Rhetorical Devices C & D

the use of figures of speech to create vivid images that appeal to one of the senses

a suggestion an author or speaker makes (implies) without stating it directly. NOTE: the author/sender implies; the reader/audience infers.

deriving general principles from particular facts or instances (“Every cat I have ever seen has four legs; cats are four-legged animals).

a conclusion one draws (infers) based on premises or evidence

the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; or, incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs

the specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession

placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast

a concise statement, often offering advice; an adage

a direct comparison of two different things

substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it (“The pen [writing] is mightier than the sword [war/fighting]”)

the emotional atmosphere of a work

an inference that does not follow logically from the premises (literally, “does not follow”).

an apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth

the use of corresponding grammatical or syntactical forms

a restatement of a text in a different form or in different words, often for the purpose of clarity

a humorous imitation of a serious work

the quality in a work that prompts the reader to feel pity

the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural

a play on words, often achieved through the use of words with similar sounds but different meanings

the art of presenting ideas in a clear, effective, and persuasive manner

a question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer

literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression

harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule

the use of humor to emphasize human weaknesses or imperfections in social institutions

a comparison of two things using “like,” “as,” or other specifically comparative words.

a sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause

the arrangement or framework of a sentence, paragraph, or entire work