Stylistic devices

• Alliteration:

  • Definition: Repetition of initial consonant sounds
  • Effect: Grabs reader's attention and creates mood
• Anaphora:

  • Definition: Repeating the first part of a sentence
  • Effect: Emphasis on words, emotional effect, adds rhythm making it easier to read and remember
• Antithesis:

  • Definition: Having two opposite ideas in a sentence
  • Effect: Emphasises ideas, makes it easier to understand the point being made or the complexity of the situation
• Hyperbole:

  • Definition: Exaggeration of ideas
  • Effect: Creates amusing effect, can create contrast, attracts reader's attention
• Metaphor:

  • Definition: Comparing two things without using the words "like" or "as"
  • Effect: Creates an image for the reader
• Simile:

  • Definition: Comparing two things using the words "like" or "as"
• Parallelism:

  • Definition: Using components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or have similar sounds or construction
  • Effect: Usually used to convey a message, emphasises an idea and makes it easier to remember
• Personification:

  • Definition: When an idea or animal is given human characteristics
  • Effect: Helps readers empathise with non-human characters, gives deeper meanings
• Repetition:

  • Definition: Repeating words or phrases
  • Effect: To grab the reader's attention, to emphasise something
• Rhetorical question:

  • Definition: A question which is meant to be unanswered
  • Effect: To emphasise a point being made, used to persuade people
• Alliteration:

  • Example: "Sally sells seashells by the seashore."
  • Effect: Grabs the reader's attention through the repetition of the "s" sound. It also creates a playful and rhythmic mood
• Anaphora:

  • Example: "I have a dream. I have a dream that one day..."
  • Effect: Emphasizes the repeated phrase, adds rhythm, and creates a powerful emotional impact
• Antithesis:

  • Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question."
  • Effect: Emphasizes the contrast between two opposing ideas, making the point clearer or highlighting the complexity of the situation
• Hyperbole:

  • Example: "I've told you a million times."
  • Effect: Creates emphasis through exaggeration, often for a humorous effect or to make a point more vivid
• Metaphor:

  • Example: "Time is a thief."
  • Effect: Creates a vivid image for the reader, allowing them to better understand or relate to the concept
• Simile:

  • Example: "As brave as a lion."
  • Effect: Draws a comparison between two things using "like" or "as," helping the reader visualize and understand the characteristic being described
• Parallelism:

  • Example: "She likes hiking, swimming, and running."
  • Effect: Conveys a message more effectively by using a similar structure, making ideas easier to understand and remember
• Personification:

  • Example: "The wind whispered through the trees."
  • Effect: Helps readers empathize with non-human entities, creating a more engaging and relatable description
• Repetition:

  • Example: "Never, never, never give up."
  • Effect: Grabs the reader's attention and emphasizes the importance of the repeated words or phrases
• Rhetorical Question:

  • Example: "Who could resist such a tempting offer?"
  • Effect: Emphasizes a point and engages the reader by prompting thought. Often used for persuasive or rhetorical effect