Rhetoric is the art of using language to persuade people. Rhetorical devices include the most common types of figurative language as well as many other creative approaches to increasing the impact of words. Authors use rhetorical devices to stir readers' emotions and to help them connect with a topic on a deeper level.
Some of the same literary devices that are used in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction can also help a writer or speaker persuade an audience. Use the examples below to review some literary devices that may serve a rhetorical purpose.
Alliteration is the repetition of the initial sounds of several words in a sentence. Often people think of alliteration as a tongue twister like Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, but this isn't how alliteration is used in persuasive speeches. Instead, it emphasizes key words and draws attention to important concepts, as in this sentence:
"I feel wide-eyed wondering why, wondering when, and wondering how long we will have to wait."
You use a simile when you compare two unlike things by using the word like or as. For example, you might say:
During math class, time moves as slowly as a snail for me.
When you use personification, you give something that is not a person a human trait, such as the ability to smile, touch, or think. Here's an example:
The rain clouds glowered at us as we cautiously set up our picnic.
A metaphor is similar to a simile, but you do not use the words like or as when making your comparison. Instead, a metaphor states or implies that something is something else.
The man was a rock, staying strong for all the victims who weren't able to do the same.
Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to create a specific effect, such as humor, or to make a point. For instance, you might tell your parents:
My backpack weighs a ton. (It may be heavy, but your backpack definitely doesn't weigh 2,000 pounds.)
An idiom is a phrase that means something different than the literal words that make up the saying. You have probably heard at least one of these idioms:
His eyes were glued to the TV.
It's raining cats and dogs outside.
I'm ready to hit the hay.
You've studied most of these elements and devices before. Use the questions below to make sure you'll be able to recognize them in your own writing. Read each sentence and then select the type of rhetorical device demonstrated by the example.
The world is waking up.
The world refers to Earth, which is not human and cannot technically "wake up."
The world refers to Earth, which is not human and cannot technically "wake up."
The world refers to Earth, which is not human and cannot technically "wake up."
Right now is where we draw the line.
"Draw the line" is a phrase that means to set a limit at which one is willing to accept. No one is actually drawing a line—they are just setting a limit. When it comes to doing chores, for example, you might draw the line at scrubbing the toilets.
"Draw the line" is a phrase that means to set a limit at which one is willing to accept. No one is actually drawing a line—they are just setting a limit. When it comes to doing chores, for example, you might draw the line at scrubbing the toilets.
"Draw the line" is a phrase that means to set a limit at which one is willing to accept. No one is actually drawing a line—they are just setting a limit. When it comes to doing chores, for example, you might draw the line at scrubbing the toilets.
I am a shining star for our future generations.
This person is comparing themselves to a shining star without using like or as. A direct comparison such as this is a metaphor.
This person is comparing themselves to a shining star without using like or as. A direct comparison such as this is a metaphor.
This person is comparing themselves to a shining star without using like or as. A direct comparison such as this is a metaphor.
You are forever failing us, our future, and our fate.
This sentence uses the "f" sound four time making it an example of an alliteration.
This sentence uses the "f" sound four time making it an example of an alliteration.
This sentence uses the "f" sound four time making it an example of an alliteration.
I walked a million miles to get here.
The average person walks about 1,500 miles a year, which means walking a million miles is impossible. Walking a million miles is an extreme exaggeration.
The average person walks about 1,500 miles a year, which means walking a million miles is impossible. Walking a million miles is an extreme exaggeration.
The average person walks about 1,500 miles a year, which means walking a million miles is impossible. Walking a million miles is an extreme exaggeration.
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