Allusion
- An indirect or passing reference to some event, person, place, or artistic work, the nature and relevance of which is not explained by the writer but relies on the reader's familiarity with what is thus mentioned.- Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Aphorism
- A brief statement that expresses a wise observation about life.- So far as a man thinks, he is free.
Analogy
- The comparison of two similar things in order to clarify a difficult idea. Simile and analogy may overlap. However, analogies are "practical" explanations. An analogy will continue much longer than a simile.- Knowledge always desires increase: it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some external agent, but which will afterwards propagate itself.
Apostrophe
- An interruption in dialogue that allows for the direct address of a person or abstract idea. This person/object may or may not be present. An apostrophe represents heightened emotions.- O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.
Euphemism
- Substituting an inoffensive word or phrase for an unpleasant or embarrassing expression.- "pass away" instead of "die"- "ethnic cleansing" instead of "genocide".- "Early retirement opportunity" instead of "fired
Hyperbole
- Exaggeration used for emphasis. Hyperbole can be used to heighten effect, to catalyze recognition, or to create a humorous perception.- I think this is the most extraordinary collection of human talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House -- with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone".
Oxymoron
- A two-word paradox that is used to emphasize the complexity or ridiculousness of human nature. reality.- I do here make humbly bold to present them with a short account of themselves and their art.
Paradox
- A statement that seems to be a contradiction but still remains true.- What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young.
Pun
- The use of word to highlight a double meaning, usually a humorous one. - I don't approve of political jokes; I have seen too many of them get elected.
Understatement
- Purposely describing an idea, event, or person as less than important than in actuality. This device is often used to create irony/sarcasm. - I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.
Rhetorical Question
- A question posed by the speaker/author in order to bring attention to an issue. Rhetorical questions do not look for answers. Instead they are used to lean on the emotions of an audience. - For if we lose the ability to perceive our faults, what is the good of living on?