Rhetorical Terms Quiz 4

Question 1

ellipsis

Answer 1

Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.

Question 2

elliptical construction

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

empathy

Answer 3

A feeling of association or identification with an object or person.

Question 4

epic

Answer 4

A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.

Question 5

epigram

Answer 5

A concise but ingenious, witty, and thoughtful statement. short, pithy

Question 6

euphony

Answer 6

Pleasing, harmonious sounds.

Question 7

epithet

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

eponymous

Answer 8

A term for the title character of a work of literature.

Question 9

euphemism

Answer 9

A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.

Question 10

exegesis

Answer 10

A detailed analysis or interpretation of prose or poetry.

Question 11

expose

Answer 11

literature that reveals weaknesses, faults, frailties, or other shortcomings.

Question 12

exposition

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

explication

Answer 13

The interpretation or analysis of a text.

Question 14

extended metaphor

Answer 14

a series of comparisons between two unlike objects.

Question 15

fable

Answer 15

A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn.

Question 16

fallacy, fallacious reasoning

Answer 16

An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data, defective evidence, or false information.

Question 17

fantasy

Answer 17

A story containing unreal, imaginary features.

Question 18

farce

Answer 18

A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness, although it may have a serious, scornful purpose.

Question 19

figure of speech, figurative language

Answer 19

In contrast to literal language, figurative language implies meanings. Figures of speech include, among many others, metaphor, simile, and personification.

Question 20

frame

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

genre

Answer 21

A term used to describe literary forms, such as novel, play, and essay.

Question 22

harangue

Answer 22

A forceful sermon, lecture, or tirade.