Rhetorical Devices

Simile and Metaphor Simile: A comparison of two completely different things that resemble each other in at least one way. Similes use “like” or “as” in their comparisons. The reader’s job is to figure out the connection and what the author is trying to imply through this comparison. Examples: Talking in front of crowds is like getting a root canal. Life is like a box of chocolates. The moon was like a silver balloon.

Metaphor: A comparison of two completely different things WITHOUT using “like” or “as.” Examples: We are the trees that bend in the winds of change. My dog is the rock in our ever-changing family.

Alliteration Alliteration: The recurrence of initial consonant sounds. It is often used in poetry. Examples: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers (the initial “p” sound is repeated) She sells seashells by the seashore

Personification Personification: Giving an animal or inanimate object human attributes/qualities. Forces the reader to use his/her imagination. Helps to create imagery for the reader. More interesting to read than an ordinary description of events. Examples: The angry clouds in the hateful sky cruelly spat down on the poor man who had forgotten his umbrella. The trees waved softly to me as I walked home from school.

Hyberbole Hyperbole: A deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. It should NOT be overused or interpreted literally. Examples: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. There are a thousand reasons why more research is needed on solar energy.

Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia: The use of words to represent sounds. Helps to establish imagery for the reader. Examples: I heard the crack, crack of the tree limb just before it fell. The loud bang of the gun scared all the nearby children.

Asyndeton and Polysyndeton Asyndeton: Conjunctions are omitted in phrases and sentences. Gives the impression that the idea goes on infinitely and does not end Examples: She likes pickles, olives, raisins, dates, pretzels. (No use of “and”) I came, I saw, I conquered.

Polysyndeton: The use of a conjunction between each word, phrase or clause. Used to emphasize the information being presented. Examples: They read and studied and wrote and drilled. It was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights or windows broken and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown around.

Metonymy Metonymy: A metaphorical image or symbol is personified. Examples: The orders came directly from the White House. (The White House is used as a symbol for the President of the United States.) The pen is mightier than the sword. (The pen is a symbol for language/discussion. The sword is a symbol for aggression/violence/military power.)

Epistrophe Epistrophe: The repetition of words or phrases at the ends of sentences or clauses. Examples: I want the best, we need the best, and we deserve the best. (“the best” is repeated at the end of each portion of the sentence.) … a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Anaphora Anaphora: Repetition of words or phrases at the beginnings of successive sentences or clauses. Examples: If only I hadn’t gone to market that day, if only I hadn’t dropped my bag, if only we hadn’t met. With malice toward none. With charity for all. With firmness in the right.