Literary and Rhetorical Terms

Front

Persona

Back

Who the speaker is in real life and the role the speaker plays when delivering the message.

Front

Tone

Back

The author’s attitude toward a subject.

Front

Rhetorical Question

Back

A question asked to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

Front

Jeremiad

Back

A long speech that sets a standard and explains why the audience isn't meeting the standard.

Front

Subject

Back

The specific topic of a text.

Front

Purpose

Back

The goal the author wants to achieve.

Front

Counterargument

Back

An opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward.

Front

Syntax

Back

The way an author arranges their words and phrases.

Front

Figurative Language

Back

Language that uses figures of speech to highlight, explain, or creatively convey an idea.

Front

Allusion

Back

A reference to a person, an event, place, or work of art that the author assumes the reader will recognize.