Literary Terms A-F

Question 0

Epistrophe

Answer 0

derived from a greek word that means turning upon, which indicates the same word returns at the end of each sentence.

Question 1

Asyndeton

Answer 1

derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. Asyndeton helps in speeding up the rhythm of words.

Question 2

Anaphora

Answer 2

the opposite of epistrophe and means the repetition of the same phrase or word at the beginning of successive sentences

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 extensive range of tales and stories. In fact, it is a 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.

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 phrases and clauses are similar in order to draw the attention of the listeners or readers.