AP Lang Rhetorical Devices

Chiasmus

(From the Greek word for "criss-cross," a designation baed on the Greek letter "chi," written X). C________ is a figure of speech in which two successive phrases or clauses are parallel in syntax, but reverse the order of the analogous words. Ex. "The land was ours before we were the land's" - Robert Frost (N, V, Pro: Pro, V, N) "Pleasure's a sin, and sometimes sin's a pleasure" - Lord Byron Sitting together at lunch, the kids talked incessantly; but they said nothing at all sitting in the dentist's office.

Apostrophe

- A figure of speech that directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction, such as liberty or love. It is an address to someone or something that cannot answer. The effect is to give vent to or display intense emotion, which can no longer be held back: Ex. William Wordsworth addresses John Milton as he writes, " Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour: /England hath need of thee." "O value of wisdom that fadeth not away with time, virtue ever flourishing that cleanseth its possessor from al venom! O heavenly gift of the divine bounty, descending from the Father of lights, that thou mayest exalt the rational soul to the very heavens! Thou art the celestial nourishment of the intellect..." - Richard de Bury

Metonymy

- A term from the Greek meaning "changed label" or "substitute name." ______ is a figure of speech in which the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it. A news release that claims "the White House declared" rather that "the President declared" is using____. The substituted term generally carries a more potent emotional response.

Parody

- A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the specific aim of comic effect and/or ridicule. As comedy, ______distorts or exaggerated distinctive features of the original. As ridicule, it mimics the work by repeating and borrowing words, phrases, or characteristics in order to illuminate weaknesses in the original. Well-written ______ offers enlightenment about the original, but poorly written parody offers only ineffectual imitation. Usually an audience must grasp literary allusion and understand the work being parodied in order to fully appreciate the nuances of the newer work. Occasionally, however, _____ take on a life of their own and don't require knowledge of the original

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, ______ is best seen as a style of writing rather than a purpose for writing. It can be recognized by the many devices used effectively the - irony, wit, parody, caricature, hyperbole, understatement, and sarcasm. The effects of ____are varied, depending on the writer's goal, but good _____, often humorous, is thought provoking and insightful about the human condition

Polysyndeton

- Figure of addition and emphasis which intentionally employs a series of conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) not normally found in successive words, phrases or clauses; the deliberate and excessive use of conjunctions in successive words or clauses. The effect is a feeling of multiplicity, energetic enumeration, and building up - a persistence or intensity. Ex. They read and studied and wrote and drilled. I laughed and talked and flunked. "It's [foorball] a way of life, really, to those particular people who are a part of it. It's more than a game, and regardless of what level it's played upon, it still demands those attributes of courage and stamina and coordinated efficiency and goes even beyond that for [it] is a means - it provides a mental and physical relaxation to everybody that watches it, like yourself." - Vince Lombardi

Oxymoron

- From the Greek for "pointedly foolish," an ______ is a figure of speech wherein the author groups apparently contradictory terms to suggest a paradox. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness." This term does not usually appear in the multiple-choice questions, but there is a chance that you might find it in an essay. Take note of the effect which the author achieves with this term.

Sarcasm

- From the Greek meaning "to tear flesh," ______ involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony is a device, but not all ironic statements are sarcastic, that is, intended to ridicule. When well done, sarcasm can be witty and insightful; when done poorly, it's simply cruel

Anaphora

- One of the devices of repetition, in which the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. Ex. "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." "They are masters who instruct us without rod or ferule, without angry words, without clothes or money." - Richard de Bury

Style

- The consideration of shtyleas two purposes: (1) An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors' styles are so idiosyncratic that we can quickly recognize works by the same author (or a writer emulating that author's style)/ Compare, for example, Jonathan's Swift to George Orwell or William Faulkner to Ernest Hemingway. We can analyze and describe an author's personal style and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author's purpose. _____ can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, or laconic, to name only a few examples. (2) Classification of authors to a group and comparison of an author to similar authors. By means of such classification and comparison, we can see how an author's ____ reflects and helps to define a historical period, such as the Renaissance of the Victorian period, or a literary movement, such as the romantic, transcendental or realist movement.

