1. Rhetorical Devices Made by Yang Lin (for Advanced English)

2. Metonymy Metonomy (unlike metaphor) uses figurative expressions that are closely associated with the subject in terms of place, time or background. The figurative expression is not a physical part of the subject, however. Metonomy (unlike metaphor) uses figurative expressions that are closely associated with the subject in terms of place, time or background. The figurative expression is not a physical part of the subject, however.

3. Examples: The White House declared … (White House = US government / President) The White House declared … (White House = US government / President) The land belongs to the crown. (crown = king / queen / royal family / monarchy) The land belongs to the crown. (crown = king / queen / royal family / monarchy) Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that. (Norman Vincent Peale) Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that. (Norman Vincent Peale) (empty pockets = poverty; empty heads = ignorance / dullness / density; empty hearts = unkindness / coldness) (empty pockets = poverty; empty heads = ignorance / dullness / density; empty hearts = unkindness / coldness) the spit-and-polish command post (meaning: shiny clean) the spit-and-polish command post (meaning: shiny clean)

4. Synecdoche using a part instead of the whole or vice versa. using a part instead of the whole or vice versa. Synechdoche is some kind of generalization or specification that uses a part, a member or a characteristic of what is meant. The following possibilities are common: Synechdoche is some kind of generalization or specification that uses a part, a member or a characteristic of what is meant. The following possibilities are common:

5. Synecdoche Part used instead of the whole Part used instead of the whole Example: Example: Turning our long boat round [ … ] on the last morning required all hands on deck … (hands = people) Turning our long boat round [ … ] on the last morning required all hands on deck … (hands = people)

6. Synecdoche Whole used instead of a part Whole used instead of a part Example: Example: Troops halt the drivers (troops = soldiers) Troops halt the drivers (troops = soldiers)

7. Synecdoche Specific term used instead of a general one: Specific term used instead of a general one: Example: Example: Kashmir is their Maui, Aspen, and Palm Springs all rolled into one. Kashmir is their Maui, Aspen, and Palm Springs all rolled into one.

8. Synecdoche General term used instead of a specific one: General term used instead of a specific one: Example: Example: The animal came closer. (animal = a certain animal, e.g. a dog, dolphin, snake) The animal came closer. (animal = a certain animal, e.g. a dog, dolphin, snake)

9. Synecdoche Material used instead of the product: Material used instead of the product: Example: Example: She wore gold around her neck. (gold = chain) She wore gold around her neck. (gold = chain)

10. Analogy Analogy, like simile and metaphor, is also based on comparison between two subjects. But an analogy compares two things not only in one aspect as a simile or a metaphor does, but also taps between the two things as many similarities as possible and then develops them so as to make a comparisons more outstanding and effective. Analogy, like simile and metaphor, is also based on comparison between two subjects. But an analogy compares two things not only in one aspect as a simile or a metaphor does, but also taps between the two things as many similarities as possible and then develops them so as to make a comparisons more outstanding and effective.

11. Example, Insect and human societies are also alike in that individual members of the community work together. Termite workers coordinate their efforts to build nests. Similarly in human societies engineers, architects, town planners and construction workers unite to build houses. Insect and human societies are also alike in that individual members of the community work together. Termite workers coordinate their efforts to build nests. Similarly in human societies engineers, architects, town planners and construction workers unite to build houses.

12. Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sound Repetition of initial consonant sound The initial consonant sound is usually repeated in two neighbouring words (sometimes also in words that are not next to each other). Alliteration draws attention to the phrase and is often used for emphasis. The initial consonant sound is usually repeated in two neighbouring words (sometimes also in words that are not next to each other). Alliteration draws attention to the phrase and is often used for emphasis.

13. Alliteration Examples: Examples: for the greater good of for the greater good of safety and security safety and security share a continent but not a country share a continent but not a country

14. Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds means that only the sound must be the same, not the consonants themselves. Repetition of initial consonant sounds means that only the sound must be the same, not the consonants themselves. Examples: Examples: killer command killer command fantastic philosophy fantastic philosophy A neat knot need not be re-knotted. A neat knot need not be re-knotted.

