Rhetorical Figures Identification

How to Identify a Rhetorical Figure

• A rhetorical figure requires two essential characteristics: a discernible structure independent of content and a unique use that attracts attention.
• Any structure can potentially become a figure depending on its usage, but uncommon usage alone does not justify it as a figure.
• A structure must be isolatable and recognizable to be considered a figure, and its usage must be regarded as unusual.

The Argumentative Function of Rhetorical Figures

• A figure is considered argumentative if it changes the perspective and seems normal in relation to the new situation.
• If a figure does not bring about adherence to an argumentative form, it is considered an embellishment, a figure of style.
• It is impossible to determine in advance if a structure is a figure or not, or if it will be argumentative or stylistic.

Effect-Related Classification of Rhetorical Figures

• Perelman and Olbrecths-Tyteca propose a classification of rhetorical figures based on their possible effects within an argumentative process.
• They identify three types of effect-related rhetorical figures:
  • Figures of Choice: impose or suggest a choice.
  • Figures of Presence: increase the impression of presence.
  • Figures of Communion: bring about communion with the audience.

Figures of Choice

• Figures of choice make use of a structure to bring to the fore certain aspects of a topic.
• Examples of figures of choice include:
  • Oratorical definition: uses a definition to highlight certain aspects of a topic.
  • Metonymy: uses the name of one thing for another with which it is associated.
  • Synecdoche: uses a part for the whole or the whole for a part.
  • Antonomasia: uses a common name for a proper name or a proper name for a common name.
  • Prolepsis/Anticipation: aims to hint at substituting one qualification for another that might have raised objections.
  • Reprehensio: stresses the legitimacy of a choice when checking oneself.

Figures of Presence

• Figures of presence aim to increase the impression of presence.
• Examples of figures of presence include:
  • Anaphora: repetition of the first words in two successive sentences.
  • Aggregation: amplification through enumeration of parts.
  • Synonymy (Metabolè): repetition of a single idea using different words.
  • Interpretatio: explanation of one expression by another to increase presence.
  • Hypotyposis: creates a powerful impression of presence, especially through syntactical substitution of one verb tense for another.

Figures of Communion

• Figures of communion aim to bring about communion with the audience.
• Examples of figures of communion include:
  • Allusion: deliberately incomplete passage or statement that evokes something without naming it.

Rhetorical Figures in Design

• Rhetorical figures are implicitly rooted in how designers shape, organize, and discuss subjects of their disciplines and professional activities.
• Designers can use rhetorical figures to define and communicate their design subjects and practices.