Rhetorical devices

Rhetoric /Rhetorical device Rhetoric is a technique of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form. A rhetorical device is a use of language that is intended to have an effect on its audience, such as to persuade or evoke an emotion.

Allusion An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. Allusions are often used within a metaphor or simile. Often make reference to previous works of literature. Examples: Don’t be a Scrooge (reference from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.) He’s a real Romeo with the ladies.

Hyperbole A hyperbole is an exaggerated statements or claims not to be taken literally. Examples: Your suitcase weighs a ton! I’m so hungry I could eat a horse! Redbull, it gives you wings!

Rhetorical question A rhetorical question is a question that one asks without expecting an answer. This question might be one that does not have an answer. It might also be one that has an obvious answer but it is asked to make a point, to persuade or for literary effect. Examples: Is rain wet? Do pigs fly? What is the meaning of life?

Repetition Repetition consists of repeating a word, phrase, or sentence in a literary work. Repetition is often used in poetry or songs, and is used to create rhythm and bring attention to an idea. Example: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow “Oh, woeful, oh woeful, woeful day!” Romeo and Juliet I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam I am. Taylor Swift: “‘Cause the player’s going to play, play, play…”

Parallelism Parallelism is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure. It improves writing style and readability, and is thought to make sentences easier to process. It allows speakers and writers to maintain a consistency within their work and create a balanced flow of ideas. Example: Like father, like son. The escaped prisoner was wanted dead or alive. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity… “To err is human; to forgive divine.” (antithesis – two opposite ideas) “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” (chiasmus – the clauses display inverted parallelism)