Rhetorical Devices 7 Flashcards
Didatic
an adjective that describes something as: intended to teach, having moral instruction as a motive, or being done in the manner of a teacher.
Ethos
in writing and speaking, a persuasive appeal to the audience based on the credibility, good character, tec., of the speaker/writer.
Euphemism
from the Greek for “good speech,” euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.
Extended Metaphor
a metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently in or throughout a work.
Generic Convention
this term describes tradition for each genre.
Genre
a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
Homily
this term literally means “sermon,” but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving more or spiritual advice.
Idiom
a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
Imagery
the sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions.
Inference/Infer
To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented
Invective
an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong, abusive language.
Logos
in writing and speaking, a persuasive appeal to the audience based on logic and reason
Loose Sentence/ Non-Periodic-Sentence
a type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses.
Mood
the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.
Motif
repetition of a distinctive feature, dominant idea, or literary device in an artistic or literary composition.
Narrative
the telling of a story or an account of an even or series of events.
Parody
a work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/ or ridicule.
Pathos
in writing and speaking, a persuasive appeal to the audience based on emotion.
Pedantic
an adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish.
