层进法 Climax
1. Definition.
“a figure of speech in which a number of propositions or ideas are set forth so as to form a series in which each rises above the preceding in force or effectiveness of expression.”
在形式上，构成层递至少要有三个语言单位，而且这些语言单位的结构要基本相同；在内容上，构成层递的各语言单位在意义上要有关联，且具有第次性，且按照由小渐大，由浅渐深，由低渐高，由少渐多，由弱渐强，层层递升。
A rhetorical series of ideas, images, etc. arranged progressively so that the most forceful is last.
通过一系列观念、形象的修辞安排，逐步把意思往前推进，最有力量的放在最后 2. 结构
2.1 语义上由轻到重
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses courage loses all. 失去财产的人损失很大， 失去朋友的人损失更大，失去勇气的人损失一切。
To acquire wealth is difficult, to preserve it more difficult, but to spend it wisely most difficult. 集财难，守财更难，而明智地花钱最难。 2.2 程度上由弱到强
The drunkard smashed the glasses, upturned the table, and hit an old woman. 醉汉打碎那些玻璃杯，掀翻餐桌，还打了一位老太太。
The grass caught fire, spread like wildlife, and burnt for three days and nights, bringing loss of property, livestock and human lives. 草地着火，像野火般迅速蔓延，烧了三天三夜，导致财产、牲畜和人的生命的损失。 Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. His acquaintances, his friends and even his family turned against him, the traitor. 他的熟人、他的朋友、他的亲人都反对他这个叛徒。 The audience smiled, chuckled, and finally howled. 听众先是微笑，继而是窃窃而笑，最后捧腹大笑起来。 2.3 范围上有小到大
He gazed upon the pretty houses, the green hills and the broad Pacific; his heart was filled with care.
他凝视着美丽的房子，绿色的山岗和辽阔的太平洋；敬畏之情油然而生。 We can see pigeons here, there. everywhere. 这里、那里、到处我们都可以看到鸽子。 2.4 时间上由先到后
I came, I saw, I conquered.
我来了，我扫视一切，我征服一切。
Threaten him, imprison him, torture him, kill him; you will not induce him to betray his country. 威胁他，监禁他，拷打他，处死他，这些都不能使他背叛自己的国家。 The prisoner was first questioned, then tortured, and finally shot. 囚犯先是被审讯，然后遭到毒打，最后被枪决。
2.5 结构上由短到长
I’m sorry, I am so very sorry, I am so extremely sorry. (Chesterton) 我抱歉，我很抱歉，我非常非常抱歉。
He has gone, he has escaped, he has broken away. 他走了，他逃跑了，他强行逃脱了。
渐降法（突降） Anti-climax
1. Definition.
The sudden transition in writing or speaking from an idea of importance or dignity to an idea trial or ludicrous, esp. at the close of a series, sentence or passage. 突降指的是语言表达的内容急转直下，从意义重大之事突然转为琐碎平淡之事，语气从严肃突然转为滑稽可笑，从而获得嘲笑、讽刺或滑稽幽默的修辞效果。
A rhetorical series of ideas, images, etc. arranged progressively so that the most forceful is in front.
2. 举例说明
He lost his empire, his family, and his fountain pen.
他失去了他的帝国，失去了他的家庭，也失去了他的自来水笔。 The duties of a soldier are to protect his country and peel potatoes. 战士的职责就是保卫祖国和削土豆皮。
I love my motherland, I love my people, I love my wife and my son and my daughter, I also love my pretty little dog.
我爱我的祖国，我爱我的人民，我爱我的妻室儿女，我也爱我那可爱的小狗。 O dear! What shall I do? I have lost my beau and lipstick too. 啊，天哪！我该怎么办？我只去了情人，也失去了口红。
climax and anticlimax 层递法 渐降法(突降)
