Speech Literary Devices

The following are common speech literary devices:

Alliteration

Repetition of the same sounds in the beginning of several words.

Eg. He was so fast and furious that he finished first in the race.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or phrase in the beginning of several clauses.

Eg. We will put this forth, we will try our very best, we will succeed!

Antistrophe

Repetition of the same word or phrase at the end of several clauses.

Eg. He tried extorting money, but to no avail. He tried to steal, but to no avail. He tried every possible mean, but to no avail.

Aporia

Feigned expression of doubt.

Eg. He was quite uncertain about it, "Was that really true?"

Antithesis

Opposed ideas in a parallel construction.

Eg. Not that I hated him, I just did not like him.

Assonance

Repetition of the same sounds in words.

Eg. How do you like to be true?

Hendiadys

Use of two words connected by a conjunction, instead of subordinating one to another.

Eg. There is no need to be terrified and be fear for the worst.

Metaphor

Implied comparison achieved through a figurative use of words.

Eg. As he heard the news, he rocketed off to see him.

Oxymoron

Paradox.

Eg. We must fail this time to succeed.

Personification

Attribution of personality to an impersonal thing.

Eg. The toilet tap started to cry.

Simile

An explicit comparison using 'as' or 'like'.

Eg. He flew like the wind.

Shao Xuan

(Term 3 Post #4)