Rhetorical Strategies Allusion, Analogy, Aphorism, Ambiguity

Rhetorical Strategy Loose term for techniques that help to shape or enhance a literary work. –Allusion and Analogy: refer to an element outside the text. –Aphorism: short witty statement –Ambiguity: When what is said is not what is really meant.

Allusion (Latin: “to play with”) A passing reference in a work of literature to another literary or historical work, figure, event, or literary passage. The reference is not explained, which carries the flattering assumption that the reader shares the writer’s erudition or inside knowledge.

What is the Allusion? J. Alfred Prufrock feeling hopelessly inadequate in polite society says the following of his efforts to court women: “…though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed, Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald) brought upon a platter, I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter.”

Can you guess the biblical allusions? It rained 40 days and 40 nights… Golden coins under a hanging body. A rainbow appearing after a promise A son who has been gone and who returns Job did not have the troubles I’ve seen.

Can you guess the mythical allusions? Her stare can turn you to stone. Her hair shone in the sun like the Golden Fleece to him. Men are turned into pigs for her pleasure. If you are someone’s muse. Everything I touch turns to gold.

Can you explain the allusions in these pictures?

Try these

Analogy (Greek: “Proportionate) The comparison of a subject to something that is similar to it in order to clarify the subject’s nature, purpose, or function. Medical Science often does this when it compares the liver to a filter to explain the function of removing waste from the bloodstream.

Can you explain the analogy in the next picture?

Analogies You Won’t Find in Great Literature The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn’t. The man fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty Bag filled with vegetable soup. Her hair glistened in the rain like nose hair after a sneeze. Her eyes were like two brown circles with black dots in the center.

More! He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met. The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play.

Aphorism A very concise statement expressing a general truth or wise observation in a clever, pithy way. Typically they make use of alliteration (penny wise, pound foolish, anaphora (a penny saved is a penny earned), and rhyme (a stitch in time saves nine).

Aphorisms and Society In a number of cultures the ability to spontaneously make aphoristic statements at just the right time is an indication of one’s social standing. Many societies have traditional sages who are quoted speaking in aphorisms. Can you state one?

Did You Guess? Confucius –Have no friends not equal to yourself Socrates –I know nothing except the fact of my own ignorance Benjamin Franklin –By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail Kahlil Gibran –Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream Mark Twain –I have never let my schooling interfere with my education

Aphorisms Misquoted A day without sunlight is like, well, night. He who laughs last thinks slowest. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t. I wish the buck stopped here, as I could use a few.

A Few More Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier then puttin it back in. Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines. If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is not for you.

Here are more! There is always death and taxes, however death does not get worse ever year. Do unto other, then run!

Ambiguity in Literature When used as a technique by an author or speaker, the writer or speaker deliberately suggests two or more different, and sometimes conflicting, meanings in work. Bill Clinton: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” Sexual relations has two meanings: –A sexual relationship –Sexual intercourse.

Ambiguity in Writing The following are examples of ambiguous sentences found in newspapers throughout the nation. –Nude Dancing Took Center Stage on Wednesday at the U.S. Supreme Court. –Quarter Million of Chinese Live on Water –Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

There’s More –Iraqi Head Seeks Arms –Prostitutes Appeal to Pope –Panda Mating Fails, Veterinarian Takes Over –Soviet Virgin Lands Short of Goal Again –Reagan Wins on Budget, but More Lies Ahead –Enraged Cow Injures Farmer with Axe –Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge –Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery, Hundreds Dead

It Ain’t Over Till…. –Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half –New Study for Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group -Include Your Children When Baking Cookies.