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Rhetorical Devices & Their Functions (Analogy (To make a pointed…
Rhetorical Devices & Their Functions
Analogy
To make a pointed comparison, often a very powerful comparison.
In is to out as up is to down.
Metaphor
Directly refers to one thing by mentioning another.
He is a walking dictionary because he knows every word I ask him.
Simile
A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind
During the boxing match I was as defensive as a tiger.
Hyperbole
To provoke a response, to cast something in a strong.
I am so hungry, I could eat a whole pig.
Understatement
To spark the reader’s imagination, or make a pointed
observation
It was flooded everywhere
Grandpa: It looks like it rained last night.
Juxtaposition
to call attention to extremes
The sign said no skating, but I still did it.
Imagery
To illustrate an idea, a feeling, or the particular qualities
of something; to produce a feeling, idea or tone.
Alliteration
to create a memorable phrase
I was trying to sell fish to a fisherman
Allusion
To lend authority to an idea, to make an association
with something the reader knows
Sally had a smile that rivaled that of the Mona Lisa
Refrain
To create a memorable phrase
I am strong, I don't care what others think. I am strong, I will never let no one beat me.
Anaphora
to create a memorable, powerful effect, to reinforce an
idea
It was the best of times, but it was the worst of times.
Tone
to communicate an attitude towards the subject
My mom is very hardworking but now she is very ill.
Undertone
to communicate an attitude towards the subject that
cuts beyond the attitude that appears on the surface
Selection Of Detail
to concertize a particular idea, fact, or feeling
Cataloguing
to create a sense of overwhelming force or magnitude
She did all that work in less than three seconds.
Irony
To convey complexity
A man takes a back-road to avoid traffic in the highway. Little did he know that there was an accident and he was stopped by it.
Paradox
to point out an apparent contradiction
I can resist anything except temptation.
Anecdote
to provide a concrete example or humanize an abstract concept
Even an A student like myself can forget to complete an assignment every once in a while.
Humor
to disarm the audience, diffuse hostility, warm the
reader to the writer’s ideas
Ask not just of what your country can do for you. But ask yourself what you can do to help your country.
Satire
to ridicule and inspire reform
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
Sarcasm
to ridicule or criticize
Kid hates Basketball
Friend: Aye brother you wanna play. Him: Oh yeah sure since i love playing it.
Invective
to ridicule, chastise or convey contempt
I did not attend to the Funeral but i sent a nice letter saying I approved.
