Explanation of Syllepsis with examples

Syllepsis  


- JS.N

(22/03/2024)


Syllepsis is a rhetorical method in which one word, applied differently to each word, governs or modifies two or more other words in a sentence. This creates a kind of semantic ambiguity that can be used for humorous or rhetorical effect.


Syllepsis, as a figure of speech, is a type of zeugma, which specifically refers to cases where the word is used in a way that creates semantic ambiguity, meaning that it applies differently to each of the words it modifies.


In other words, syllepsis is a technique for using a single word to create a double meaning or pun, in which the term implies one thing when applied to one word in the phrase and something else when used to another. This can be used to create a comic effect with a deeper and layered meaning in a statement.


For example, consider the sentence:


"She lost her ring and her temper at the party." 


Here, the word "lost" is used sylleptically, because it applies differently to "ring" (meaning she misplaced it) and "temper" (meaning she became angry). Likewise, syllepsis creates a kind of double meaning that adds depth and interest to a sentence.


An example of syllepsis from a poetic line by the English poet Alexander Pope:


"She wears a coronet and a frown."


In this line, the word "wears" is used sylleptically, because it applies differently to "coronet" (meaning she has it on her head) and "frown" (meaning she has it on her face). The syllepsis creates a clever and memorable image that captures the contrast between the woman's royal status and her unhappy expression.


Alexander Pope's line, "She wears a coronet and a frown," comes from his poem "The Rape of the Lock," a satirical poem that makes fun of high society in 18th century England. It's known for its witty and playful language, and the syllepsis of "coronet" and "frown" is an example of Pope's use of language to create clever and memorable imagery.


Another example from the American poet E.E. Cummings:


"he sang his didn't, he danced his did."


Here, the words "didn't" and "did" are used sylleptically, because they apply differently to "sang" (meaning he didn't sing) and "danced" (meaning he did dance). The syllepsis creates a playful and rhythmic effect that emphasises the contrast between what the person did and didn't do.


The E.E. Cummings' poem is titled "anyone lived in a pretty how town". It's a playful and unconventional poem that explores the beauty and strangeness of everyday life. The line about "sang his didn't, danced his did" is an example of Cummings' signature use of playful language and unconventional syntax to capture complex emotions and experiences.

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