Alliteration

- The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonants in tow or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells). Although the term is not used frequently in the multiple-choice section, you can look for alliteration in any essay passage. The repetition can reinforce meaning, unify ideas, supply a musical sound, and/or echo the sense of the passage

Invective

- an emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attach using srong, abusive language

Synecdoche

- is a type of metaphor in which the part stands for the whole, the whole for a part, the genus for the species, the species for the genus, the material for the thing made, or in short, any portion , section, or main quality for the whole or the thing itself (or vice versa). Ex. Farmer Joes has two hundred head of cattle [whole cattle], and three hired hands [whole people]. If we had some wheels [whole vehicle], I'd put on my best threads [clothes] and ask for Jane's hand [hopefully her whole person] in marriage.

Hubris

-is extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character that ultimately brings about his downfall. - is a typical flaw in the personality of a character who enjoys a powerful position; as a result of which, he overestimates his capabilities to such an extent that he loses contact with reality. Ex: In his famous epic "Paradise Lost", Milton portrays "Satan" as a character that suffers from Hubris. His loses his glorious position through giving in to his excessive pride. It was his Hubris that made him try to take control over Heaven. Although he failed miserably, his pride lasts: "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n." The reason of his desire to rebel against his creator originates from his reluctance to accept the authority of God and His Son because he believed that angels are "self-begot, self-raised" and hence bringing his downfall in being thrown out of Paradise.

Allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. ________ can be historical, literary, religious, topical, or mythical. There are many more possibilities, and a work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion. Ex. "Plan ahead: it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark" - Richard Cushing

Conciet

A fanciful expression, usually in the form of an extended metaphor or surprising analogy between seemingly dissimilar objects. A _____ displays intellectual cleverness as a result of the unusual comparison being made.

Onomatopoeia

A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur. If you not eexamples of ______ in an essay passage, note the effect.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. _____ often have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Often, ___ produces irony. Ex. "So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" - Franklin D. Roosevelt This stuff is used motor oil compared to the coffee you make, my love.

Maxim

A literary device, ______ is a simple and memorable line, quote or rule for taking action and leading a good life. Simply put, it is a thought with moralistic values that intends to motivate individuals. ______ is, in fact, a type of saying, or a brief statement of a great thought about life, especially a sententious or aphoristic one such as, "He who hesitates is lost." It helps characterizing characters. Ex: It's better to be safe than sorry. You're never too old to learn. "A mixture of lie doth ever add pleasure." (Of Truth)

rhetorical questions

A question put only for oratorical or literary event, the answer being implied in the question. The question for which no answer is expected

Anecdote

A short narrative detailing particulars of an interesting episode or event. The term most frequently refers to an incident in the life of a person.

Analogy

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. An ___ can explain something unfamiliar by associating it with or pointing out its similarity to something more familiar. __________s can also make writing more vivid, imaginative, or intellectually engaging. Ex. He that voluntarily continues ignorance is guilty of all the crimes which ignorance produces, as to him that should extinguish the tapers of a lighthouse might justly be imputed the calamities of shipwrecks." - Samuel Johnson

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.

Aphorism

A terse statement of know authorship which expresses a general truth or a moral principle. (If the authorship is unknown, the statement is generally considered to be a folk proverb.) ________ can be a memorable summation of the author's point.

Transition

A word or phrase that links different ideas. Use the specially, although not exclusively, in expository an argumentative writing, transitions effectively signal a shift from one idea to another. Some commonly used transition words are furthermore, frequently, nevertheless, for example, in addition, similarly, and on the contrary

Parallelism

Also referred to as parallel construction or parallel structure, this term comes from Greek roots meaning "beside one another." It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity. This can involve, but is not limited to repetition of a grammatical element such as a preposition or verbal phrase. A famous example of ______ 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 _____ 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.

Pedantic

An adjective that describes words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly, academic, or bookish

Climax

As a stylistic device, the term _____ refers to a literary device in which words, phrases and clauses are arranged in an order to increase their importance within the sentence. The following are examples of climax as a stylistic device. Ex: "I Have a Dream", a memorable address of Martin Luther King: "This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The aforementioned line qualifies as the climax of Martin Luther's speech which criticizes and rejects racial discrimination suffered by black Americans at the hands of white Americans.

