Rhetoric Flashcards
Alliteration
Repetition of the same sound beginning several words in sequence.
“Let us go forth to lead the land we love.”
Anadiplosis
The rhetorical repetition of one or several words; specifically, repetition of a word that ends one clause at the beginning of the next.
“Men in great place are thrice servants: servants of the sovereign or state; servants of fame; and servants of business.” Francis Bacon
Anaphora
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines.
*We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans…”
Antistrophe
Repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.
*In 1931, ten years ago, Japan invaded Manchukuo – without warning. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia – without warning. In 1938, Hitler occupied Austria – without warning. In 1939, Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia – without warning.”
Antithesis
Opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in a balanced or parallel construction.
*Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” Barry Goldwater
Aporia
expression of doubt (often feigned) by which a speaker appears uncertain as to what he should think, say, or do.
“Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do?’
Assonance
Repetition of the same sound in words close to each other.
*Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”
Asyndeton
lack of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words.
“We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
Cacophony
Harsh joining of sounds.
*We want no parlay with you and your grisly gang who work your wicked will.”
Catachresis
A harsh metaphor involving the use of a word beyond its strict sphere.
“I listen vainly, but with thirsty ear.”
Hendiadys
Use of two words connected by a conjunction, instead of subordinating one to the other, to express a single complex idea.
“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.”
Litotes
understatement, for intensification, by denying the contrary of the thing being affirmed.
“War is not healthy for children and other living things.”
Metonymy
“He is a man of the cloth.”
Praeteritio
Pretended omission for rhetorical effect. Better to call out than to do.
“That part of our history detailing the military achievements which gave us our several possessions.”
Synecdoche
understanding one thing with another; the use of a part for the whole, or the whole for the part.
The U.S. won three gold medals. (Instead of, The members of the U.S. boxing team won three gold medals.)