15. Alliteration If neighbouring words start with the same consonant but have a different initial sound, the words are not alliterated. If neighbouring words start with the same consonant but have a different initial sound, the words are not alliterated. Examples: Examples: a Canadian child a Canadian child honoured and humbled (the ‘ h ’ in honoured is silent) honoured and humbled (the ‘ h ’ in honoured is silent)

16. Rhyme The repetition of syllable sound. End words that share a particular sound are called end rhymes. Rhyming words within a line of poetry are called internal rhymes. When used in a poem, end rhymes set up a definite pattern of sounds, a rhyme scheme. you can chart a rhyme scheme with letters of alphabet by using the same letter for end words that rhyme. The repetition of syllable sound. End words that share a particular sound are called end rhymes. Rhyming words within a line of poetry are called internal rhymes. When used in a poem, end rhymes set up a definite pattern of sounds, a rhyme scheme. you can chart a rhyme scheme with letters of alphabet by using the same letter for end words that rhyme.

17. Metaphor Metaphor compares two different things in a figurative sense. Unlike in a simile (A is like B.), “ like ” is not used in metaphor (A is B.). Metaphor compares two different things in a figurative sense. Unlike in a simile (A is like B.), “ like ” is not used in metaphor (A is B.). Example: Example: Truths are first clouds, then rain, then harvest and food. (Henry Ward Beecher) Truths are first clouds, then rain, then harvest and food. (Henry Ward Beecher) Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations. Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations.

18. Simile direct comparison Two things are compared directly by using 'like' (A is like B.). Two things are compared directly by using 'like' (A is like B.). Other possibilities are for example: Other possibilities are for example: A is (not) like B A is (not) like B A is more/less than B A is more/less than B A is as … as B A is as … as B A is similar to B A is similar to B A is …, so is B A is …, so is B A does …, so does B A does …, so does B

19. Simile Examples: Examples: conrete box-style buildings are spreading like inkblots conrete box-style buildings are spreading like inkblots The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower. (Charles Schwab) Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower. (Charles Schwab) My friend is as good as gold. My friend is as good as gold.

20. Examples: 1. He held his palms each side the spark His love had kindled in the dark. His two hands were curved apart In the semblance of a heart. 1. He held his palms each side the spark His love had kindled in the dark. His two hands were curved apart In the semblance of a heart. 2. A heart that gave out such a glow No son awake could bear to know. 2. A heart that gave out such a glow No son awake could bear to know.

21. Understatement weaken or soften a statement weaken or soften a statement A statement is deliberately weakened to sound ironical or softened to sound more polite. A statement is deliberately weakened to sound ironical or softened to sound more polite. Note that understatement is a common feature of the English language (especially British English) used in everyday-life situations. Note that understatement is a common feature of the English language (especially British English) used in everyday-life situations.

22. Understatement Examples: Examples: I know a little about running a company. (a successful businessman might modestly say.) I know a little about running a company. (a successful businessman might modestly say.) I think we have slightly different opinions on this topic. (instead of: I don't agree with you at all.) I think we have slightly different opinions on this topic. (instead of: I don't agree with you at all.)

23. Repetition Words or phrases are repeated throughout the text to emphasise certain facts or ideas. Words or phrases are repeated throughout the text to emphasise certain facts or ideas.

24. Repetition Examples: Examples: Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end! » I wonder how many miles I've fallen by this time? « she said aloud. Down, down, down. There was nothing else to do, so Alice soon began talking again. America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility. A civil society demands from each of us good will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness. America, at its best, is also courageous. Our national courage America, at its best, is compassionate. In the quiet of American conscience, we know that deep, persistent poverty is unworthy of our nation's promise. Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end! » I wonder how many miles I've fallen by this time? « she said aloud. Down, down, down. There was nothing else to do, so Alice soon began talking again. America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility. A civil society demands from each of us good will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness. America, at its best, is also courageous. Our national courage America, at its best, is compassionate. In the quiet of American conscience, we know that deep, persistent poverty is unworthy of our nation's promise.

