Rhetorical Devices E & F

the choices a writer makes; the combination of distinctive features of a literary work

a three-part deductive argument in which a conclusion is based on a major premise and a minor premise (“All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal”).

an object that is used to represent something else

using one part of an object to represent the entire object (for example, referring to a car simply as “wheels”)

the manner in which words are arranged into sentences

needless repetition which adds no meaning or understanding (“widow woman,” “free gift”)

a central idea of a work

the primary position taken by a writer or speaker

the attitude of a writer, usually implied, toward the subject or audience

the subject treated in a paragraph or work

the deliberate representation of something as lesser in magnitude than it actually is; a deliberate under-emphasis.

the everyday speech of a particular country or region, often involving nonstandard usage

strongly opposed feeling; showing intense disagreement

acid in temper, tone, or mood

simultaneously having opposing feelings; uncertain

having or showing little or no feeling or emotion

characterized by warmth of feeling expressed in eager support or activity

fearlessly daring; recklessly bold; adventurous

stern and cold in appearance or manner; morally strict

lacking adult sophistication; immature

impulsive and unpredictable

designed to teach; intended to convey instruction and information

disdainfully proud; blatantly arrogant

unfit; lacking sense or reason; foolish; generally incompetent; bungling

lacking qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge; dull, flat

an intensely vehement, highly emotional verbal attack

depressed, very sad

characterized by an excessive display of learning or scholarship.

overused and hackneyed

exhibiting great intensity of feeling