Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Ad Hominem
An argument arising from or appealing to the emotions and not reason of logic directed toward the person rather than the opponent’s idea.
*comes from the Latin meaning “against the man”
Allusion
A reference to a well-known person, place, or thing from literature, history, etc.
Anaphora
Repetition of a word, phrase, or clause AT THE BEGINNING OF TWO OR MORE SENTENCES IN A ROW.
purpose: makes the writer’s point more coherent
Anecdote
a short, simple, narrative of an incident
often used for humorous effect or to make a point
Antithesis
presentation of two contrasting images
The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs.
ex. to be or not to be
Asyndeton
Commas used (with no conjunction) to separate a series of words.
ex. X,Y,Z
Diction
Word choice, an element of style;
purpose: creates tone, attitude, and style, as well as meaning
Epistrophe
repetition of a word or expression AT THE END of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect.
ex. “of the people, by the people, for the people”
Euphemism
a more pleasant way of stating something that may be inappropriate or uncomfortable
Figurative Language
language that contains figures of speech, such as similes and metaphors, in order to create associations that are imaginative rather than literal.
Imagery
Word or phrases that use a collection of images to appeal to one or more of the 5 senses in order to create a mental picture
Irony
A situation or statement which the actual outcome or meaning is the opposite of what was expected.
Metonymy
A figure of speech that uses the name of an object, person, or idea to represent something with which it is associated.
ex. Crown = monarch
* usually not a body part
Non- sequitur
When one statement isn’t logically connected to another
Latin for “it does not follow”
Oxymoron
A figure of speech composed of contradictory WORDS OR PHRASES
ex. wise fool, pretty ugly
