Rhetorical Devices - 2 Flashcards
Denotation
The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color
Diction
Related to style, diction refers to the writer’s word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness
Didactic
Literally means “teaching,” these works have the primary aim or teaching or instructing, especially of teaching of moral or ethical principles
Epistrophe
The opposite of anaphora, repetition at the end of successive clauses; “they saw no evil, they spoke no evil, and they heard no evil”
Euphemism
From the Greek for “good speech,” they are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept
Exposition
In essays, one of the four chief types of composition, the other being argumentation, description, and narration, the purpose is to explain something
Extended metaphor
A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work
Figurative language
Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid
Generic conventions
Describes traditions for each genre, these help to define each genre
Genre
The major category into which a literary work fits; basic divisions are poetry, prose, and drama
Homily
This term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice
Hyperbole
A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement
Imagery
The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions
Figure of speech
A device used to produce figurative language; many compare dissimilar things
