Rhetorical devices are an effective way of conveying ideas to the audience. In both speech and writing, rhetorical devices can be used to generate interest in an audience, highlight certain ideas, improve the flow of words, or otherwise direct attention to a specific idea. Commonly used rhetorical devices include alliteration, allusion, parallelism, simile, metaphor, and personification.
Alliteration, the repetition of the first consonant sound in a group of two or more words, draws attention to that specific phrase. For example, when a “shocking, sickening sound” is mentioned, the audience instinctively picks up this phrase and can recall it better.
Allusion is when a literary work, person, place, or event is referenced to within another work. For instance, many samples of writing refer to a “catch-22”, which is an idea that originated in Joseph Heller’s novel “Catch-22”. Allusions appeal to the audience perhaps because they offer a new way at looking at an idea or a brief relief from the subject at hand.
Parallelism is classified as more of a grammatical rhetorical tool. Certain kinds of syntax (for example, prepositional phrases) are repeated throughout phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. Parallelism is popular in speeches because it draws the ear; listeners are naturally attracted to its pleasant sound. Thus, parallelism not only emphasizes an idea but also adds rhythm to a work, making it pleasing to hear or read.
Perhaps the most well known, similes and metaphors are two kinds of literary devices that are used to compare and contrast two different objects or ideas. The only difference between the two is that similes use the words “like” or “as” whereas metaphors do not. A common simile is “you are as sweet as sugar”, in which case “you” is being compared to “sugar”. On the other hand, a common metaphor is “she is the apple of my eye”, where “she” is being likened to an apple. Writers can use similes and metaphors to describe an unknown object in terms of a more commonly known object and more accurately characterize the intended subject for the audience’s understanding.
Personification is another commonly used literary device. Writers may take a non-human object, animal, or idea and give it human characteristics, thus giving it life. Audiences can then relate better to these objects or animals. This is a popular device amongst writers because, like with similes and metaphors, writers can more accurately describe abstract, unknown ideas. A frequent example of personification is “winking stars”, in which non-human objects (stars) are given human characteristics (the ability to wink). The phrase “winking stars” implies that the stars are not merely static objects, that they have their own reasons for winking.
Adjectives are descriptive words that help a listener better understand a subject. In good writing, an adjective is a rhetorical device designed to appeal to your listeners’ senses and invite them to become more emotionally involved. For example, the adjectives in “the sharp, metallic taste of fear” conjure up a very clear image for readers. It may also help readers retain information.
Similes are a comparison of two things using the words “like” or “as.”
For example:
• Playing chess with Ashley is like trying to outsmart a computer.
• His temper was as explosive as a volcano.
Metaphors are an implied comparison of two things without the use of “as” or “like.” For example:
• The inside of the car was a refrigerator.
• The teenage boy’s stomach was a bottomless pit.
Rhetorical devices can add depth to a writer’s work, bring to life a once flat, unemotional piece, carry the author’s point across more accurately, and stimulate interest in the audience. It is no wonder that they are such a popular tool amongst writers.
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