Rhetorical Devices Definitions
A direct comparison between two things using "like" or "as."
Simile
A comparison between two things.
Metaphor
When someone is searching for something, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Example: Frodo bringing the ring to Mordor
Quest
Someone who leaves home to go on an adventure. This archetype is good.
Example: Miles Morales
Hero
This setting represents paradise, innocence, unspoiled feminine beauty, fertility.
Garden
The emotional appeal to the audience.
Pathos
Use of the same word or phrase multiple times to make an idea clearer and more memorable.
Repetition
Describes a descent, usually of a hero, from a higher to a lower state of being. The hero does not know if they can make it to the end of their journey.
The Fall
An evil person who is involved in wickedness or crime.
Example: Ursula
Villian
This setting represents lack of spirituality, death, hopelessness.
Desert
The credibility or character of the speaker.
Ethos
Logical appeal or the clear and rational presentation of evidence.
Logos
The process by which a character is brought into another sphere of influence - usually into adulthood.
Loss of Innocence or Initiation.
Someone who is blamed for everything, regardless of whether he/she is actually at fault.
Example: Doby from Harry Potter
Scapegoat
This setting causes characters to lose their direction or rational outlook and thus tap into their collective unconscious.
Forest
A question asked for effect when no real answer is expected.
Rhetorical question
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Hyperbole
Descent into darkness, followed by a return to light - usually, knowledge has been gained through the experience.
Night Journey
Someone who crosses both physical and social boundaries-- often a traveler, and often breaks societal rules.
Example: Anansi
Trickster
A place to gain great insight, or be able to see "above" the current problem.
Mountains and Peaks
Two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Juxtaposition
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art.
Allusion
BONUS CATEGORY
What is an archetype?
A universal symbol that evokes deep and sometimes unconscious responses in a reader.
A nagging, bothersome wife.
Example: Katherine from 10 Things I Hate About You
Shrew
A place that the character goes to when “invisible” or inactive, perhaps even for a metaphorical death.
Cave