What do we call a strongly emotional verbal attack in literature?

The term referring to a strongly emotional verbal attack in literature is invective. Invective is characterized by its harsh, abusive language directed at a person or topic, often used to express deep-seated anger or contempt. It serves a powerful rhetorical purpose, allowing the speaker or writer to convey their emotional intensity and passion about an issue or character.

Rhetoric involves the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing but is more general and not necessarily emotionally charged. Exposition refers to the part of a story or narrative that provides background information, setting the stage for the plot, and does not imply an emotional attack. Critique is a detailed analysis and assessment of something, which can be constructive or neutral rather than inherently aggressive.

In contrast, invective is specifically focused on delivering a scathing and emotional reproach, making it the appropriate choice for describing a strongly emotional verbal attack in literature.