Literary Terms and Devices Quiz Questions With Answers

A cumulative sentence starts with an independent clause, which is then followed by a series of subordinate clauses or phrases. These additional elements provide further detail or modify the main clause, creating a sentence that ‘accumulates’ information as it progresses.

Alliteration, a common literary device, involves the repetition of the same initial sound across a series of words in quick succession. This technique is often used to create a rhythmic effect, enhance mood, or emphasize certain points within the text.

Congeries refers to the listing of words, ideas, or phrases in a literary work. This technique can be used to create emphasis, add detail, or enhance the rhythm of the prose. It’s more than just a simple list; it’s a tool for adding richness and depth to the text.

Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other through the reversal of their structures. This technique creates a symmetrical pattern and can make statements more memorable or emphasize a particular point.

Litotes is a figure of speech that employs double negatives to express a positive statement. It’s a form of understatement that asserts a point by denying its opposite, adding emphasis through ironic understatement.

Erotesis, often considered a type of rhetorical question, is when a question is posed not to elicit information but to affirm or deny a point strongly. The speaker or writer confidently expects a response, whether negative or affirmative.

Epistrophe is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive sentences. This is the opposite of anaphora, which involves repetition at the beginning of sentences. Epistrophe can create a rhythm and emphasize a particular point.

Isocolon is a figure of speech where two or more phrases or clauses share a similar structure, rhythm, and length. This parallel structure can create a sense of balance and rhythm, making the text more memorable and effective.

Hyperbaton involves rearranging the words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence in a way that deviates from the usual order. This can be used for emphasis, to alter the rhythm of the prose, or to create a particular mood or tone.

Anastrophe is a figure of speech that involves the inversion of the traditional sentence structure. Instead of following the usual subject-verb-object order, anastrophe flips this around, often for emphasis or poetic effect.