5.10.G

Literary & Rhetorical Devices

Literary and rhetorical devices^* are specific ways that authors use language to achieve certain effects.

In stories and poems, literary devices include sound devices (alliteration, onomatopoeia, assonance) and figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification) that create effects and emotional meaning for the reader.

In argumentative and persuasive writing, rhetorical devices include the same types of devices, but with the purpose of convincing readers to adopt a viewpoint or attitude.

^*The two terms are often used interchangeably.

Hyperbole: Hyperbole is exaggeration beyond belief.

The purpose of hyperbole is to get noticed. When an author uses hyperbole, he or she wants to emphasize a point. It is not meant to be taken literally.

Anecdote: An anecdote is a short, interesting story about an incident from the past.

The purpose of telling an anecdote could be —
- to introduce a topic in an interesting or funny way;
- to make a point relevant to a current topic of discussion;
- to connect with readers or listeners who may have had similar experiences.

Look for phrases like, "I remember when..." and "When I was younger..." to introduce an anecdote.

Stereotyping: Stereotyping^* is the assigning of specific characteristics to whole groups of people based on generalizations or oversimplifications.

In storytelling and persuasive writing, stereotyping is often used as a shortcut to quickly connect readers or viewers to certain ideas:

EXAMPLE: An advertisement might use a spokesperson, pictures, and words that associate either boys or girls with certain activities and products to try to connect with viewers and/or readers and make them want to buy their products.

EXAMPLE: Writers of stories may use "stock characters"—the wise old man, the evil stepmother, the absent-minded professor—as a shortcut to character development because readers have come to associate these characters with specific personalities and characteristics.

^*REMEMBER: It is inappropriate, inaccurate, and hurtful to portray or judge real people based on stereotypes. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize stereotypes.

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Go to the next page for practice with these literary and rhetorical devices.

Literary and Rhetorical Devices

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 5.10.G

explain the purpose of hyperbole, stereotyping, and anecdote.

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