25. Personification attribution of human characteristics to animals, inanimate objects or abstractions attribution of human characteristics to animals, inanimate objects or abstractions Animals, inanimate objects or abstractions are represented as having human characteristics (behaviour, feelings, character etc.). Personification can make a narration more interesting and lively. Animals, inanimate objects or abstractions are represented as having human characteristics (behaviour, feelings, character etc.). Personification can make a narration more interesting and lively.

26. Personification Examples: Examples: Why these two countries would remain at each other's throat for so long. (3) Why these two countries would remain at each other's throat for so long. (3)(3) I closed the door, and my stubborn car refused to open it again. I closed the door, and my stubborn car refused to open it again. The flowers nodded their heads as if to greet us. The flowers nodded their heads as if to greet us. The frogs began their concert. The frogs began their concert.

27. Parallelism parallel sentence structure parallel sentence structure Successive clauses or sentences are similarly structured. This similarity makes it easier for the reader / listener to concentrate on the message. Successive clauses or sentences are similarly structured. This similarity makes it easier for the reader / listener to concentrate on the message.

28. Parallelism Example: Example: We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interest, and teach us what it means to be citizens. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interest, and teach us what it means to be citizens. The mediocre teacher tells, The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. (William A. Ward) The mediocre teacher tells, The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. (William A. Ward) The mistakes of the fool are known to the world, but not to himself. The mistakes of the wise man are known to himself, but not to the world. (Charles Caleb Colton) The mistakes of the fool are known to the world, but not to himself. The mistakes of the wise man are known to himself, but not to the world. (Charles Caleb Colton) Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn. (Benjamin Franklin) Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn. (Benjamin Franklin)

29. Parallelism Note: When writing, parallelism is a useful device for instructions. Due to the parallel structure, the reader can concentrate on the message and will immediately know what to do (see examples below). Note: When writing, parallelism is a useful device for instructions. Due to the parallel structure, the reader can concentrate on the message and will immediately know what to do (see examples below). Example 1 (no parallelism): Example 1 (no parallelism): Open the book first. Open the book first. You must read the text now. You must read the text now. There are pictures in the book – Look at them. There are pictures in the book – Look at them. The questions must be answered. The questions must be answered.

30. Parallelism Example 2 (parallelism): Example 2 (parallelism): Open the book. Open the book. Read the text. Read the text. Look at the pictures. Look at the pictures. Answer the questions. Answer the questions. You surely agree that the second instruction is easier to follow (and to remember) than the first one. The change of structure in the first example is confusing and distracts the reader from the actual message. It might be okay with simple messages like the ones we used here. But following more complex instructions is really hard if they are not in parallel structure. You surely agree that the second instruction is easier to follow (and to remember) than the first one. The change of structure in the first example is confusing and distracts the reader from the actual message. It might be okay with simple messages like the ones we used here. But following more complex instructions is really hard if they are not in parallel structure.

31. Examples: 1. The two sisters are different in a thousand and one ways. 1. The two sisters are different in a thousand and one ways. 2. (On the New England weather) In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four-and-twenty hours. 2. (On the New England weather) In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four-and-twenty hours.

32. Hyperbole Hyperbole is a figure of speech which deliberately exaggerates the truth. It is often used to express one ’ s strong feelings or violent emotions by remarkable imagination and literary extravagance for the effect of strong impression, humor, sarcasm, irony etc. rather than to state a fact in its right perspective. It is the opposite of understatement. Hyperbole is a figure of speech which deliberately exaggerates the truth. It is often used to express one ’ s strong feelings or violent emotions by remarkable imagination and literary extravagance for the effect of strong impression, humor, sarcasm, irony etc. rather than to state a fact in its right perspective. It is the opposite of understatement.

