Rhetorical Device Quiz 2

Question 1

ambiguity

Answer 1

the multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage

Question 2

apostrophe

Answer 2

a figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or personified abstraction, such as liberty or love (talking to something you can’t actually talk to)

Question 3

digression

Answer 3

to move away from the main subject of discussion or the main argument in a piece of writing

Question 4

generic convention

Answer 4

traditions for each genre: conventions that help to define each genre (generic –> of the genre, specific jargon)

Question 5

oxymoron

Answer 5

from the Greek for “pointedly foolish”, a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox (i.e. “jumbo shrimp”)

Question 6

paradox

Answer 6

a statement that seems absurd or even contradictory but that often expresses a deeper truth

Question 7

sarcasm

Answer 7

from the Greek meaning “to tear flesh”, involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something

Question 8

satire

Answer 8

a work that targets human vices and follies, or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule; regardless of wether or not the work aims to reform humans or their society, it is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing (supposed to make you think)

Question 9

zeugma

Answer 9

a rhetorical term for the use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use may be grammatically or logically correct with only one

Question 10

kleos

Answer 10

renown, honor, glory, and fair reputation achieved through great deeds – especially battle, but to a lesser degree the Olympic games, poetry contests, and literature