Which rhetorical device involves the use of more conjunctions than necessary for effect?

Prepare for the UIL Literary Criticism exam with flashcards and a dynamic set of multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and detailed explanations. Ace your literary criticism exam!

Polysyndeton is the rhetorical device that involves the deliberate use of multiple conjunctions in a series where they are not needed. This technique can create a sense of rhythm and can emphasize the significance of each item in the list. For example, by saying "and the sun, and the moon, and the stars," the writer draws attention to each element individually, enhancing the emotional impact or the magnitude of the situation being described. This stands in contrast to asyndeton, which omits conjunctions, creating a faster-paced and more succinct expression. Antithesis presents contrasting ideas in a parallel structure, while enumeration refers to listing items or ideas in sequence. Polysyndeton, through its excessive use of conjunctions, helps to evoke a certain emotional response from the reader, making it a powerful tool in rhetoric.

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