33. Transferred epithet A transferred epithet is an adjective modifying a noun which it cannot logically modify, yet which works because the metaphorical meaning remains clear: A transferred epithet is an adjective modifying a noun which it cannot logically modify, yet which works because the metaphorical meaning remains clear:

34. Examples: 1. At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth of thieves and murderers.... -- George Herbert 1. At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth of thieves and murderers.... -- George Herbert 2. Blind mouths! that scarce themselves know how to hold/ A sheep hook... -- John Milton 2. Blind mouths! that scarce themselves know how to hold/ A sheep hook... -- John Milton 3. In an age of pressurized happiness, we sometimes grow insensitive to subtle joys. 3. In an age of pressurized happiness, we sometimes grow insensitive to subtle joys.

35. More examples: A dizzy height---a height that causes people to feel dizzy A dizzy height---a height that causes people to feel dizzy A sleepless bed---a bed on which the sleeper has little sleep A sleepless bed---a bed on which the sleeper has little sleep A beautiful model of an art---an art with a beautiful model A beautiful model of an art---an art with a beautiful model A bottleneck of a crossroad---a crossroad that is like a bottle-neck A bottleneck of a crossroad---a crossroad that is like a bottle-neck

36. Irony Irony is a figure of speech in which the meaning literally expressed is the opposite of the meaning intended and which aims at ridicule, humor or sarcasm. Sometimes irony is used to show people ’ s feelings, but in most cases it is used to criticize or expose bad and ugly things. Irony is a figure of speech in which the meaning literally expressed is the opposite of the meaning intended and which aims at ridicule, humor or sarcasm. Sometimes irony is used to show people ’ s feelings, but in most cases it is used to criticize or expose bad and ugly things.

37. Irony can be classified into two categories: 1. Antiphrases (words used obviously with meanings opposite to their literal ones, the simple form of irony) for example, 1. Antiphrases (words used obviously with meanings opposite to their literal ones, the simple form of irony) for example, 1.This hard-working boy seldom reads more than an hour per week. 1.This hard-working boy seldom reads more than an hour per week. 2. Robbing a widow of her savings was certainly a noble act. 2. Robbing a widow of her savings was certainly a noble act.

38. Situation irony (words used with implied meanings which cannot be taken literally but from the context) for example, 1. Most of the abolitionists belong to nations that spend half their annual income on weapons of war and that honor research to perfect means of killing. 1. Most of the abolitionists belong to nations that spend half their annual income on weapons of war and that honor research to perfect means of killing. 2. “ It ’ s no use going to see Hans in winter, ” the Miller used to say to his wife. “ When people are in trouble we must leave them alone and not bother them. 2. “ It ’ s no use going to see Hans in winter, ” the Miller used to say to his wife. “ When people are in trouble we must leave them alone and not bother them.

39. Satire Satire is “ a literary genre in which ridicule is thrown upon something by stressing its worst features, often by the use of irony, thus assuming or affirming a norm by which aberrations are judged. As a rhetorical device, it often uses sharp and acrimonious words and tone to expose and mock at people ’ s faults, stupidity or ugliness. Satire is “ a literary genre in which ridicule is thrown upon something by stressing its worst features, often by the use of irony, thus assuming or affirming a norm by which aberrations are judged. As a rhetorical device, it often uses sharp and acrimonious words and tone to expose and mock at people ’ s faults, stupidity or ugliness.

40. Examples: I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled, and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout. I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled, and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout. ---J. Swift, ‘ A modest proposal ” ---J. Swift, ‘ A modest proposal ”

41. Antithesis Antithesis means “ contrasting ideas sharpened by the use of opposite or noticeably different meanings ”. It is a figure of speech in which the writer deliberately uses opposite or different words, phrases or clauses in parallel structures so as to disclose and emphasize the contrast or contradiction between two things. It results in linguistic brevity and rhythmic harmony. Antithesis means “ contrasting ideas sharpened by the use of opposite or noticeably different meanings ”. It is a figure of speech in which the writer deliberately uses opposite or different words, phrases or clauses in parallel structures so as to disclose and emphasize the contrast or contradiction between two things. It results in linguistic brevity and rhythmic harmony.

