Monthly Archives: November 2007

Chronographia

Chronographia (chro-no-graph’-i-a): Vivid representation of a certain historical or recurring time (such as a season) to create an illusion of reality. A kind of enargia: [the] generic name for a group of figures aiming at vivid, lively description.

Twilight at winter’s edge–leafless trees sketched in pen and ink along the tangled hedgerow–long-fingered shadows stroking the open field–there’s the moon pale pink rising! So sweet! Let’s build a bonfire, summon the frost, and talk about the first-snow-falling!

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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.

Anthypophora

Anthypophora (an’-thi-po’-phor-a): A figure of reasoning in which one asks and then immediately answers one’s own questions (or raises and then settles imaginary objections). Reasoning aloud. Anthypophora sometimes takes the form of asking the audience or one’s adversary what can be said on a matter, and thus can involve both anacoenosis and apostrophe.

Sure, it’s raining, cold, and fairly late. You want to stay home. So does everybody else in the world! So hey, when will we have a better chance of finding a parking place close to Saks, getting in there, getting the shoes you need for school, and getting right back out the door? We’ll be back home in time to watch “CSI Miami”! Come on, let’s go!

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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Tmesis

Tmesis (tmee’-sis): Interjecting a word or phrase between parts of a compound word or between syllables of a word.

This is the most ridiculous proposal we’ve ever had put in front of us! It’ll result in another piece of legis-Bozo-lation–a law written by clowns to guide their circus act! I say, no way will I ever vote to approve it, and neither should you!

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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).

Diaskeue

Diaskeue (di-as-keu’-ee): Graphic peristasis (description of circumstances) intended to arouse the emotions.

Look! Look at this! This is his face–his head–a horrible jagged scar from cheek to ear, ear to forehead, forehead to the back of his neck; and what’s more, a battered heart beating out panic attacks like he’s on a constant roller-coaster ride from hell! They put in him in harm’s way, and there is nothing in the world (not even love and money) that can make his mind and body whole again. Nothing!

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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Pysma

Pysma (pys’-ma): The asking of multiple questions successively (which would together require a complex reply). A rhetorical use of the question.

How many times do we have to come to the table? What is the meaning of all this back-stabbing? Who is responsible for starting this conflict? Is this the way we want to live? Why can’t we compromise? Why can’t we just leave each other alone?

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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)

Accismus

Accismus (ak-iz’-mus): A feigned refusal of that which is earnestly desired.

Oh wow! You are too generous–I couldn’t possibly accept that Rolex watch! I can’t imagine how what I did deserves that kind of recognition! No! Take it back!

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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu)