Literary Devices

Rhetoric

Authors also manipulate the language of their works to create a desired response from the reader. Rhetorical devices draw the reader's attention to the text and make the characters' conversations more realistic. Some rhetorical devices are:

An Anacoluthon is an abrupt change of syntax in sentence structure. For example, a sentence sets up a subject and verb, but then changes its structure so it gives no direct object.

An Analogy is a comparison based on similarity; a form of logical inference.

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within a short passage.

A Chiastic Structure is a figure of speech based on inverted parallelism; a rhetorical figure in which two clauses relate through a reversal of terms to create a larger meaning.

Conceit is an extended metaphor, associated with metaphysical poetry. Images and ideas are juxtaposed in surprising ways to provoke a more sophisticated understanding of an object of comparison.

Constrained Writing is a form of writing in which artificial constraints are imposed, such as a story told in one-syllable words.

Diction refers to the precise choice of words based on their connotation and meaning.

Epithet is a descriptive word or phrase, often metaphorical, that is frequently attached to names.

Juxtaposition is placing two elements together for comparison or contrast.

A Metaphor is a direct comparison between two or more seemingly unrelated subjects.

An Oxymoron combines two normally contradictory terms; for example, "falsely true"

A Parade of Horribles is a rhetorical device in which the speaker argues a point by listing many extremely undesirable consequences.

Parallelism is a balance of two or more similar words, phrases, or clauses; it gives two or more parts of a sentence a similar form so the whole has a definite pattern.

Parody is ridicule by imitation, usually humorous.

Personification is a figure of speech that involves directly speaking of an inanimate object or an abstract concept as if it were a living entity.

A Rhetorical Question is a figure of speech in the form of a question posed for rhetorical effect rather than to get an answer.

A Simile is a figure of speech in which one object is compared to another using the words “like” or “as.”.

Symbolism is the creative use of arbitrary symbols as abstract representations of concepts or objects, or the attribution of symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships.

Writer's voice describes an author's individual writing style, including syntax, diction, punctuation, character development, dialogue, etc.

Word Play is a literary technique in which the words themselves become part of the work. Puns, phonetic mix-ups, rhetorical excursions, and oddly formed sentences are common examples of word play.