What term refers to literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression?

The term that refers to literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression is rhetorical devices. Rhetorical devices encompass a broad range of techniques and strategies that authors employ to enhance their arguments, persuade their audience, or make their writing more engaging and impactful. These may include various forms of repetition, rhetorical questions, metaphors, similes, and more, all of which contribute to the overall effectiveness of communication in literature.

Imagery relates specifically to language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures for the reader but does not cover the entire spectrum of expressive techniques. Alliteration, while a useful literary device that involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, is just one specific example within the broader category of rhetorical devices. Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities and serves a different purpose in expressing deeper meanings rather than broadly heightening expression through various techniques. Thus, rhetorical devices as a term captures the essence of various techniques aimed at enhancing literary expression effectively.