Rhetorical Devices Quiz

Question 1

Alliteration

Answer 1

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in close proximity.

Example: “Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation…” (from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech)

Question 2

Allusion

Answer 2

A direct or indirect reference to usually well-known persons, artistic works, places, events, etc.

Example: He was like a heartbroken Romeo searching for his Juliet.

Question 3

Anaphora

Answer 3

Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or paragraphs.

Example:

“When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that’s something.

When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body - it’s a blessing.

When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed - that’s the finest I know” (Lou Gehrig’s “Farewell to Baseball” Speech).

Question 4

Epistrophe

Answer 4

Repeating the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or paragraphs.

Example: “And that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth” (Abraham Lincoln, “The Gettysburg Address”).

Question 5

Euphemism

Answer 5

Substitution of a milder or less direct expression for one that is harsh or blunt.

Example: “passed away” instead of “dead.”

Question 6

Hyperbole

Answer 6

An overstatement characterized by exaggerated language.

Example: “The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars. / As daylight doth a lamp” (from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet).

Question 7

Juxtaposition

Answer 7

Placing two contrasting images or ideas next to each other for dramatic effect.

Example: “This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity” (Martin Luther King – “I Have a Dream” Speech).

Question 8

Metaphor

Answer 8

A comparison that does not use “like” or “as.”

Question 9

Parallelism

Answer 9

Recurrent syntactical similarity where several parts of a sentence or several sentences are expressed alike to show that the ideas are of equal importance. It also adds balance, rhythm, and clarity to the sentence.

Example: “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” (John F. Kennedy).