Rhetorical Devices Flashcards
Periodic sentence
The main idea (subject) is put off to the end of the sentence
Analogy
Transfer of logic from the familiar to the unfamiliar through a comparison of properties/ characteristic relationships
Accumulative sentence
(Loose sentence) subject first with long prepositions/ dependent clauses trailing.
Hypothetical example
“Suppose that ____” usually elicited drama or emotion
Generalized example
One that is the composite of the typical / usual (“all of us____”)
Typical case example
Actual event that occurred (news report, etc)
Tenor
Comparative relationships in metaphors and similes… An idea being expressed
Vehicle
Image by which idea conveyed… Words
Epigraph
Quotation that shows up at beginning of work that summarizes ideas abstractly
Rhetoric
Argument; trying to find truth and convince others of it
Rhetoric purpose
Reason a rhetorican includes something or crafts something in a particular manner
Subordinate clause
(Dependent clause) implies less power/ importance/ more reliance on other clauses
Subordinating conjunction
Reason for calling it a subordinate clause (one word)
Conjunctive adverb
Do not introduce subordinate clauses.. Show relationship of 1 sentence to another… Needs comma (ie hopefully therefore nevertheless)
Coordinating conjunction
Connect independent clauses… Don’t need commas after them (fanboys)
SOAPSTONE
Subject occasion audience purpose speaker tone
Aphorism/ maxim
Pithy, short statement of a supposed truth (something you would put on a bumper sticker)
Parallel structure
Using the same pattern to draw attention to, or build emphasis for, a set of ideas. It may occur at the phrase of clause level
Anaphora
Repitition of a sequence of words at the beginning of neighboring phrases or clauses
Epiphora
Repitition of a sequence of words at the end of neighboring phrases or clauses
Antithesis
A form of parallelism where phrases of clauses in parallel structure are set in direct contrast to each other
Ethos
Character and credibility
Logos
Logic
Pathos
Feelings and emotions
Description
(Mode) to detail what a person, place, or object is like
Narration
(Mode) to relate an event telling a story
Illustration
(Mode) provides specific instances of examples
Division-classification
(Mode) to divide something into parts / to group related things to categories
Process analysis
(Mode) to explain how something happens/ how something is done
Comparison-contrast
(Mode) to point out similarities and / or dissimilarities
Cause-effect
(Mode) to analyze reasons and consequences
Definition
(Mode) to explain the meaning of a term/ concept
Persuasion
(Mode) to win ppl over with a p.o.v
Allusion
Casual, often indirect reference in literature to something else (another work, movie, etc). Allows author to bring emotion, association, etc in without taking up much space because of the connotation the allusion creates
Verbal irony
Sarcasm
Understatement
Intentionally diminishing the description to imply the opposite
Hyperbole
Intentionally over - exaggerating the description to imply the opposite
Figurative language
Extended metaphor/ analogy
Objective description
Straightforward and literal description; doesn’t reveal your own attitude or feelings
Subjective description
Highly personal, strong emotional response from audience
Concrete language / diction
Appeal to physical senses (very specific)
Abstract language / diction
Doesn’t appeal to senses (more broad// emotional)
Symbolism
Anything that represents more than itself
Line and form
How the lines and forms contribute to the message
Movement
Where your eyes go first, next, etc
Shadow/ light
How do they work together to highlight or bring to the forefront images?
Contrast/ continuance
A message in difference or similarity
Text
How it works with the image
Depth
What’s in the forefront / background
