Rhetorical Devices Adapted from the Web Sites of James Tomlinson and Robert Harris

Alliteration Repetition of the initial consonant sounds beginning several words in sequence. Repetition of the initial consonant sounds beginning several words in sequence. "....we shall not falter, we shall not fail." (President G.W. Bush Address to Congress following Terrorist Attacks.) "....we shall not falter, we shall not fail." (President G.W. Bush Address to Congress following Terrorist Attacks.) "Let us go forth to lead the land we love.“ "Let us go forth to lead the land we love.“ (President J. F. Kennedy, Inaugural 1961) (President J. F. Kennedy, Inaugural 1961) "Veni, vidi, vici.“ "Veni, vidi, vici.“ (Julius Caesar - “I came, I saw, I conquered”) (Julius Caesar - “I came, I saw, I conquered”)

Allusion Allusion is a short, informal reference to a famous person or event: Allusion is a short, informal reference to a famous person or event: “You must borrow me Gargantua's mouth first. 'Tis a word too great for any mouth of this age's size.” -Shakespeare “Plan ahead: it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.” --Richard Cushing

Anadiplosis (“Doubling back") The rhetorical repetition of one or several words; specifically, repetition of a word that ends one clause at the beginning of the next. (“Doubling back") The rhetorical repetition of one or several words; specifically, repetition of a word that ends one clause at the beginning of the next. "Men in great place are thrice servants: servants of the sovereign or state; servants of fame; and servants of business.“ "Men in great place are thrice servants: servants of the sovereign or state; servants of fame; and servants of business.“ (Francis Bacon)

Anaphora The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines. The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses or lines. "We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender." "We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender." (British Prime Minister Winston Churchill)

Antithesis Opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in a balanced or parallel construction. Opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in a balanced or parallel construction. "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." (Barry Goldwater - Republican Candidate for President 1964) "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." (Barry Goldwater - Republican Candidate for President 1964) "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more". (Brutus in: " Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare) "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more". (Brutus in: " Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare)

Aporia Expression of doubt (often feigned) by which a speaker appears uncertain as to what he should think, say, or do. Expression of doubt (often feigned) by which a speaker appears uncertain as to what he should think, say, or do. "Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do?" "Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do?" (Bible: Luke 16)

Apostrophe A turn from the general audience to address a specific group or person or personified abstraction absent or present. A turn from the general audience to address a specific group or person or personified abstraction absent or present. "For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him". (Mark Antony in Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare) "For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him". (Mark Antony in Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare)

Appositive Appositive: a noun or noun substitute placed next to (in apposition to) another noun to be described or defined by the appositive. Don't think that appositives are for subjects only and that they always follow the subject. The appositive can be placed before or after any noun: Appositive: a noun or noun substitute placed next to (in apposition to) another noun to be described or defined by the appositive. Don't think that appositives are for subjects only and that they always follow the subject. The appositive can be placed before or after any noun: “Henry Jameson, the boss of the operation, always wore a red baseball cap.” [This shows the subject (Henry Jameson) with the appositive (the boss of the operation) following the subject. “Henry Jameson, the boss of the operation, always wore a red baseball cap.” [This shows the subject (Henry Jameson) with the appositive (the boss of the operation) following the subject. “A notorious annual feast, the picnic was well attended.” [Here, the appositive (notorious annual feast) is in front of the subject (the picnic).] “A notorious annual feast, the picnic was well attended.” [Here, the appositive (notorious annual feast) is in front of the subject (the picnic).]

Assonance Repetition of the same vowel sounds in words close to each other. Repetition of the same vowel sounds in words close to each other. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.“ "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.“ (The Lord's Prayer) “Its quick soft silver bell beating, beating…” “Its quick soft silver bell beating, beating…” (Karl Shapiro, “Auto Wreck”)

Asyndeton Lack of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words. Lack of conjunctions between coordinate phrases, clauses, or words. "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." (J. F. Kennedy, Inaugural) "We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." (J. F. Kennedy, Inaugural) "But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.“ "But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.“ (President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address) (President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)

Cacophony Harsh joining of sounds Harsh joining of sounds "We want no parlay with you and your grisly gang who work your wicked will." (British Prime Minister Winston Churchill -referring to Hitler.) "We want no parlay with you and your grisly gang who work your wicked will." (British Prime Minister Winston Churchill -referring to Hitler.) “A toad the power mower caught, Chewed and clipped of a leg, with a hobbling hop has got” “A toad the power mower caught, Chewed and clipped of a leg, with a hobbling hop has got” ("The Death of a Toad" by Richard Wilbur) ("The Death of a Toad" by Richard Wilbur)

