Rhetorical Devices of the Day: Anaphora and Epistrophe

[lucretius]

I've been reading some Tom Paine, and some other fine writers from the 18th century. What makes their oratory so good? It's a combination of plain diction and careful use of some rhetorical devices we don't, generally speaking, get taught these days. So, in the interest of teaching them to myself, and getting used to using them, I'll post about

Comments

[occamsnailfile]

I was never taught these, but I know I picked 'em up and use 'em still. I think Molly Ivins might've accidentally taught me a couple of them, along with teaching me to sort crazy from good commentary from the same person. Sometimes the same column.

I think a lot of that old-school oratory benefits greatly as well in not being constructed for sound bites. Sentences get long and points take time to emerge but the listener is rewarded for the time taken.

Hello!

[watersusurrus]

I have friended you. You posted something interesting on great poets and I followed you here and you look like a pretty interesting read. Your dissertation sounds interesting.

Re: Hello!

[lucretius]

Sorry about the belated reply.

I've friended you back, or will shortly.