Stylistic and Rhetorical devices in AP Language and Composition Free Powerpoint Templates

Colloquialism The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing. Not generally acceptable for formal writing, colloquialisms give a work a conversational, familiar tone. Colloquial expressions in writing include local or regional dialects. 2

Antithesis Using a contrast in language to bring out a contrast in ideas. Antithesis can be built by contrasting any of the different parts of a statement. You can use two opposing words or ideas, or even have two whole sentences oppose each other. “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong) “I speak not from ignorance, but from experience.”

“To err is human, to forgive divine.” (Alexander Pope, English poet) Read the following famous quotes and determine which specific words and phrases are being contrasted by ANTITHESIS. “I came to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” (Marc Antony, Julius Caesar by Shakespeare) “To err is human, to forgive divine.” (Alexander Pope, English poet)

Distinctio Elaborating on the definition of a word to make sure there is no misunderstanding. (Use sparingly!) “Communism, by which I mean the socialist communalism which comes after the centralized state, has yet to be tried anywhere in the world.” “At this point, we have a short time left – a short time being less than fifty years.” “Is the software easy to use (can my 90-year old grandmother learn it) or difficult (do I need a degree in computer science)?”

Diction Related to style, diction refers to the writer's word choices, especially with regard to their correctness, clearness, or effectiveness. For the AP exam, you should be able to describe an author's diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain) and understand the ways in which diction can complement the author's purpose. Diction, combined with syntax, figurative language, literary devices, etc., creates an author's style. 6

Rhetor The speaker who uses elements of rhetoric effectively in oral or written language. 7

Irony Verbal Irony Situational Irony Dramatic Irony The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant. The difference between what appears to be and what actually is true. In general, there are three major types of irony used in language; Verbal Irony Situational Irony Dramatic Irony 8

Paradox A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity. Macbeth. “Fair is foul and foul is fair” 9

Prose One of the major divisions of genre, prose refers to fiction and nonfiction, including all its forms . In prose the printer determines the length of the line; in poetry, the poet determines the length of the line. 10

Satire A work that targets human vices and follies or social institutions and conventions for reform or ridicule. Regardless of whether or not the work aims to reform human behavior, satire is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively by the satirist: irony, wit, parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of satire are varied, depending on the writer's goal, but good satire, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition. 11

Symbol/Symbolism Generally, anything that represents itself and stands for something else. Usually a symbol is something concrete--such as an object, action, character, or scene--that represents something more abstract. However, symbols and symbolism can be much more complex. On the AP exam, try to determine what abstraction an object is a symbol for and to what extent it is successful in representing that abstraction. 12

Tone Similar to mood, tone describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both. Tone is easier to determine in spoken language than in written language. Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author's tone. Some words describing tone are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, and somber. 13

Rhetorical Question : a question in which the answer is implied. Shouldn’t you use the rhetorical question sparingly? Don’t you want to know how to use rhetorical devices well? “For what can war but endless war breed?” “How can we expect a man to give more than we ourselves are willing to give?”

Rhetorical Question Why use this technique? To highlight a piece of information your readers probably already know; to make your writing more engaging. Who can think of another example of a rhetorical question from your own experiences or from something you saw or read?

Anadiplosis The repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause. “Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering.” Yoda 16

Syntax The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences. Syntax is similar to diction, but you can differentiate them by thinking of syntax as the groups of words, while diction refers to the individual words. In the multiple-choice section of the exam, expect to be asked some questions about how an author manipulates syntax. In the essay section, you will need to analyze how syntax produces effects. 17

Parallelism Using the same general structure for multiple parts of a sentence, or for multiple sentences, in order to link them all This can involve, but is not limited to, repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase. A famous example of parallelism begins Charles Dickens's novel A Tale of Two Cities: "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 . . . ." The effects of parallelism are numerous, but frequently they act as an organizing force to attract the reader's attention, add emphasis and organization, or simply provide a musical rhythm. 18

“To communicate is to speak, to pause, and to listen.” "They are laughing at me, not with me." (Bart Simpson, The Simpsons) "I don’t want to live on in my work. I want to live on in my apartment." (Woody Allen) "Live in your world, play in ours." (advertising slogan for Sony PlayStation 2) "Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal." (T.S. Eliot) “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessing; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.”

Hyperbole Exaggerating some part of a statement to give it emphasis or force. “There are more reasons for NASA to fund a trip to Jupiter than there are miles in the journey.” “Compared to the world during the last Ice Age, a Minnesota winter feels like spring in Hawaii.” “At these words, the people became so silent you could hear a beating heart from across the room.”

Hyperbole A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, hyperbole produces irony. 21

Connotation/Denotation connotation -- The nonliteral, associative meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning. Connotations may involve ideas, emotions, or attitudes. denotation -- The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color.

Hypophora Asking a question, then proceeding to answer it (hye PAH fuh ruh): Asking a question, then proceeding to answer it “How do we know this is true? We have observed it in the lab.” “What then of the future? Let come what may, and we shall meet it without fear.” (JFK) “Do we then submit to our oppressor? No. No. A thousand times no.” (Winston Churchill)

Euphemism From the Greek for "good speech," euphemisms are a more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept. The euphemism may be used to adhere to standards of social or political correctness or to add humor or ironic understatement. Saying "earthly remains" rather than "corpse" is an example of euphemism. 24

Other Stylistic Devices… Fig. Language Devices: Imagery Personification Foreshadowing Repetition Symbolism The Big Stylistic Devices to evaluate within The Grapes of Wrath: Tone, Diction, Syntax, Point of View 25