Rhetorical Devices PDF

Rhetorical Devices 1 Anything in RED needs to be copied on your handout 2 Rhetorical Devices Words used in a certain way to help persuade or convince an audience Also used to evoke an emotion on the part of the reader/audience 3 1....

Rhetorical Devices 1 Anything in RED needs to be copied on your handout 2 Rhetorical Devices Words used in a certain way to help persuade or convince an audience Also used to evoke an emotion on the part of the reader/audience 3 1. Alliteration Repeating the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words EX: The Reptile Room, The Wide Window 4 2. Allusion A reference to, or representation of, familiar or historical people, places, events, literary works, myths, or works of art, either directly or by implication: 5 3. Anaphora Deliberate repetition of the first part of a sentence For emphasis or artistic effect EX: It was the best of times. It was the worst of times… EX: I have a dream… I have a dream… 6 4. Antithesis Establishes a clear, contrasting relationship between two ideas by joining them together or juxtaposing them, often in parallel structure 7 5. Anecdote A short story told to illustrate a point EX: Once upon a time, I was at the store when I saw a kid shoplifting… 8 6. Analogy An analogy shows how two different things are similar Close to a logical argument; presenter points out shared characteristics, with the goal of showing that if two things are similar in some ways, they are similar in other ways as well EX: Socks are to feet, as gloves are to hands 9 7. Hyperbole Exaggeration used to evoke strong feelings to create an impression which is not meant to be taken literally EX: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse! 10 8. Imagery Forming mental images of a scene using descriptive words, especially making use of the human senses EX: The red, rusting barn stood crooked on the property. 11 9. Simile A comparison of two things through the use of the words “like” or “as” EX: In my new school, I felt like a fish out of water. 12 10. Metaphor Figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things Typically uses a form of “to be” (is, are, was, were) EX: Her eyes are two blue pools. (Shakespeare) 13 11. Onomatopoeia Words that sound the same as, or similar to what the word means EX: Buzz, purr, yawn 14 12. Parallel Structure Several parts of a sentence or several sentences are expressed similarly to show that the ideas in the parts or sentences are equal in importance. Also adds balance and rhythm, and clarity to the sentence 15 13. Quotations Famous words that were spoken by someone in the past. These words are highlighted in order to lend understanding or credibility to a concept the speaker is conveying. 16 14. Rhetorical Question Question posed to highlight a point not for the purpose of eliciting a response Used for effect or emphasis EX: Do we want things to change? EX: To be or not to be? 17