英文修辞知识自学rhetorical devices.docVIP

1.Sound Patterning Sound patterning refers to the matching of identical or similar sounds between two or more words. English words may consist of one or more syllables. Let us examine the possible types of sound patterning between monosyllabic words. The patterning can be represented as C V C (C=consonant, V=vowel): Alliteration strange--slow (C V C) Assonance wood--book (C V C) Consonance puts--starts (C V C) Reversed rhyme time--tide (C V C) Pararhyme sing--song (C V C) Rhyme deer-spear (C V C) 2. Figures of Speech As to those common words, sometimes they are used literally, and sometimes figuratively. The figurative language is usually of high stylistic significance. Figurative Use Definition Example Simile A comparison between two distinctly different things and the comparison is indicated by the word as or like. my love’s like a red, red rose. They all rose as one man. Metaphor The use of a word which originally denotes one thing to refer to another with a similar quality. He is the soul of the team. Personification It is to treat a thing or an idea as if it were human or had human qualities. Youth is hot and bold, Age is weak and cold. Metonymy It is substituting the name of one thing for that of another with which it is closely associated. When the war was over, he laid down the sword and took up the pen. Synecdoche A part is substituted for the whole or the whole is substituted for a part. The farms were short of hands during the harvest season. Euphemism The substitution of a mild or vague expression for a harsh or unpleasant one. to leave us (one’s heart has stopped beating) Overstatement The diction exaggerates the subject. She is dying to know what job has been assigned for her. Understatement The words play down the magnitude or value of the subject. It took a few dollars to build this indoor swimming pool Irony The use of words which are clearly opposite to what is meant, in order to achieve a special effect. His designs were