Rhetorical Devices and Terms: Asyndeton, Polysyndeton, Anaphora, Antithesis and More, Study notes of Literature

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Rhetorical

terms

Rhetorical Devices & Terms – what

do you remember?

In squads and in your notebooks/binders, refer to the following list of words and see what you remember (definitions and/or examples). Ethos/pathos/logos Allusion, anecdote, hyperbole, metaphor, parallelism, rhetorical questions, restatement, understatement

Asyndeton - definition  “Asyndeton is derived from a Greek word asyndeton which means unconnected. It is a stylistic device used in literature and poetry to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain the grammatical accuracy. This literary tool helps in reducing the indirect meaning of the phrase and presents it in a concise form.  Or, when you leave out conjunction junction

Asyndeton - definition  A. One type of asyndeton is used between words, phrases and a sentence. “Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, Shrunk to this little measure?”  B. Second type is used between sentences or clauses. Without looking, without making a sound, without talking

Asyndeton/Ploysyndeton  Polysyndeton and asyndeton are opposite to each other. Polysyndeton includes addition of multiple conjunctions such as in “He eats and sleeps and drinks.” On the other hand, asyndeton is the elimination or leaving out of conjunctions such as in “He eats, sleeps, drinks.”  Both create a completely different effect. Polysyndeton slows down the rhythm of speech and makes it moderate whereas asyndeton speeds up the rhythm of the speech.

Asyndeton - function Speed up rhythm Focus/attract readers’ attention “since it suggests that words, phrases and sentences are incomplete and the readers would have to do some work to deduce meanings”. Emphasize a particular idea

Anaphora – function Adds prominence to ideas Add rhythm (more pleasurable to read, and easier to remember) Appeal to the emotions of the audience, in order to persuade, inspire, motivate, and encourage them. Example: “ Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better.”

Antithesis – definition Antithesis, literal meaning opposite, is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. Antithesis emphasizes the idea of contrast by parallel structures of the contrasted phrases or clauses, i.e. the structures of phrases and clauses are similar in order to draw the attention of the listeners or readers.

What’s the difference between repetition and restatement? Repetition repeats the same words Restatement repeats the same ideas , but using different words

How’s that different from parallelism?  Repetition a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same word, phrase or sentence.  Parallelism is a literary device that juxtaposes two or more similar syntactic constructions, especially those expressing the same idea with slight modifications.  Repetition refers to the repetition of words, phrases, or clauses.  Parallelism refers to the repetition of the structure.  Repetition focuses more on the meaning.  Parallelism focuses more on the structure.

Euphemism A nicer way of putting something distasteful, sad, etc. Effect can be to soften the blow, stay tasteful/polite, etc.

Hyperbole/Understatement

Hyperbole – over

exaggeration

Understatement – the direct

opposite.

What device? “This is the villain among you who deceived you, who cheated you, who meant to betray you completely…….”

What device? – Asyndeton!

“This is the villain among you who

deceived you, who cheated you, who

meant to betray you completely…….”

Function?