Topic Ten (1.10): Analysing Language – Rhetorical and Structural Devices

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

Rhetoric is the art of effective or persuasive speech or writing. Rhetorical devices are used by writers to create memorable effects. You will have heard of rhetorical questions at (I)GCSE, but in this topic you will come across a range of additional devices to look out for. Many of these are also structural, relating to different forms of repetition or syntactical patterning, for example.

You should have the glossary from Mastering English Literature to hand as you study this topic and make a note of any additional terms as they come up in your reading. You will also find the list of Useful Terminology for Analysing Prose Texts from Topic 1.1 provides a helpful checklist.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology Tip

From (I)GCSE you should already be comfortable with the following terms:

  • Rhetorical questions
  • Irony
  • Juxtaposition
  • Hyperbole
  • Antithesis

Some possible new terms at AS and A Level include:

  • Anaphora
  • Epistrophe
  • Symploce
  • Hypophora
  • Meiosis
  • Paradox
  • Tautology

 N.B. Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you some sense of terminology which you may encounter as you read around your texts.

Skills Icon.png Task

  • Review the definitions of the terms above using the glossary in Mastering English Literature on pages 501 to 512 and the online glossaries of literary terminology from General Resources:

EXPLORE – Literary Devices and Terms (LitCharts) Links to an external site.

EXPLORE – Literary Devices and Terms (Literary Devices) Links to an external site.

Top Tip Icon.png Top Tip

Remember that any terminology you use should be accurately applied and used to advance the critical discussion. You should not ‘feature spot’ to try and impress the examiner. Only ever use terms you understand where they help you to develop your analysis.

Consolidate Icon.png Consolidate

  • The following extract is another one taken from Bleak House (1853), a novel by Charles Dickens. This is the opening of the novel.
  • Read it and make notes on the rhetorical and structural devices Dickens uses to set the scene.

READ – Extract from Bleak House (1853) by Charles Dickens (Novel)

Top Tip Icon.png Top Tip

To check your understanding of the concepts and devices you have learnt across this module, you can revisit any of the extracts and use them to test yourself. The more you practise these practical criticism skills, the easier you will find analytical writing and the broader your critical vocabulary will become.

Worksheet Icon.png Assignment

When you have completed all the activities and are fully prepared and feel confident with the material, you should complete Assignment One and submit it to your tutor via Canvas for marking and feedback. Don’t forget to use the essay-writing guidance and resources in Module Zero: Introductory Skills to help you prepare for your first assignment.