General Language Techniques

Ambiguity: The use of double meaning, with the effect of varied, even opposed interpretation.

Cliche: an expression which has lost its effectiveness through overuse or stereotyping.

Connotation: the wider meaning, feelings and significance associated with any given word or phrase.

Dialect: a select use of speech unique to a specific class or place and different to standard language.

Diction: the use, choice and arrangement of words

Didactic: the term used to describe a piece of writing which aims to impart information or teach a lesson

Dramatic Monologue: a lyric poem in which the character speaking addresses a present but silent

Epigram: a short pithy saying, often clever or witty

Epitaph: a short pithy saying

Hyperbole deliberate exaggeration for emphasising some point

Irony: a conflict between reality and appearance. There are 3 main forms

Verbal Irony: when a person says one thing but means another. Often taking the form of Understatement or Overstatement rather than a statement of the opposite of what is stated.

Irony of Situation: happens when there is a difference between what we might expect or what would be appropriate and what actually happens.