Epiphany

Derived from the Greek word "epiphaneia", _____ means "appearance" or "manifestation. In literary terms, an _____ is that moment in the story where a character achieves realization, awareness or a feeling of knowledge after which events are seen through the prism of this new light in the story. James Joyce, the great Irish writer used this term in his writings to indicate a sudden eye-opener regarding the nature of a person or situation. He said that it is the moment in which "the soul of the commonest object ... seems to us radiant, and may be manifested through any chance, word or gesture." He means to say that even insignificant things in our life can suddenly inspire in us an awareness that can change our lives for good. Ex: Let us consider an ____ of a smoker: "I used to smoke a lot. Everyone let me know that it was bad for my health however, I didn't pay any notice. One day I saw my two years of age offspring trying for a used cigarette within an ashtray. Seeing this, abruptly it dawned upon me how terrible smoking was and I stopped smoking." So, this sudden feeling of knowledge that brings to light what was so far hidden and changes one's life is called epiphany. Shakespeare also makes use of an epiphany in his play "Hamlet". It is when Hamlet, the hero, is on a ship sailing to England. Till then, he was over-burdened with thinking and planning a flawless revenge on his father's murderer, Claudius. Suddenly there is a flash of realization and he says: "there is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we may." He realizes that there is no wisdom for him to try to inflict the perfect revenge on Claudius — he must take hold of the moment and go with the current.

Antithesis

Figure of balance in which two contrasting ideas are intentionally juxtaposed, usually through parallel structure; a contrasting of opposing ideas in adjacent phrases, clauses, or sentences. _____creates a definite and systematic relationship between ideas. Ex. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose" - Jim Elliot "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" - Neil Armstrong

Expletive

Figure of emphasis in which a single word or short phrase, usually interrupting normal speech, is used to lend emphasis to the words on either side of the _______. Ex. in fact, of course, to be sure, indeed, I suppose, I hope, you know, you see, clearly, in any event, in effect, certainly, remarkably.

Frame Device

Frame story is a story set within a story, narrative or movie told by the main or the supporting character. It occurs within the story or the movie or the narrative and audience comes across it when reading a book or watching a movie. A character starts telling a story to other characters, he would sit down and write a story. This technique is called a frame narrative, or frame story. It is a very popular form of literary technique employed in storytelling and narration. It usually is found in novels, plays, poems, television, films, musicals and opera. It is a unifying tale within which one or more related stories appear. For instance, in Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus tells about his wandering experience in the court of King Alcinous, or his visit to the island of a sorcerer. Ex: There are several examples of this technique used by Marry Shelley in her novel, Frankenstein Marry Shelley. She has given multiple framed stories in this novel. For example, Robert Walton describes a story- told by Frankenstein, in his letters that he writes to his sister. Frankenstein's story contains story of creature and creature's story briefly contains a story of the family among which he has been living. (Frankenstein by Marry Shelley)

Euphemism

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

Rethoric

From the Greek for "orator," this term describes the principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

Litotes

From the Greek word "simple" or "plain." Litotes is a figure of thought in which a point is affirmed by negating its opposite. It is a special form of understatement, where the surface denial serves, through ironic contrast, to reinforce the underlying assertion. Ex. He's no fool (which implies he is wise). Not uncommon (which implies that the act is frequent)

Didactic

From the Greek, didactic literally means "teaching." _____ works have the primary aim of teaching or instructing, especially the teaching of moral or ethical principles.

Motif

In a literary work, a ____ can be seen as an image, sound, action or other figures that have a symbolic significance and contributes toward the development of theme. _____ and theme are linked in a literary work but there is a difference between them. In a literary piece, a ______ is a recurrent image, idea or a symbol that develops or explains a theme while a theme is a central idea or message. Ex: In Mark Twain's "The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn", we see several motifs that support the central idea of the narrative. The motif of childhood gives the novel a lighter tone and makes it enjoyable to read despite its grave central idea i.e. slavery and racism. Both Huck and Tom are young and flexible enough to undergo a moral education and thus are more open-minded than adults. Another obvious motif in the narrative is superstitions. Jim appears silly to believe in all sorts of signs and omens but interestingly predicts the coming event.

stylistic devices

In essay question that mentions stylistic devices is asking you to note And analyze all of the elements in language that contribute to style, such as diction, syntax, tone, attitude, figure of speech, connotations, and repetition

Archetype

In literature, an _______ is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature. Ex: The Hero: He or she is a character who predominantly exhibits goodness and struggles against evil in order to restore harmony and justice to society e.g. Beowulf, Hercules, D'artagnan from "The Three Musketeers" etc.

Eulogy

Known as homily, the term ______ originates from a Greek word eulogia, which means to praise somebody or something. A ______ is a literary device that is a laudatory expression in a speech, or a written tribute to a person deceased recently. We can say, it is a commendation or high praise intended to give honor, generally, to a dead family member, or a loved one, or it is a tribute given to a dead person at his/her funeral. _____ are also paid as tributes to living persons; for instance, one can dedicate it to his retired colleagues, bosses or employees for winning respectable position and noble deeds. Hence, in general, it is a gesture of honoring somebody. Ex: Renowned Spenser, lie a thought more nigh To learned Chaucer, and rare Beaumont lie A little nearer Spenser to make room For Shakespeare in your threefold, fourfold tomb. Betwixt this day and that by fate be slain... Sleep rare tragedian Shakespeare, sleep alone, That unto us and others it may be Honor hereafter to be laid by thee. (From "On Mr. Wm. Shakespeare, he died in April 1616" by William Basse) Basse has dedicated this eulogy to Shakespeare after 25 years of his death, and suggested that his grave should have been next to Spenser, Chaucer and Beaumont in Westminster Abbey.

Malapropism

Malapropism, from French mal a propos (inappropriate), is a use of an incorrect word in place of a similar sounding word that results in a nonsensical and humorous expression. Ex: New Scientist, a magazine, reports one of its employees calling his colleague "a suppository (i.e. repository) of knowledge". The magazine further reports the worker apologized for his "Miss Marple-ism (i.e. Malapropism)". Bertie Ahern, the former Irish Taoiseach, is said to have given a warning to his country against "upsetting the apple tart (i.e., apple cart) of his country's economic success". In Lit: In the "Rivals", Sheridan introduces a character "Mrs. Malaprop" who habitually uses words which mean quite the opposite to the words she intended to use but which have similar sounds to the words she replaces. It becomes a great source of humorous effect in the play. For example in Act III Scene 3, she tells Captain Absolute: "Sure, if I reprehend anything in this world it is the use of my oracular tongue, and a nice derangement of epitaphs!" In the above passage, she comically replaces apprehend by reprehend, vernacular by oracular, arrangement by derangement and epithets by epitaph. Some other funny examples of malapropism in the same play are "illiterate (i.e. obliterate) him quite from your memory" and "she's as headstrong as an allegory (alligator)."

Prose

Refers to fiction and nonfiction including all it's forms because they are written in ordinary language in most closely resemble every day speech. Technically, anything that isn't poetry or drama is ____

Allegory

The device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning. In some ________, for example, an author may intend the characters to personify an abstraction lie hope or freedom. The ______meaning usually deals with moral truth or a generalization about human existence. Ex. "Animal Farm" George Orwell

Repetition

The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, or clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern. When repetition is poorly done, it pours, but when it's done well, it links in emphasizes ideas well allowing the reader the comfort of recognizing something familiar .

Understatement

The ironic minimizing of fact,_____presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Is the opposite of hyperbole. Ex. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake interrupted business somewhat in the downtown area. Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse. - Jonathan Swift

Dialect

The language used by the people of a specific area, class, district or any other group of people. The term _____ involves the spelling, sounds, grammar and pronunciation used by a particular group of people and it distinguishes them from other people around them. Ex: Jim: "We's safe, Huck, we's safe! Jump up and crack yo' heels. Dat's de good ole Cairo at las', I jis knows it." Huck: "I'll take the canoe and go see, Jim. It mightn't be, you know."

Idiom

The term refers to a set expression or a phrase comprising two or more words. An interesting fact regarding the device is that the expression is not interpreted literally. The phrase is understood as to mean something quite different from what individual words of the phrase would imply. Alternatively, it can be said that the phrase is interpreted in a figurative sense. Further, idioms vary in different cultures and countries. Ex: "Every cloud has its silver lining but it is sometimes a little difficult to get it to the mint." The statement quoted above uses "silver lining" as an ____ which means some auspicious moment is lurking behind the cloud or the difficult time.

Colloquialism

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

rhetorical structure

This phrase refers to how a passage is constructed. If I asked to consider rhetorical structure, look at the passages organization in how the writer combines images, details, or arguments to serve his or her purpose

Rhetorical modes

This term describes a variety, conventions, in the purpose of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes and their purposes are as follows: the purpose of exposition Or expository writing is to prove the Valatie of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, in argument that the early Convincible leader. Persuasive writing is a type of Argumentation having an additional team of urging some form of reader. The purpose of description is to re-create, invent, or visually present a person, place, or event, or action so that the reader can picture that being described. The purpose of near ration is to tell a story or nearly in event by series of events . This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing. These four modes are sometimes referred to as modes of discourse

Homily

This term literally means "sermon," but more informally, it can include any serious talk, speech, or lecture involving moral or spiritual advice

Sentence structure

When an essay question asks you to analyze sentence structure, look at the type of sentences author uses. Basic sentence structures are: simple, complex, compound, and vacations created with sentence combining. Also considered variation, or lack of it in sentence length, any unusual devices in sentence construction such as repetition or inverted word order, and any unusual word or phrase placement. The effect of the sentence structure must be discussed. For example, a series of short, simple sentences or phrases can produce a feeling of speed or choppiness, which may suit the authors purpose

Epitaph

When somebody from our family and friend dies, we want to commemorate his/her memories. For this, we use _______, which is a brief writing or saying. Is an inscription written on a grave. Generally, it is a brief composition, having figurative sense in a verse or in prose form, written to pay tribute to a deceased person, or to remember a past event. Strictly speaking, epitaph is a short text on a plaque or tombstone, honoring a dead person. It is derived from a Greek word epitaphios that means funeral oration. Many poets and authors have written their epitaphs prior to their death, such as William Shakespeare, Sylvia Plath and Oscar Wilde and John Keats. Ex: Oscar Wilde's Epitaph Wilde's epitaph is inscribed on his gravestone in a very sentimental verse. It reads; "And alien tears will fill for him, Pity's long-broken urn, For his mourners will be outcast men, And outcasts always mourn." This epitaph is from his popular poem "The Ballad of Reading Gaol." The poem describes that death is also like a prison sentence. Further, he adds a witty statement that in the grave "the food in here is awful."

appositive

a noun or pronoun placed beside another noun or pronoun to identify or explain it -my best friends, Joe and Sam went to college

Bathos

______ is a literary term derived from a Greek word meaning "depth". Bathos is when a writer or a poet falls into inconsequential and absurd metaphors, descriptions or ideas in an effort to be increasingly emotional or passionate. Ex: The British radio series I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again also provides us with many Bathos examples. John Cleese and Jo Kendall appeared in the roles of a couple whose relationship is on the brink of failure. MARY: John - once we had something that was pure, and wonderful, and good. What's happened to it? JOHN: You spent it all. When Mary says "something pure and wonderful", she is actually referring to the deep, sacred, noble form of love. However, the description is vague enough for John to manipulate.

Syllepsis

a construction in which one word is used in two different senses

irony

a figure of speech. in general a discrepancy between appearances and reality

syllogism

a formal argument consisting of three propositions, called premises, have one term in common furnishing a logical connection between the two other terms, which are then linked in the third position

clause

a grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb An independent or main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be accompanied by an independent clause. Subordinate clauses usually begin with words such as although, because, unless, if, even, though, since, as soon as, who, when, where , how and that. Because he was so angry , he hit the wall.

phrase

a group of related words that is used as a single party of speech and doesn't not contain both a verb and its subjects. It cannot stand alone and it must rely on a dependent clause

attitude

a writers intellectual position or emotion regarding the subject of a subject of the writing.

Juxtaposition

a placing close together or side by side - usually for the purpose of examination

predicate nominative

a second type of subject compliment- a noun group of nouns, or noun clause that renames the subject. It, like the predicate adjective, follows a linking verb and is located in the predicate of the sentence. Ex: Abe lincoln was a man of integrity," (man of integrity- preterite nominee)

exclamatory sentence

a sentence of exclamation

imperative sentence

a sentence that expresses a compound

periodic sentence

a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end

interrogative sentence

a sentence used to ask a question

declarative sentence

a statement of fact

loose sentence

a type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent grammatical units such as phrases and clauses. If a period were placed at the end of the independent clause, the clause would be a complete sentence. A work containing many loose sentences often seem informal, relaxed and conversational

pedantic

an adjective that describes the words, phrases, or general tone that is overly scholarly academic or bookish

persuasive essay

an essay with a coherent argument in which the evidence builds to a logical and relevant conclusion. strong essays will often appeal to the audiences emotions of ethical standards.

