Rhetorical Terms Quiz 4 Flashcards
ellipsis
Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.
elliptical construction
A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words, In the sentence, “May was hot and June the same,” the verb was is omitted from the second clause.
empathy
A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.
epic
A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.
epigram
A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement. short, pithy
euphony
Pleasing, harmonious sounds.
epithet
An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing; sun-bright topaz, sun-lit lake, and sun-bright lake are examples.
eponymous
A term for the title character of a work of literature.
euphemism
A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.
exegesis
A detailed analysis or interpretation of prose or poetry.
expose
literature that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings.
exposition
The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.
explication
The interpretation or analysis of a text.
extended metaphor
a series of comparisons between two unlike objects.
fable
A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn.
fallacy, fallacious reasoning
An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.
fantasy
A story containing unreal, imaginary features.
farce
A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.
figure of speech, figurative language
In contrast to literal language, figurative language implies meanings. Figures of speech include, among many others, metaphor, simile, and personification.
frame
A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative or other discourse.
Example: a group of pilgrims exchanging stories while on the road is the frame for Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
genre
A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay.
harangue
A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.