Catachresis A harsh metaphor involving the use of a word beyond its strict sphere. A harsh metaphor involving the use of a word beyond its strict sphere. "I listen vainly, but with thirsty ear." (General Douglas MacArthur, Farewell Address) "I listen vainly, but with thirsty ear." (General Douglas MacArthur, Farewell Address) 'Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse” 'Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse” (Shakespeare, Timon of Athens) (Shakespeare, Timon of Athens)

Chiasmus Two corresponding pairs arranged not in parallels (A-B-A-B) but in inverted order (A-B-B-A); from shape of the Greek letter chi (X). Two corresponding pairs arranged not in parallels (A-B-A-B) but in inverted order (A-B-B-A); from shape of the Greek letter chi (X). "Those gallant men will remain often in my thoughts and in my prayers always." (General Douglas MacArthur) "Those gallant men will remain often in my thoughts and in my prayers always." (General Douglas MacArthur) "Renown'd for conquest, and in council skill'd." (Marcus Tullius Cicero) "Renown'd for conquest, and in council skill'd." (Marcus Tullius Cicero)

Climax Arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of ascending power. Often the last emphatic word in one phrase or clause is repeated as the first emphatic word of the next. Arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of ascending power. Often the last emphatic word in one phrase or clause is repeated as the first emphatic word of the next. "One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." (Tennyson, " Ulysses") "One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." (Tennyson, " Ulysses")

Epistrophe Repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. Repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. "In 1931, ten years ago, Japan invaded Manchukuo -- without warning. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia -- without warning. In 1938, Hitler occupied Austria -- without warning. In 1939, Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia -- without warning. Later in 1939, Hitler invaded Poland -- without warning. And now Japan has attacked Malaya and Thailand -- and the United States --without warning." (President Franklin D. Roosevelt ) "In 1931, ten years ago, Japan invaded Manchukuo -- without warning. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia -- without warning. In 1938, Hitler occupied Austria -- without warning. In 1939, Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia -- without warning. Later in 1939, Hitler invaded Poland -- without warning. And now Japan has attacked Malaya and Thailand -- and the United States --without warning." (President Franklin D. Roosevelt )

Eponym Eponym substitutes for a particular attribute the name of a famous person recognized for that attribute. By their nature eponyms often border on the cliche, but many times they can be useful without seeming too obviously trite. Eponym substitutes for a particular attribute the name of a famous person recognized for that attribute. By their nature eponyms often border on the cliche, but many times they can be useful without seeming too obviously trite. “Is he smart? Why, the man is a young Einstein.” “Is he smart? Why, the man is a young Einstein.” “ I only managed to get a few bucks off of that Scrooge.” “ I only managed to get a few bucks off of that Scrooge.”

Euphemism The substitution of an agreeable or at least non-offensive expression for one whose plainer meaning might be harsh or unpleasant. The substitution of an agreeable or at least non-offensive expression for one whose plainer meaning might be harsh or unpleasant. Examples: Euphemisms for " stupid" A few fries short of a Happy Meal. The lights are on but no one’s home. One Fruit Loop shy of a full bowl. All foam, no beer. The cheese slid off his cracker.

Hyperbole Exaggeration for emphasis or for rhetorical effect. Exaggeration for emphasis or for rhetorical effect. "If you call me that name again, I'm going to explode!" "If you call me that name again, I'm going to explode!" “I nearly died laughing.” “I nearly died laughing.”

(Verbal) Irony Expression of something which is contrary to the intended meaning; the words say one thing but mean another. Expression of something which is contrary to the intended meaning; the words say one thing but mean another. “Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man. “ (Shakespeare's Mark Antony in Julius Caesar) “Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man. “ (Shakespeare's Mark Antony in Julius Caesar)

Litotes Litotes, a particular form of understatement, is generated by denying the opposite or contrary of the word which otherwise would be used. Compare the difference between these statements: Litotes, a particular form of understatement, is generated by denying the opposite or contrary of the word which otherwise would be used. Compare the difference between these statements: “Heat waves are common in the summer.” “Heat waves are common in the summer.” “Heat waves are not rare in the summer.” “Heat waves are not rare in the summer.” Some other examples: Some other examples: “Hitting that telephone pole certainly didn't do your car any good.” “Hitting that telephone pole certainly didn't do your car any good.” “The flavors of the mushrooms, herbs, and spices combine to make the dish not at all disagreeable to the palate.” “The flavors of the mushrooms, herbs, and spices combine to make the dish not at all disagreeable to the palate.”