Non Sequitur

are those literary devices which include the statements, sayings and conclusions that do not follow the fundamental principles of logic and reason. They are frequently used in theater and comedies to create comedic effects. is a Latin phrase that means "it doesn't follow". Here "non" means not and "sequitur" means to follow. It takes place when a difference is created between the principle idea and the conclusion, which finally leads to a fallacy. In conversation, non sequitur is something that is said but seems quite absurd to the point of confusion due to lack of proper meanings. It is sometimes taken as postulation that means the statement might not be true. For instance: Maria drives a car. She must be a wealthy person. David eats broccoli. David should love to eat meat. The sentences do not follow a proper sequence in non sequitur and words do not give the same meaning as readers suppose them to do. Ex: An excerpt from "Bald Soprano" by Eugene Ionesco Mrs. Smith: There, it's nine o' clock; we have drunk the soup, and eaten the fish and chips and the English salad... That's because we live in the suburbs of London and because our name is smith. Mr. Smith: (continues to read and clicks his tongue) Mrs. Smith: Potatoes are very good, fried in fat: the salad oil was not rancid... However, I prefer not to tell them that their oil is bad. Mr. Smith: (continues to read and clicks his tongue) Mrs. Smith: However, the oil from the grocer at the corner is till the best. Mr. Smith: Mr. Smith: (continues to read and clicks his tongue) In this excerpt, we can notice the strong use of non sequitur, where Mrs. Smith is talking to Mr. Smith and he does not respond at all as it is quite absurd.

complex

consists of a principal clause and one more subordinate clause ( After i have read it, i will give the book to you)

compound complex

consists of both

compound

consists of more than one independent clause (The sun rose and the birds were singing)

Asyndeton

consists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This can give the effect of unpremeditated multiplicity, of an extemporaneous rather than a labored account. _____ lists can be more emphatic than if a final conjunction were used. Ex. On his return he received medals, honors, treasures, titles, fame. They spent the day wondering, searching, thinking, understandings.

simple sentance

consists of one independent clause

Epithet

is a descriptive literary device that describes a place, a thing or a person in such a way that it helps in making the characteristics of a person, thing or place more prominent than they actually are. Also, it is known as a by-name or descriptive title. Ex: "Here of a Sunday morning My love and I would lie, And see the coloured counties, And hear the larks so high About us in the sky." (Brendon Hills by A.E Housman) Here, "coloured" is an ____ used to describe the pleasant and beautiful spring season in those countries where the poet wishes to enjoy his beloved's company.

Elegy

is a form of literature which can be defined as a poem or song in the form of elegiac couplets, written in honor of someone deceased. It typically laments or mourns the death of the individual. Ex: "With the farming of a verse Make a vineyard of the curse, Sing of human unsuccess In a rapture of distress; In the deserts of the heart Let the healing fountain start, In the prison of his days Teach the free man how to praise." (In Memory of W. B. Yeats, by W. H. Auden)

Epigraph

is a literary device in the form of a poem, quotation or sentence usually placed at the beginning of a document or a simple piece having a few sentences but which belongs to another writer. can serve different purposes such as it can be used as a summary, introduction, an example, or an association with some famous literary works, so as to draw comparison or to generate a specific context to be presented in the piece. Ex: Many famous poems are good sources of examples of epigraph. "Mistah Kurtz, he dead" is a line from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, which was used in the famous poem The Hollow Men by T.S Eliot to describe how modern people have dead souls like Kurtz of Heart of Darkness. It is because they have taken materialism as their demigod and accepted its domination, submitting their spirits to it like Kurtz did.

Ellipsis

is a literary device that is used in narratives to omit some parts of a sentence or event, which gives the reader a chance to fill the gaps while acting or reading it out. It is usually written between the sentences as "...". Apart from being convenient, ______ also helps in advancing the story.The part of a sentence or an event that is left out by substituting it with ______ is often used to either save time or use it as a stylistic element by allowing the reader to fill in the gaps by using their imagination. _____ can be dated back to Earnest Hemingway who also presented the Iceberg theory, which is also called the theory of omission. Ex: Among the famous examples of ellipsis in literature, the best would be Virginia Woolf's novel, To the Lighthouse. The book involves two parts, one before the World War I was fought and won and the later one accounts for the events occurring afterwards. All the events that occurred in between have not been mentioned in the book. Rather it has left to the readers to deduce the events from the notable changes that have occurred in the characters' lives.

