A reference to another text or assumed knowledge of a reference; typically biblical, historical, literary, or a current event.

The word choices made by a writer; archaic language, or especially evocative choices that contain powerful connotations.

A question passed by the speaker which has an obvious answer, no answer, or is the argument.

The intentional emphasis on word order; structure of a sentence or phrase (sentence form, structure, repetition, and/or punctuation)

A statement that appears to be contradictory but, in fact, has some truth.

A stated comparison between two unlike things (without using "like" or "as").

An eplicit comparison between two unlike things with the use of "like" or "as."

Attributing human qualities to an inanimate object.

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis.

Refers to the use of words whose sound reinforces their meaning.

Words, phrases, stated over (and over) to emphasize meaning.

Sight, sound, touch, taste, smell (allows the reader to more fully participate in the work with images and experiences that they can tie to directly on indirectly).

Speaker means something other than what is said; the unexpected; a difference between what is stated to be literally true and what the reader knows to be true.

Two contradictory terms used together.

An inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or harsh.

A set of similarly structured words, phrases, or clauses.

When conjunctions are omitted, producing fast-paced and rapid prose to speed up the reader so as to have the reader experience the events along with the person, in a rapid succession.

The use of many conjunctions; it slows down the pace of the reader but the effect is to possibly overwhelm the reader with details.

A form of regular repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, sentences, or strategically placed paragraphs.

When two or more ideas, places, or characters are placed side by side for the purpose of developing comparisons and contrasts.

A change in setting, tone, language, theme, idea, or speaker.

A type of opposition between two objects highlighted to emphasize their differences.