Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
What is anaphora?
repetition of word / phrase used at the beginning of successive clauses / sentences
EFFECT : draw attention to message
What is hypophora?
question raised and answered by author / speaker
EFFECT : draw attention & curiosity
+ introduce new discussion topic
What is parallelism?
successive clauses / sentences similarly structured
EFFECT : easier for audience to concentrate on message
What are rhetorical questions?
question with no direct answer
EFFECT : provoke / emphasis / argue
What is antithesis?
contrasting relationship btw 2 ideas (usually similarly structured)
EFFECT : draw attention
What is parenthesis?
additional information
brackets, commas or dashes
What is allusion?
indirect references to a person / place / event or literary piece
EFFECT : explain / clarify complex topic
familiar allusions = no lengthy explanations + engage readers (reflection) + makes message stick
What is repetition?
repeats same words / phrases to make an idea clearer and more memorable
EFFECT : emphasise its significance throughout the text
What is tricolon?
3 parallel clauses / phrases / words which come in quick succession wtout interruption
What is polysyndeton?
several coordinating conjunctions used in succession
polysyndeton comes from Greek word = bound together
What is juxtaposition?
the fact of 2 things being seen / placed close together wt contrasting effect
How does sentence length have an affect?
short sentences = punch
excess short sentences = no punch
SO VARY SENTENCE LENGTH
What is appeal?
defined by Aristotle
appeal to logos
appeal to ethos
appeal to pathos
What is ehtos?
“character”
used to describe guiding beliefs / ideals that characterise a community / nation / ideology
Greeks also used it to refer tot he power of music (influence emotions / behavious / morals)
What is pathos?
quality that evokes emotion (normally pity / sadness)
