Argumentative Literary Devices

Imagery Definition: Creating “Mental Images” for the reader This can create a visual appeal for the reader by using Pathos Example:  The hands of these men would be criss-crossed with cuts, until you could no longer pretend to count them or to trace them. They would have no nails,—they had worn them off pulling hides; their knuckles were swollen so that their fingers spread out like a fan. Excerpt from The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Rhetorical Question A figure of speech in the form of a question posed for its persuasive effect. There is no expectation of a reply. The use of a rhetorical question is mostly to encourage the listener to think about what the (often obvious) answer to the question must be. Rhetorical questions can therefore be used as a device by the speaker to assert or deny something. EX: Do we want our children to grow up in a society where there is violence on every street corner?

Rhetorical Question Fun Fact Henry Denham, in the 1580’s, invented a "rhetorical question mark" for use at the end of a rhetorical question. The symbol was the reverse of an ordinary question mark - the main opening pointing away from the question.

Allusion Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to understand the connection. EX: The Achilles heel of this film is the poor acting of Bruce Pitt who plays the lead role.’

Allusion Examples The use allusions are not confined to literature alone. Their occurrence is fairly common in our daily speech. Look at some common examples of allusions in everyday life: “Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” – “Romeo” is a reference to Shakespeare’s Romeo, a passionate lover of Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”. The rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora box of crimes. – “Pandora box” an allusion to Greek Mythology. “This place is like a Garden of Eden.” – It is a biblical allusion. “Hey! Guess who the new Newton of our school is?” – “Newton”, here means a genius student, alludes to a famous scientist. ‘“Stop acting like my ex-husband please.” – Apart from scholarly allusions we refer to common people and places in our speech.

Parallel Structure Parallel Structure-repetition of grammatically similar words, phrases, clauses, or sentences to emphasize a point or stir the emotions of a reader/listener. Used to create a sense of rhythm, balance, and order in writing or speech. EX: … we will pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of liberty. - JFK Inaugural Speech

Repetition The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase By repeating letters, words and phrases the author can reinforce an argument and ensure that the point of view being made stays in an audience's mind. EX: Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children. Example: "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" (Winston S. Churchill). The repetition or restatement of an idea at intervals not only promotes clarity, but encourages the acceptance of an idea. When you repeat and emphasize one idea, competing ideas are sometimes driven completely out of the audience's mind.

Figurative Language Using similes and metaphors can paint a word picture for the audience, making the point visually and by comparison or appeal to emotions. They can also make the speaker appear sophisticated or well-spoken EX: Australia is a fabric woven of many colors EX: Citizenship was thrown around like confetti

Anecdotes A short and interesting/amusing story about a real incident or person. Picture a mother and a father discussing whether or not to get a dog for the family. The father says: You know, when I was a kid, my dog was my best friend. My childhood was better because of him. The mother contemplates his story—a.k.a. his anecdote— and then agrees that they should get a dog.

Loaded Language Words, phrases, and overall verbal and written communication that is intended to inspire emotion in the reader or listener. This usage of language to appeal to emotion is used in everyday conversation and is often used by politicians, public figures, advertisers and corporations.  Some Examples: Abortion Terrorist Torture Freedom