Metaphor Implied comparison achieved through a figurative use of words; the word is used not in its literal sense, but in one analogous to it. Implied comparison achieved through a figurative use of words; the word is used not in its literal sense, but in one analogous to it. *Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player, *Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage. " (Shakespeare, Macbeth ) “From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.” “From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.” (W. Churchill) (W. Churchill)

Oxymoron Apparent paradox achieved by the juxtaposition of words which seem to contradict one another. Apparent paradox achieved by the juxtaposition of words which seem to contradict one another. “I must be cruel only to be kind.“ “I must be cruel only to be kind.“ (Shakespeare, Hamlet) "Hurts so good…“ "Hurts so good…“ (John Cougar Melancamp) “Jumbo Shrimp” “Jumbo Shrimp”

Paradox An assertion seemingly opposed to common sense, but that may yet have some truth in it. An assertion seemingly opposed to common sense, but that may yet have some truth in it. “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young." “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young." (George Bernard Shaw)

Personification Attribution of personality to an impersonal thing. Attribution of personality to an impersonal thing. “England expects every man to do his duty." “England expects every man to do his duty." (Lord Nelson) The rose was a soft as a baby's skin The rose was a soft as a baby's skin "Rise up and defend the Motherland" (Line from "Enemy at the Gates“) "Rise up and defend the Motherland" (Line from "Enemy at the Gates“)

Pleonasm Use of superfluous or redundant words, often enriching the thought. Use of superfluous or redundant words, often enriching the thought. No one, rich or poor, will be excepted. No one, rich or poor, will be excepted. Ears pierced while you wait! Ears pierced while you wait! I have seen no stranger sight since I was born. I have seen no stranger sight since I was born.

Polysyndeton Polysyndeton is the use of a conjunction between each word, phrase, or clause, and is thus structurally the opposite of asyndeton. The rhetorical effect of polysyndeton is often a feeling of multiplicity, energetic enumeration, and building up. Polysyndeton is the use of a conjunction between each word, phrase, or clause, and is thus structurally the opposite of asyndeton. The rhetorical effect of polysyndeton is often a feeling of multiplicity, energetic enumeration, and building up. “They read and studied and wrote and drilled. I laughed and played and talked and flunked.” “They read and studied and wrote and drilled. I laughed and played and talked and flunked.” “He pursues his way, / And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies.” “He pursues his way, / And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies.” -John Milton -John Milton

Simile An explicit comparison between two things using 'like' or 'as'. An explicit comparison between two things using 'like' or 'as'. “My love is as a fever, longing still For that which longer nurseth the disease" “My love is as a fever, longing still For that which longer nurseth the disease" (Shakespeare, Sonnet CXLVII) (Shakespeare, Sonnet CXLVII) “Reason is to faith as the eye to the telescope" “Reason is to faith as the eye to the telescope" (D. Hume) (D. Hume) “Let us go then, you and I, While the evening is spread out against the sky, Like a patient etherized upon a table" “Let us go then, you and I, While the evening is spread out against the sky, Like a patient etherized upon a table" (T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”) (T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”)

Syllepsis Use of a word with two others, with each of which it is understood differently. Use of a word with two others, with each of which it is understood differently. “We must all hang together or assuredly we will all hang separately.” (Benjamin Franklin) “We must all hang together or assuredly we will all hang separately.” (Benjamin Franklin)

Synecdoche Synecdoche is a type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole or the whole for a part--any portion, section, or main quality for the whole or the thing itself (or vice versa). Synecdoche is a type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole or the whole for a part--any portion, section, or main quality for the whole or the thing itself (or vice versa). “If I had some wheels, I'd put on my best threads and ask for Jane's hand in marriage.” “If I had some wheels, I'd put on my best threads and ask for Jane's hand in marriage.” “They were charging five dollars a head at the party.” “They were charging five dollars a head at the party.” “The army included two hundred horse and three hundred foot.” “The army included two hundred horse and three hundred foot.”

Tautology Repetition of an idea in a different word, phrase, or sentence. Repetition of an idea in a different word, phrase, or sentence. "With malice toward none, with charity for all." (President Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural) "With malice toward none, with charity for all." (President Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural) “They finally reached the summit at the top of the mountain.” “They finally reached the summit at the top of the mountain.”

Works Cited Tomlinson, James. Rhetorical Devices. 6/29/