Epistrophe is the opposite of anaphora. While epistrophe is the repetition of words at the end of a series of phrases or sentences, anaphora is the repetition of words at the beginning. Both are figures of repetition but they differ primarily in their placement within sentences or phrases.
Read this FAQ: How is epistrophe different from anaphora?
In the following lines from the Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare employs epistrophe through the repeated phrase “the ring” at the end of four successive clauses:
“If you had known the virtue of the ring,
Or half her worthiness that gave the ring,
Or your own honor to contain the ring,
You would not then have parted with the ring.”
Read this FAQ: What is an example of epistrophe?
A metaphor is a figure of speech (or rhetorical device) in which one thing or person is said to be something or someone else. It is a nonliteral (figurative) statement. You can write a metaphor by describing something as something else.
For example, in the sentence “My dog is a demon,” the dog is not literally a demon; rather, the metaphor is used to emphasize the dog’s mischievousness or bad behavior.
Metaphor differs from simile, in which the thing or person is not directly said to be something or someone else. Instead, a simile compares the two things/people using comparison words such as “as,” “than,” or “like” (e.g., “my dog behaves like a demon”).
Read this FAQ: How do you write a metaphor?
Periphrastic refers to an indirect style of speaking or writing that employs periphrasis and uses a large number of words. In grammar, it specifically refers to forming grammatical structures using helper words rather than changing the main word’s form. For example, “I did walk” instead of “I walked.”
Read this FAQ: What does periphrastic mean?
An example of periphrasis in grammar is forming the comparative and superlative degrees of adjectives by using “more + adjective” or “most + adjective,” instead of adding suffixes (like “-er” or “-est”).
For example, “more quick” instead of “quicker” or “most strong” instead of “strongest.”
Read this FAQ: What is an example of periphrasis in grammar?
An example of periphrasis is the phrase “The bright celestial body that gives light to the Earth” instead of “the sun.” This example of periphrasis provides a more detailed and poetic description than simply saying “the sun.”
QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you rewrite sentences to reflect your meaning.
Read this FAQ: What is an example of periphrasis?
Periphrasis and circumlocution are often considered synonymous and can be used interchangeably. However, some sources differentiate between the two, considering periphrasis as an indirect manner of speaking or writing used for stylistic or rhetorical purposes, while circumlocution has a more negative connotation, implying an evasive communication style.
Read this FAQ: What is the difference between periphrasis and circumlocution?
Anthypophora, also known as hypophora, is a rhetorical device in which the speaker or writer raises a question and then answers it. For example, “How can we increase productivity? The answer lies in focus, organization, and prioritization.” Some sources distinguish between hypophora and anthypophora, with the first term denoting the question and the latter the answer.
Read this FAQ: What is anthypophora?
The following are some common rhetorical devices with examples:
Read this FAQ: What are some rhetorical devices examples?
Rhetorical devices and literary devices are both techniques used in writing and speech, but they serve different purposes and contexts.
Rhetorical devices aim to influence an audience’s perception or evoke an emotion and are often found in persuasive communication.
Literary devices, on the other hand, enhance storytelling and make a narrative more artistic and creative in works of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
While rhetorical devices are often discussed separately from literary devices, there is a significant overlap between the two terms. For example, metaphors, similes, and irony, can serve both rhetorical and literary purposes.
Read this FAQ: What is the difference between rhetorical and literary devices?
