Rhetorical Analysis Terms

Question 1

Analogy

Answer 1

a method of development that explains something abstract or difficult to understand by comparing it to something simpler and more concrete, with which the reader is likely to be familiar

Question 2

Cause and Effect

Answer 2

a seemingly simple method of development in which either the cause of a particular effect or the effects of a particular cause are investigated. However, because of the philosophical difficulties surrounding casualty, the writer should be cautious in ascribing causes

Question 3

Classification/Division

Answer 3

the division of a whole into the classes that comprise it; or the placement of a subject into the whole of which it is a part

Question 4

Comparison and Contrast

Answer 4

is the presentation of a subject by indicating similarities between two or more things (comparison); by indicating differences (contrast). The basic elements in a comparative process, then, are (1) the terms of the comparison, or the various objects compared. Often comparison and contrast are used in definition and other methods of exposition

Question 5

Definition

Answer 5

in logic, is the placing of the word to be defined in a general class and then showing how it differs from other members of the class; in rhetoric, it is the meaningful extension (usually enriched by the use of detail, concrete illustration, anecdote, metaphor) of a logical definition in order to answer fully, clearly, and often implicitly the question, “What is _____?”

Question 6

Example/Illustration

Answer 6

is the use of a particular member of a class to explain or dramatize a class, a type, a thing, a person, a method, an idea, or a condition. The idea explained may be either stated or implied. For purposes of illustration, the individual member of a class must be a fair representation of the distinctive qualities of the class. The use of illustrations, examples, and specific instances adds to the concreteness and vividness of writing

Question 7

Narration

Answer 7

is reviewing a sequence of events. Narration is more intent on representing what happened than explaining why it happened

Question 8

Process Analysis

Answer 8

is a method of exposition by logical sequence, applicable to any process, from mining coal to writing a poem. Processes may be described technically and factually or impressionistically and selectively. In the latter method the steps in the sequence are organized in relation to a single governing idea so that the mutually supporting function of each of the components in the total structure becomes clear to the reader. Processes may be explained in terms of their characteristic function. Analysis may also be concerned with the connection of events; given this condition or series of conditions, what effects will follow

Question 9

Antithesis

Answer 9

is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, often in parallel structure. The contrast may be in words or in ideas or both. When used well, can be very effective, even witty.

Question 10

Isocolon

Answer 10

is a scheme of a parallel construction which occurs when the parallel elements are similar in not only grammatical structure but also in length (# of words, or even # of syllables). This is very effective, but a little goes a long way.

Question 11

Parallelism

Answer 11

is similarity of structure in a pair of series of related words, phrases, or clauses. This basic principle of grammar or rhetoric demands that equivalent things be set forth in coordinate grammatical structure: nouns with nouns, infinitives with infinitives, and adverb clauses with adverb clauses.

Question 12

Anastrophe

Answer 12

is inversion of the natural or usual word order. This deviation can emphasize a point or it can just sound awkward. It is most effective if the author rarely writes awkwardly, because then it draws special attention to the inverted phrase.

Question 13

Apposition

Answer 13

is placing side by side two coordinate elements, the second of which serves as an explanation or modification of the first. In grammar, this is the appositive (noun or noun phrase that parallels another and adds information) or noun cluster

Question 14

Parenthesis

Answer 14

is inversion of some verbal unit in a position that interrupts the normal syntactical flow of the sentence. One obvious way to use parenthesis is to use the punctuation, parentheses. However, there are other ways to insert a comment into a sentence. One might use commas or dashes, for example. The parenthetical remark, however, is off on a tangent, cut off from the thrust of the sentence and grammatically unrelated to the sentence

Question 15

Asyndeton

Answer 15

is the deliberate omission of conjunctions between a series of related clauses. The effect of this device is to produce a hurried rhythm in the sentence. This builds momentum and tension.

Question 16

Ellipsis

Answer 16

is the deliberate omission of a word or of words which are readily implied by the context. While this can make clear, economical sentences, if the understood words are grammatically incompatible, the resulting sentence may be awkward

Question 17

Alliteration

Answer 17

the initial or medial consonants in two or more adjacent words. Used sparingly, alliteration provides emphasis. Overused, it sounds silly.

Question 18

Anadiplosis

Answer 18

is the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause

Question 19

Anaphora

Answer 19

is the repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses. This device produces a strong emotional effect, especially in speech. It also establishes a marked change in rhythm.

Question 20

Antimetabole

Answer 20

is the repetition of words, in successive clauses, in reverse grammatical order.

Question 21

Assonance

Answer 21

is the repetition of similar vowel sounds, preceded and followed by different consonants, in stressed syllables of adjacent words

Question 22

Chiasmus

Answer 22

is reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses. Is similar to antimetabole in that it too involves a reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses, but it is unlike antimetabole in that it does not involve a repetition of words. Both can be used to reinforce antithesis

Question 23

Climax

Answer 23

is the arrangement of words, phrases or clauses in an order of increasing importance

Question 24

Epanalepsis

Answer 24

is the repetition at the end of clause of the word that occurred at the beginning of the clause. Like other schemes of repetition, it often produces or expresses strong emotion.