AP Lang lit devices #1

The repetition of word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses

Ex: "Stupid pen! Why won't you work?"

The repetition of vowel sounds in words with different beginning consonant sounds

Extreme exaggeration used for effect

Example: "Never let a fool kiss you, or kiss fool you."

Two seemingly opposite words placed together

Ex: "It's just a very small brain tumor. No biggie."

Ex: "The cake is stale and lame."

A writer or speaker speaks directly to an inanimate object or a person who is missing or dead

Ex: "If you want peace, you must prepare for war."

Words, phrases, or other grammatical constructions are repeated in reverse order

A statement that appears self-contradictory but that usually contain a hidden truth

To highlight something's importance by intentionally making it seem less important

The replacement of an offensive or harsh-sounding word or term for something gentler

Ex: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Opposite or contrasting ideas placed next to each other to achieve contrasting effect