Rhetorical Analysis & Their Functions
Analogy
to make a pointed comparison, often a very powerful comparison
Metaphor
Comparing things figuratively WITHOUT using like or as
Her heart is gold
Similie
Comparing things BY USING like or as
I eat like a pig
Hyperbole
to provoke a response, to cast something in a strong light
Understatement
I wish I had blinding white teeth
to spark the reader's imagination, or make a pointed observation
Juxtaposition
to call attention to extremes (with comparison)
Imagery
to illustrate an idea, a feeling, or the particular qualities of something to produce a feeling, idea, or tone
As she stood staring into the sunset, she felt her feet sink in the sand, while small grains filled the gaps between her toes.
appeals to the 5 senses
Alliteration
typically sentences where most of the words start with the same letter or sound
she sells sea shells by the sea shore
to create a memorable phrase
Allusion
to lend authority to an idea, to make an association with something the reater knows to create a memborable phrase
referencing things wihtout directly stating it
if it doesn't stop raining, i'm going to build an arc
Refrain
to create a memorable phrase
repetition of one or more phrases/lines
the chorus of a song
Anaphora
to create a memorable idea, powerful effect, to reinforce an idea
the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clause
my poem for poet laurete sophmore year
maybe people wouldn;t (blah blah blah) maybe people wouldn't (blah blah blah) maybe people wouldn't (blah blah blah)
repition of the sentence starter (in the ex. from my poem)
Repetition
to create a memorable idea, powerful effect, to reinforce an idea
repeating multiple lines, words, or phrases
Parallelism
to create a memorable idea, powerful effect, to reinforce an idea
the use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.
i have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat
Tone
to communicate an attitude towards the subject
come here right now, janet!!
demanding/ angry tone
Undertone
to communicate an attitude towards the subject that cuts beyond the attitude that appears on the surface
despite the humor used in the lecture on cheating that we recieved today, no one can doubt it's serious undertone
Words w/ heavy connotations
example
to cast the subject in a particular light, to imply
denotation: being overweight or too heavy for your size
connotation: fat, obese, plump, large, stout
Lists, cataloguing
Selection of detail
to concretize a particular idea, fact, or feeling
example: carefully picking words to piece together the most powerful sentence possible
to create a sense of overwhelming force of magnitude
he called her a melon, a pineapple, an olive tree, an emerald, and a fox in the snow all in the spand of three seconds
Irony
to convey complexitiy
the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
Paradox
to point out an apparent contradiction
"War is peace"
"Freedom is slavery"
"Ignorance is strength"
Anecdote
to provide a concrete example or humanize an abstract concept
a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
"John was missing his family after he moved across the county, but thanks to Facebook, he could stay connected."
Humor
to disarm the audience, diffuse hostility, warm the reader to the writers ideas
Satire
to ridicule and inspire reform
the use of
irony
exaggeration
humor
to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
ridicule
Sarcasm, Verbal Irony
to ridicule or critisize
I just love having loads of homework when caffiene doesn't work for my body/ mind so I can't stay up and I fall asleep and never get anything done because I try to do it at school :,)
Invective
insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
"You slimy, goey, piece of squirming tentacle, get your visually stinking self away from me!"
Narrative Pace
to ridicule, chastise, or convey attempt
the speed at which an author tells a story; the movement from one point or section to another
to convey energy or intense feelings (or lack thereof)
Appeals to reason, emotion, patriotism, religion, ethics, etc.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
to provoke the auidence to respond in a particular way, to tap into a readers intellect, feelings, needs, values, etc.
Rhetorical Question
a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.
"are you kidding me??"
to provoke the reader to respond or to think, or to lead them to the next idea
Short, Staccato Sentences
to call attention to an idea
Now listen. The writing sings. Write music
Paraleipsis
emphasizing a point by seeming to pass over it
to draw attention to something while pretending not to do so
"Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it. It is not meet you know how Caesar lov'd you."
Litotes
ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary
Litotes
"Not Bad"
"She's not ugly"
"You are not wrong"
"I am not unfamiliar with poetry"
to draw attention to something while pretending to be subtle
Translation
"Good"
"She's pretty"
"You're right"
"I know a lot about poetry"