Rhetorical Terms
What is the author's attitude toward his subject often referred to in literature?
Tone
The interpretive level of a word based on its associated images rather than its literal meaning.
Connotation
What is a sustained comparison, often referred to as a conceit. This type of literary element is developed throughout a piece of writing.
Extended Metaphor
What is a verbally abusive attack called?
Invective
What is the repetition or variations of an image or idea in a work used to develop theme or characters called?
Motif
What is a work that functions on a symbolic level called?
Allegory
What is the process of moving from a general rule to a specific example called?
Deduction
What is an extreme exaggeration?
Hyperbole
What is an unexpected twist or contrast between what happens and what was intended or expected to happen?
Irony
A word that sounds like the sound they represent.
Onomatopoiea
What is a reference to another literary work called?
Allusion
This rhetorical strategy helps author's create tone, attitude, and style, as well as meaning through word choice.
Diction
What is the total effect of related sensory images in a work of literature?
Imagery
What appeal deals with the process of reasoning?
Logic
An image of contradictory term
Oxymoron
What is the presentation of two contrasting images called? Hint: The ideas are balanced by word, phrase, clause, or paragraphs.
Antithesis
A piece of writing whose purpose is to instruct or to teach. Hint: A ______________ work is usually formal and focuses on moral or ethical concerns.
Didactic
What is the process that moves from a given series of specifics to generalizations called?
Induction
What is a direct comparison between dissimilar things called?
Metaphor
The persuasive technique of a literary work that elicit pity/emotion from the audience?
Pathos
What is the relationship an author has toward his or her subject, and/or his or her audience called?
Attitude
What is a more acceptable and usually more pleasant way of saying something?
Euphemism
What is a conclusion one can draw from the presented details called?
Inference
What is a figure of speech in which a representative term is used for a larger idea called?
Metonymy
The assigning of human qualities to inanimate objects or concepts.
Personification