Rhetorical Devices 1
Comparing two things using "like" or "as"
simile
Comparing two things without using "like" or "as"
metaphor
An extreme exaggeration
hyperbole
A word/phrase is repeated more than once for emphasis
repetition
Her hair was as soft as velvet.
Simile
the repetition of the same vowel sounds in words near one another
assonance
giving human characteristics to nonhuman things
personification
a reference to something else that is usually well known
allusion
the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words near one another
alliteration
She had a heart of gold.
metaphor
a comparison of two or more things
contrast
Using similar grammatical structures in multiple phrases or sentences.
parallelism or parallel structure
focuses attention on the writer’s or speaker’s trustworthiness
ethos
the use of description to appeal to the reader’s senses
imagery
Chocolate is my Achilles’ heel.
allusion
how the author feels to towards the characters, subject and audience
tone
acknowledging a counterclaim, admitting that it is valid/true/reasonable
concession
an appeal to the audience’s logic. (uses logical details, examples, facts, statistics, and/or expert testimony)
logos
The feeling/idea that is implied by a word
connotation
The car lights blinked in the distance.
Personification
taking a stance of being morally right in order to be viewed as a good person
moral high ground
a question that is asked in order to make a point rather than elicit an answer
rhetorical question
an appeal to the audience’s emotions (values, desires, hopes, fears, prejudices)
pathos
the skillful use of words to persuade or influence others
rhetoric
“I came, I saw, I conquered.
- Julius Caesar
Parallelism or Parallel Structure