Rhetorical Techniques, Style and Devices

 When we characterize a writer’s diction, we must describe the words he/she uses  That means analyzing them by part of speech  What types of verbs are used?  What types of adjectives are used?  What types of nouns are used?

 Euphony: pleasing and harmonious sounds Often associated with “s” “h” “w” “th” and softer vowel sounds The adjective form is euphonic As a reminder, vowels are “a,e,i,o,u and sometimes y” Every other letter is a consonant

 Cacophony: harsh or discordant sounds Associated with harder vowel sounds and harsher consonants like “d” “t” and “k” The adjective form is cacophonic

 Diction analyzes specific words that are chosen.  Not the order in which the words are combined.  Syntax is the pattern and order of words within sentences.

 In the spring, breezes and showers send seeds from the flowers to the earth.  Breezes and showers send seeds to the earth from flowers in the spring.

 Based upon your reading of the text, what is Rowlandson’s rhetorical purpose?  Who is her intended audience?  Identify three rhetorical devices or techniques that Rowlandson employs. Give two examples from the text for each.  Is Rowlandson successful in achieving her rhetorical end?  Characterize and account for her diction in a well developed paragraph.