball.”
Clause effect
An independent clause
expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate
clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause.
Balanced sentence
A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each
other like equal weights on a scale.
Balanced sentence example
“If a free
society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”
Balanced sentence effect
ef
Compound sentence
Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent
clauses.
Compound sentence example
ex
Balanced sentence effect
It draws attention of the readers to the sentence and makes it stand out among the rest
Complex sentence
Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause.
Compound sentence example
Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
Compound sentence effect
can make your writing rich and colorful
Complex sentence example
I took a walk because I need exercise
Complex sentence effect
show relationships between clauses, such as cause and effect, contrast, and time relationships
Cumulative sentence example
“He doubted whether he could ever
again appear before an audience, his confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet
with perspiration.”
Cumulative sentence effect
The effect can be natural as it parallels what often happens in speech.
Periodic sentence
When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence.
Periodic sentence example
“His confidence broken, his limbs shaking, his collar wet with perspiration, he doubted whether he could ever again appear before an audience.”
Periodic sentence effect
The writer begins with subordinate elements and postpones the main clause.
Simple sentence
Contains only one independent clause.
Simple sentence example
The train was late.
Simple sentence effect
create tension, haste or urgency,
Declarative Sentence
States an idea
Declarative Sentence example
The ball is round
Declarative Sentence effect
To give a statement
Imperative Sentence
Issues a command.
Imperative Sentence example
“Kick the ball.”
Imperative Sentence effect
to tell someone/something what to do
Interrogative sentence
Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns (what, which,
who, whom, and whose).
Interrogative sentence example
Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns (what, which,
who, whom, and whose). “To whom did you kick the ball?”
Interrogative sentence effect
to ask a question
Style
The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes. Style may be conscious or unconscious.
Style example
She picked a rose from the ground. Scarlet was the rose she plucked from the earth.
Style effect
The way the author writes to keep readers attention.
Symbol
Anything that represents or stands for something else.
Symbol example
Examples of symbols
include the Whale in Moby Dick, the river and the jungle in Heart of Darkness, and the Raven in “The
Raven.”
Symbol effect
Usually a symbol is something concrete
such as an object, actions, character…that represents something more abstract.
Syntax/sentence variety
Grammatical arrangement of words.
