Literary Terms A-F

Question 0

Polysyndeton

Answer 0

A stylistic device in which several coordinationg conjunctions are used in succession in order to achieve an artistic effect. Polysyndeton exampls are found in literature and in day-to-day conversations. EX: ‘Let the white folks have their money and power and segregation and sarcasm and big houses and schools and lawns like carpets, and books, and-mostly-let them have their whiteness.”

Question 1

Asyndetoh

Answer 1

Is derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used to intentionallu eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in thee sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Asyndeeton hellps in speeding up the rhythm of words. EX: “This is the villian among you who deceived you, who cheated you, who meant to betray you completely.”

Question 2

Epistrophe:

Answer 2

Is derived from a Greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence EX: Hourly joys

Question 3

Anecdote

Answer 3

A short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make readers and listeners laugh. Anecdotes can include an extensive range of tales and stories. In fact, it is short description or an account of any event that makes the readers laugh or brood over the topic presented for the purpose.

Question 4

Analogy

Answer 4

A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar. Metaphors and similes are tools used to draw an analogy. Therefore, analogy is more extensive and elaborate than either a simile or a metaphor. Consider the following example: “Structure of an atom is like a solar system. Nucleus is the sun and electrons are the planets revolving around the sun”.

Question 5

Antithesis

Answer 5

Literal meaning opposite, is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. Antithesis emphasizes the idea of contrast by parallel structures of the contrasted phrases or clauses, i.e. the structures of phases and clauses are similar in order to draw the attention of the listeners and readers. For example: “Setting foot on the moon may be a small step for a man but a giant step for mankind” The use of contrasting ideas, “a small step” and “a giant step”, in the sentence above emphasizes the significance of one of the biggest landmarks of human history.