Mary RowlandsonRhetorical Techniques, Style

and Devices

Characterizing a Writer’s Diction When we characterize a writer’s

diction, we must describe the words he/she uses

That means analyzing them by part of speech

What types of verbs are used? What types of adjectives are used? What types of nouns are used?

Certain words are associated with the analysis of diction…

Euphony: pleasing and harmonious sounds• Often associated with “s” “h” “w” “th” and

softer vowel sounds• The adjective form is euphonic• As a reminder, vowels are “a,e,i,o,u and

sometimes y” • Every other letter is a consonant

Cacophony: harsh or discordant sounds• Associated with harder vowel sounds and

harsher consonants like “d” “t” and “k”• The adjective form is cacophonic

Diction analyzes specific words that are chosen.

Not the order in which the words are combined.

Syntax is the pattern and order of words within sentences.

Consider these two sentences

In the spring, breezes and showers send seeds from the flowers to the earth.

Breezes and showers send seeds to the earth from flowers in the spring.

Based upon your reading of the text, what is Rowlandson’s rhetorical purpose?

Who is her intended audience? Identify three rhetorical devices or

techniques that Rowlandson employs. Give two examples from the text for each.

Is Rowlandson successful in achieving her rhetorical end?

Characterize and account for her diction in a well developed paragraph.