Jargon

is a literary term that is defined as a use of specific phrases and words by writers in a particular situation, profession or trade. These specialized terms are used to convey hidden meanings accepted and understood in that field. Jargon examples are found in literary and non-literary pieces of writing. becomes essential in prose or verse or some technical pieces of writing when the writer intends to convey something only to the readers who are aware of these terms. Therefore, jargon was taken in early times as a trade language or as a language of a specific profession, as it is somewhat unintelligible for other people who do not belong to that particular profession. In fact, specific terms were developed to meet the needs of the group of people working within the same field or occupation. Ex:Medical Jargons Certain medications can cause or worsen nasal symptoms (especially congestion). These include the following: birth control pills, some drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., alpha blockers and beta blockers), antidepressants, medications for erectile dysfunction, and some medications for prostatic enlargement. If rhinitis symptoms are bothersome and one of these medications is used, ask the prescriber if the medication could be aggravating the condition. (Robert H Fletcher and Phillip L Lieberman) This passage is full of medical jargon such as nasal, congestions, alpha blockers and anti-depressants. Perhaps only those in the medical community would fully understand all of them..

Epigram

is a rhetorical device that is a memorable, brief, interesting and surprising satirical statement. It has originated from a Greek word, epigramma, meaning inscription or to inscribe. Often ingenious or witty statements are considered as _____ such as this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Oscar Wilde used an ______, "As long as war is regarded as wicked, it will always have its fascination. When it is looked upon as vulgar, it will cease to be popular." Both of these ___________ are not only interesting and brief but also satirical, as the first one is about the sense of inferiority while the second one is about war.

Dissonance

is the use of impolite, harsh-sounding and unusual words in poetry. In other words, it is a deliberate use of inharmonious words, phrases or syllables intended to create harsh sounding effects. Ex: Gr-r-r-there go, my heart's abhorrence! Water your damned flower-pots, do! If hate killed men, Brother Lawrence, God's blood, would not mine kill you! What? your myrtle-bush wants trimming? Oh, that rose has prior claims- 'St, there's Vespers! Plena gratia Ave, Virgo! Gr-r-r-you swine! ("Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister" by Robert Browning) Browning captures the attention of his readers by beginning and ending the above poem with a word "Gr-r-r." While in the rest of the stanza, he has employed dissonance.

language

means to concentrate on how the elements of language combine to form a whole

situational irony

occurs when events turn out the opposite of what was expected. what the characters and readers think ought to happen is not what does happen

verbal irony

occurs when the words literally state the opposite of the writers true meaning

dramatic irony

occurs with facts or events are unknown to a character in a play or piece of fiction but known to the reader, audience, or other characters in the work.

predicate adjective

one type of subject complement- an adjective, group of adjectives or adjective clause that follows a lining verb. It is in the predicate of the sentence, and modifies or describes the subject Ex: My boyfriend is tall, dar, and handsome,"

Cliché

refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. May also refer to actions and events which are predictable because of some previous events. Ex: in the nick of time - to happen just in time as brave as a lion - a ______ to describe a very brave person frightened to death - to be too frightened

mood

the prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work

parallel structure

the term comes from the greek root meaning "beside one another" It refers to the grammatical or rhetorical framing of words phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give it simitality

rhetorical features

the tools of rhetoric, such as tone, diction, and imagery

colloquial expression

the use of slang or informalities in a speech or writing

Antecedent

the word, phrase or clause referred to by a noun. -(The exam occasionally asks for the _______ of a given pronoun in a long complex sentence or in a group sentences)

narrative technique

they style of telling the "story" even if the passage is nonfiction. concentrate on the order of events and on their detail in evaluating a writes techniques

Narrative devices

this term describes the tools of the story teller such as ordering events so that they build to a climactic movement or withholding information until a crucial or appropriate moment when revealing it creates a desired effect

persuasive devices

when asked to analyze an authors persuasive devise, look for the words in the passage that have strong connotations, words that intensify the emotional effect