One of the rhetorical devices used by Jonathan Swift in "A Modest Proposal" was irony. ... Another rhetorical device that was present throughout Swift's essay was exaggeration. ... A third rhetorical device used by Swift in his essay was understatement. ... An example of irony was present when Swift proposed that the rich upper class eat the children of those in poverty; an example of exaggeration was included when he suggested that the skin of the cooked babies should be used to create materials such as gloves and bags; and an example of understatement was used when the idea of...

• Word Count: 842
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

His 1846 psychological thriller "Cask of Amontillado" is a perfect example because it not only has a narrator that appears to have a mental discrepancy but also has a murderous theme of revenge. ... Poe employs this literary device often to induce the reader not only to study Montresor, but also for self-examination. ... "Cask of Amontillado's" device of an exaggerating narrator in the devilish character of Montresor well plays out his mental anguish and instability as he deals with his deeds. ...

• Word Count: 1117
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Although irony can be a hard concept to grasp, three powerful poems will further distinguish and clarify each type of irony and why they are such a powerful device poets use. ... The way the speaker nonchalantly shares the murder of his lover in an attempt for them to stay together forever is a quite literal example of being 'madly in love'. Just as an artist paints something so simple with a deeper story or meaning behind; irony can be considered a literary art form in which poets can portray one thing to creatively convey their deeper meaning. ...

• Word Count: 1245
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate