Literature and Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Active Voice: Definition
The subject of the sentence performs the action.
Allusion: Definition
An indirect reference to something with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.
Alter-ego: Definition
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: Definition
A brief recounting of a relevant episode.
Antecedent: Definition
The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.
Classicism: Definition
Art or literature characterized by a realistic view of people and the world
Comic Relief: Definition
When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story
Diction: Definition
Word choice, particularly as an element of style.
Didactic: Definition
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.
Ellipsis: Definition
The deliberate omission of a word or phrase from prose done for effect by the author.
Euphemism: Definition
A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts.
Figurative Language: Definition
Writing that is not meant to be taken literally.
Foreshadowing: Definition
When an author gives hints about what will occur later in a story.
Genre: Definition
The major category into which a literary work fits.
Gothic: Definition
Writing characterized by gloom, mystery, fear and/or death. Also refers to an architectural style
of the middle ages, often seen in cathedrals of this period.
Imagery: Definition
Word or words that create a picture in the reader’s mind.
Invective: Definition
A long, emotionally violent, attack using strong, abusive language.
Irony: Definition
When the opposite of what you expect to happen does.
Juxtaposition: Definition
Placing things side by side for the purposes of comparison.
Mood: Definition
The atmosphere created by the literature and accomplished through word choice (diction).
Motif: Definition
a recurring idea in a piece of literature.
Oxymoron: Definition
When apparently contradictory terms are grouped together and suggest a paradox
Pacing: Definition
The speed or tempo of an author’s writing.
Paradox: Definition
A seemingly contradictory situation which is actually true.
Parallelism: Definition
Sentence construction which
places equal grammatical constructions near each other, or repeats identical grammatical patterns.
Parenthetical Idea: Definition
Parentheses are used to set off an idea from the rest of the sentence.
Parody: Definition
An exaggerated imitation of a serious work for humorous purposes.
Persona: Definition
The fictional mask or narrator that tells a story.
Poetic device: Definition
A device used in poetry to manipulate the sound of words, sentences or lines.
Polysyndeton: Definition
When a writer creates a list of items which are all separated by conjunctions.
Pun: Definition
When a word that has two or more meanings is used in a humorous way.
Rhetoric: Definition
The art of effective communication.
Rhetorical Question: Definition
Question not asked for information but for effect.
Romanticism: Definition
Art or literature characterized by an idealistic, perhaps unrealistic view of people and the
world, and an emphasis on nature.
Sarcasm: Definition
A generally bitter comment that is ironically or satirically worded.
Satire: Definition
A work that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life to a humorous effect.
Sentence: Definition
A sentence is group of words (including subject and verb) that expresses a complete thought.
Style: Definition
The choices in diction, tone, and syntax that a writer makes.
Symbol: Definition
Anything that represents or stands for something else.
Syntax/sentence variety: Definition
Grammatical arrangement of words.
Theme: Definition
The central idea or message of a work.
Thesis: Definition
The sentence or groups of sentences that directly expresses the author’s opinion, purpose, meaning,
or proposition.
Tone: Definition
A writer’s attitude toward his subject matter revealed through diction, figurative language and
organization.
Understatement: Definition
The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant
than it is.
Argument: Definition
An argument is a piece of reasoning with one or more premises and a conclusion.
Aristotle’s appeals: Definition
The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade an audience that one’s ideas are valid, or more
valid than someone else’s. The Greek philosopher Aristotle divided all means of persuasion
(appeals) into three categories - ethos, pathos, and logos.
Concession: Definition
Accepting at least part or all of an opposing viewpoint.
Conditional Statement: Definition
A conditional statement is an if-then statement and consists of two parts, an antecedent and a
consequent.
Contradiction: Definition
A contradiction occurs when one asserts two mutually exclusive propositions
Counterexample: Definition
A counterexample is an example that runs counter to (opposes) a generalization, thus falsifying it.
Deductive argument: Definition
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the
conclusion.
Fallacy: Definition
A fallacy is an attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning.
Inductive argument: Definition
An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth
of the conclusion.
Sound argument: Definition
A deductive argument is said to be sound if it meets two conditions: First, that the line of
reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid. Second, that the premises are true.
Unstated premises: Definition
Not every argument is fully expressed. Sometimes premises or even conclusions are left
unexpressed.
Valid argument: Definition
An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
Colloquial: Definition
Ordinary or familiar type of conversation.
Connotation: Definition
Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a
word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.
Denotation: Definition
The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.
Jargon: Definition
The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity.
Vernacular: Definition
Language or dialect of a particular country. 2. Language or dialect of a regional
clan or group. 3. Plain everyday speech
Adage: Definition
A folk saying with a lesson.
Allegory: Definition
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: Definition
A terse statement which expresses a general truth or moral principle. An aphorism
can be a memorable summation of the author’s point.
Analogy: Definition
An analogy is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables.
Hyperbole: Definition
Exaggeration
Idiom: Definition
A common, often used expression that doesn’t make sense if you take it literally.
Metaphor: Definition
Making an implied comparison, not using “like,” as,” or other such words.
Metonymy: Definition
Replacing an actual word or idea, with a related word or concept.
Synecdoche: Definition
A kind of metonymy when a whole is represented by naming one of its
parts, or vice versa.
Simile: Definition
Using words such as “like” or “as” to make a direct comparison between two very
different things.
Synesthesia: Definition
a description involving a “crossing of the senses.”
Personification: Definition
Giving human-like qualities to something that is not human.
Verbal Irony: Definition
When you say something and mean the opposite/something different.
Dramatic Irony: Definition
When the audience of a drama, play, movie, etc. knows something that the
character doesn’t and would be surprised to find out.
Situational Irony: Definition
Found in the plot (or story line) of a book, story, or movie.
Anaphora: Definition
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences or
clauses in a row.
Chiasmus: Definition
When the same words are used twice in succession, but the second time, the order of
the words is reversed.
Antithesis: Definition
Two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, or clauses, or even ideas, with parallel
structure.
Zuegma (Syllepsis): Definition
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.
Alliteration: Definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Assonance: Definition
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds.
Consonance: Definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of words or within words.
Onomatopoeia: Definition
The use of a word which imitates or suggests the sound that the thing makes.
Internal Rhyme: Definition
When a line of poetry contains a rhyme within a single line.
Slant Rhyme: Definition
When a poet creates a rhyme, but the two words do not rhyme exactly – they are merely similar.
End Rhyme: Definition
When the last word of two different lines of poetry rhyme.
Rhyme Scheme: Definition
The pattern of a poem’s end rhymes.
Stressed and unstressed syllables: Definition
In every word of more than one syllable, one of the syllables is stressed, or said with more force
than the other syllable(s).
Meter: Definition
A regular pattern to the syllables in lines of poetry.
Free Verse: Definition
Poetry that doesn’t have much meter or rhyme.
Iambic Pentameter: Definition
Poetry that is written in lines of 10 syllables, alternating stressed and unstressed syllables.
Sonnet: Definition
A 14 line poem written in iambic pentameter. Usually divided into three quatrains and a couplet.
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle: Definition
The relationships, in any piece of writing,
between the writer, the audience, and the
subject.
Appositive: Definition
A word or group of words placed beside a noun or noun substitute to supplement its
meaning.
Clause: Definition
A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.
Balanced Sentence: Definition
A sentence in which two parallel elements are set off against each
other like equal weights on a scale. Both parts are parallel grammatically.
Compound Sentence: Definition
Contains at least two independent clauses but no dependent
clauses.
Complex Sentence: Definition
Contains only one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause.
Cumulative Sentence: Definition
When the writer begins with an
independent clause, then adds subordinate elements.
Periodic Sentence: Definition
When the main idea is not completed until the end of the sentence.
Simple Sentence: Definition
Contains only one independent clause
Declarative Sentence: Definition
Sentence that states an idea.
Imperative Sentence: Definition
Sentence that issues a command
Interrogative Sentence: Definition
Sentences incorporating interrogative pronouns (what, which,
who, whom, and whose).
Litotes: Definition
a particular form of understatement, generated by denying the opposite of the statement
which otherwise would be used.
Premises: Definition
Statements offered as reasons to support a conclusion
Conclusion: Definition
End result of the argument – the main point being made.
Ethos (credibility): Definition
Being convinced by the credibility of the author.
Pathos (emotional): Definition
Persuading by appealing to the reader’s emotions.
Logos (logical): Definition
persuading by the use of reasoning, using true premises and valid arguments.
Ad Hominem: Definition
Personally attacking your opponents instead of their
arguments.
Appeal to Authority: Definition
The claim that because somebody famous supports an idea, the idea must be right.
Appeal to the Bandwagon: Definition
The claim, as evidence for an idea, that many people believe it, or used to believe it, or do it.
Appeal to Emotion: Definition
An attempt to replace a logical argument with an appeal to the audience’s emotions.
Bad Analogy: Definition
Claiming that two situations are highly similar, when they aren’t.
Cliche Thinking: Definition
Using as evidence a well-known saying, as if it is proven, or as if it has no exceptions.
False Cause: Definition
Assuming that because two things happened, the first one caused the second one.
Hasty Generalization: Definition
A generalization based on too little or unrepresentative data.
Non Sequitur: Definition
A conclusion that does not follow from its premises; an invalid argument.
Slippery Slope: Definition
The assumption that once started, a situation will continue to its most extreme possible outcome.
Active Voice: Effect
This is a more direct and preferred style of
writing
Allusion: Effect
Can provide further meaning to a text or make an iconic comment
Alter-ego: Effect
Allows the author to speak their thoughts
Anecdote: Effect
inserted into fictional or non
fictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.
Antecedent: Effect
Allows the reader to know what pronouns are reffering to
Classicism: Effect
Text focuses more on science and reason
Comic Relief: Effect
Lightens the mood in a serious story
Diction: Effect
Word choices can have an effect on the meaning of a text
Colloquial: Effect
Feels like a conversation and makes text more engaging
Connotation: Effect
Affect how the reader feels by using words
Denotation: Effect
Used for meaning and can be used for objective writing
Jargon: Effect
Used to convey hidden meaning in the field the jargon is used in
Vernacular: Effect
Can be used to develop a character or setting
Didactic: Effect
Inform or instruct a reader in moral or political lessons
Adage: Effect
Expresses a general fact or truth about life
Allegory: Effect
Can be used to explain an idea or principle
Aphorism: Effect
Impart sense and wisdom
Ellipsis: Effect
Used for dramatic effect or getting to a point
Euphemism: Effect
Can be used for humor or political correctness
Figurative Language: Effect
Help readers visualize and engage in a text
Analogy: Effect
Builds a connection between pairs of variables
Hyperbole: Effect
Can evoke strong feelings or be used for comedic effect
Idiom: Effect
Can amplify messages or describe them in a creative way
Metaphor: Effect
Can create a verbal picture that helps the reader see ideas
Metonymy: Effect
Creates vivid images
Synecdoche: Effect
Emphasizes the quality of the subject
Simile: Effect
Makes a direct comparison
Synesthesia: Effect
Creates vivid imagery and meaning
Personification: Effect
Lets readers connect to objects or make descriptions more vivid
Foreshadowing: Effect
Creates suspense or convey information about future events
Genre: Effect
Lets readers understand what type of elements are in a story
Gothic: Effect
Creates feelings of fear and dread in the reader.
Imagery: Effect
Creates a picture in the reader’s mind.
Situational Irony: Effect
Can create humor in a situation
Juxtaposition: Effect
Can make a point using comparison
Mood: Effect
Creates atmosphere
Motif: Effect
Contributes to the development of the theme
Oxymoron: Effect
Adds complexity
Pacing: Effect
Determines how fast a story moves
Paradox: Effect
Makes the reader look at an idea in a more innovative way
Parallelism: Effect
adds emphasis, organization, or sometimes pacing to writing.
Anaphora: Effect
helps make the writer’s point more
coherent.
Chiasmus: Effect
make a significant point or quote or to balance sentences
Antithesis: Effect
achieves a contrasting effect
Zuegma (Syllepsis): Effect
creates witty or comical effect
Parenthetical Idea: Effect
Adds clarity or sets off dates and numbers
Parody: Effect
Pokes fun at something for humor
Persona: effect
Gives readers insight into the author’s ideas or beliefs.
Poetic device: Effect
Appeals to senses
Alliteration: Effect
focuses readers’ attention on a particular section of text
Assonance: Effect
grab the reader’s attention and make something intriguing thing that can be remembered for a long time.
Onomatopoeia: Effect
add excitement, action, and interest
Internal rhyme: Effect
employed to heighten the poem’s effects
Slant rhyme: Effect
create a certain rhythm to a poem without using direct rhyme
End rhyme: Effect
give musical effect to the poem or song
Rhyme Scheme: Effect
helps make a poem musical
Meter: Effect
helps set the pace to support the underlying tone
Free Verse: Effect
frees a poem from formal constraints
Iambic pentameter: Effect
a way to add rhythm to the poem in one specific way
Polysyndeton: Effect
used to slow down the pace of the writing and/or add an authoritative tone.
Pun: Effect
Used for humor
Rhetoric: Effect
Increases effect of writing and persuasion
Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle: Effect
Provoke thought or grab attention
Sarcasm: Effect
Creates a bitter and mocking tone
Satire: Effect
Humorous effect
Sentence: Effect
Displays a complete thought
Appositive: Effect
Supplements meaning
Clause: Effect
Expresses a thought
Sonnet: Effect
Contain strong emotions
Rhetorical Question: Effect
Adds emphasis or impact
Romanticism: Effect
Creates focus on idealistic or unrealistic views of the world and nature
Balanced Structure: Effect
Makes an idea easy to remember
Compound sentence: Effect
Add detail to a simple sentence
Complex sentence: Effect
Join two ideas
Cumulative sentence: Effect
Refine the main idea of a sentence
Periodic sentence: Effect
Emphasizes the main idea of a sentence
Simple sentence: Effect
Can be short to make a point or add haste
Declarative sentence: Effect
Gives information
Imperative sentence: Effect
Displays a command
