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C

Cacophony

harsh joining of sounds. We want no parlay with you and your grisly gang who work your wicked will. W. Churchill O Tite tute Tati tibi tanta tyranne tulisti! Ennius

Catachresis

a harsh metaphor involving the use of a word beyond its strict sphere. I listen vainly, but with thirsty ear. MacArthur, Farewell Address Cynthia prima suis miserum me cepit ocellis. Propertius I.1.1

Chiasmus

two corresponding pairs arranged not in parallels (a-b-a-b) but in inverted order (a-b-b-a); from shape of the Greek letter chi (X). Those gallant men will remain often in my thoughts and in my prayers always. MacArthur Renown'd for conquest, and in council skill'd. Addison et pacis ornamenta et subsidia belli. Cicero, Pro lege Manilia Plato, Republic 494e

Climax

arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of ascending power. Often the last emphatic word in one phrase or clause is repeated as the first emphatic word of the next. One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Tennyson, Ulysses Nonne hunc in vincula duci, non ad mortem rapi, non summo supplicio mactari imperabis? Cicero, In Catilinam Facinus est vincere civem Romanum; scelus verberare; prope parricidium necare: quid dicam in crucem tollere? verbo satis digno tam nefaria res appellari nullo modo potest. Cicero, In Verrem Demosthenes, On the Crown 179