Rhetorical Devices

A rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures in order to produce an artistic effect. "Never let a fool kiss you, or a kiss fool you."

• litotes

• parody

• chiasmus

• anaphora

Use of figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

• anaphora

• satire

• litotes

• imagery

Makes a connection between two things - "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." (Neil Armstrong)

• anaphora

• antithesis

• anadiplosis

• litotes

A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., "You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit.")

• allegory

• zeugma

• simile

• synecdoche

This relates to the three classical appeals of ethos, logos, and pathos

• alliteration

• catharsis

• rhetorical triangle

• amplification

A metaphor where something being compared is referred to by something closely associated with it - "coke" or "soda" for a soft drink.

• eponym

• metonymy

• simile

• rhetoric

A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind (using like or as), used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g. as brave as a lion; crazy like a fox")

• allegory

• simile

• satire

• synecdoche

Makes an understatement by denying the opposite of a word that may have been used - The terms of the contract are not disagreeable to me.

• diction

• litotes

• paradox

• imagery

Repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a sentence or phrase.

• counterclaim

• consonance

• oxymoron

• assonance

A figure of speech in which a thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes.

• allegory

• personification

• hypophora

• synecdoche