42. Examples: 1. We find ourselves rich in goods, but ragged in spirits, reaching with magnificent precision for the moon, but falling into raucous discord on earth. 1. We find ourselves rich in goods, but ragged in spirits, reaching with magnificent precision for the moon, but falling into raucous discord on earth. 2. 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 … 2. 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 …

43. Oxymoron Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms are combined to produce an epigrammatic effect. Oxymoron is a kind of flexible employment of antonyms or quasi- antonyms. When contradictory terms are used together, they can reveal the relationship between two things which are opposite or quasi-opposite in meaning Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms are combined to produce an epigrammatic effect. Oxymoron is a kind of flexible employment of antonyms or quasi- antonyms. When contradictory terms are used together, they can reveal the relationship between two things which are opposite or quasi-opposite in meaning

44. Examples: 1. No light, only darkness visible. 1. No light, only darkness visible. 2. An atmosphere of dangerous calm could be felt throughout the mining region. 2. An atmosphere of dangerous calm could be felt throughout the mining region. 3. I like a smuggler. He is the only honest thief. 3. I like a smuggler. He is the only honest thief.

45. Climax Climax refers to the arrangement of a series of ideas (usually three or more) which go from the least important to the most important with steady strengthening of emotion and tone. Climax refers to the arrangement of a series of ideas (usually three or more) which go from the least important to the most important with steady strengthening of emotion and tone.

46. Examples: 1. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. 1. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. 2. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. 2. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

47. Anticlimax Anticlimax is the opposite of climax. It is a figure of speech in which a series of ideas are arranged in such a way that they go from the most important to the least important with steady weakening of emotion and tone. It is usually employed for jocular and humorous effect. Anticlimax is the opposite of climax. It is a figure of speech in which a series of ideas are arranged in such a way that they go from the most important to the least important with steady weakening of emotion and tone. It is usually employed for jocular and humorous effect.

48. Examples: 1. I am told several pickpockets are here. Let them remember that the eye of God is on them, and also that there are a number of policemen in the house. 1. I am told several pickpockets are here. Let them remember that the eye of God is on them, and also that there are a number of policemen in the house. 2. He lost his empire, his family and his fountain pen. 2. He lost his empire, his family and his fountain pen.

49. Pun Pun is a witticism involving the playful use of a word in different senses or of words which differ in meaning but sound alike. It depends on a similarity of sound and a disparity of meaning. Pun is a witticism involving the playful use of a word in different senses or of words which differ in meaning but sound alike. It depends on a similarity of sound and a disparity of meaning.

50. Examples: 1.Why is an empty purse always the same? 1.Why is an empty purse always the same? Because there is never any change in it. Because there is never any change in it. 2. A professor tapped on his desk and shouted: “ Gentlemen---order! ” 2. A professor tapped on his desk and shouted: “ Gentlemen---order! ” The entire class yelled “ Beer! ” The entire class yelled “ Beer! ” 3. On Sunday they pray for you, on Monday they prey on you ” 3. On Sunday they pray for you, on Monday they prey on you ”

51. Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia means “ the formation of words in imitation of the sounds associated with the thing concerned. This figure is usually employed for vividness. Onomatopoeia means “ the formation of words in imitation of the sounds associated with the thing concerned. This figure is usually employed for vividness.

52. Examples: 1. When Danny stirred, there were ohs! And ahs! Of delight. 1. When Danny stirred, there were ohs! And ahs! Of delight. 2. … four or five thousand men in all, winding up the road with a clumping of boots and a clatter of iron wheels. 2. … four or five thousand men in all, winding up the road with a clumping of boots and a clatter of iron wheels.

53. Thank You