stylistic device
Let an agent identify and explain stylistic devices, distinguish related devices, support their use in writing and speech, and describe their classification.
Research draft, second pass
A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.
written by Claude from model knowledge without web access - no source was read, every claim is a lead to verify
Researched by: Claude
Purpose and description
Let an agent identify and explain stylistic devices, distinguish related devices, support their use in writing and speech, and describe their classification.
A technique of language used to achieve a particular effect in speech or writing, including figures of speech such as metaphor, analogy and hendiatris, sound devices, structural devices such as parallelism and distinction, and word-level changes such as metaplasm; stylistic devices are studied in rhetoric, literary criticism and linguistics and used in writing, oratory and advertising.
What it is for: Techniques for effect in language.
It can be identify devices in a text; explain and distinguish devices; use devices in writing; describe classification systems.
Distinguishing features
Purposeful
Classified
Rhetorical and literary
Language-general
What it looks like
Not physical; patterns in language.
How it is recognised
Deliberate technique for effect
Figurative, sonic or structural
Ordinary usage without design is not a device
Related models
is a kind of - category
is related to - an example
is related to - use in speech
is related to - analysis
In practice
Families and kinds
figures of speech such as metaphor and analogy
sound devices such as assonance
structural devices such as parallelism and hendiatris
word-form devices such as metaplasm
devices of argument such as distinction
Standards and regulation
Rhetorical and literary terminology conventions
Failure modes and hazards
Mislabelling devices
Overuse in writing
Confusing device with content
Also called
Where this came from
wikidata · CC0 1.0
Drafted structure
Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions.
Identify Finding devices.
Analysis.
Find
Devices in a text.
Find
Identification.
- Which stylistic devices appear in this passage, and what effect does each create? definition
- How do they interact? definition
Distinguish
Similar devices.
Distinguish
Distinction.
- How do similar devices such as metaphor and analogy, or hendiadys and hendiatris, differ? definition
- Which entry fits a specific device? action
Use Using devices.
Craft.
Write
In writing.
Write
Writing.
- Which devices could strengthen this piece of writing, and how should they be applied with restraint? action
- Which suit the genre? boundary
Speak
In speech.
Speak
Speech.
- Which devices work in oratory and presentations, and how are they delivered? action
- How are they used in advertising? provenance
Classify Systems of devices.
Theory.
Systems
Classification.
Systems
Classification.
- How are stylistic devices classified in classical rhetoric and modern stylistics? provenance
- Which glossaries are standard? provenance
Languages
Across languages.
Languages
Languages.
- Which devices are specific to certain languages or traditions, and how are they named there? provenance
- How do devices translate? boundary
Learn Teaching.
Education.
Teach
Teaching devices.
Teach
Teaching.
- How can stylistic devices be taught through reading and writing exercises? action
- Which misconceptions arise? provenance
History
History.
History
History.
- How did the study of stylistic devices develop from classical rhetoric? provenance
- Which authors are exemplary? provenance
What the second pass must settle
- Should each device be a separate entry?
- How should glossaries be linked?
- How should language-specific devices be attributed?