Knowledge Builders

what is polysyndeton and asyndeton

by Johnny Brakus Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is the use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted (as in "he ran and jumped and laughed for joy"). The word polysyndeton comes from the Greek "poly-", meaning "many," and "syndeton", meaning "bound together with".

is essentially the opposite of asyndeton

Asyndeton

Asyndeton is a literary scheme in which one or several conjunctions are deliberately omitted from a series of related clauses. Examples include veni, vidi, vici and its English translation "I came, I saw, I conquered". Its use can have the effect of speeding up the rhythm of a passage and making a single idea more memorable. Asyndeton may be contrasted with syndeton and polysyndeton, which describe the u…

, as it involves the inclusion of more than the expected number of conjunctions while asyndeton involves the omission of conjunctions. Polysyndeton can achieve some of the same effects of emphasis as asyndeton can, but are also unique in their ability to make a reader feel overwhelmed.

Polysyndeton uses conjunctions after every word or term, while asyndeton uses no conjunctions but only commas. For example: “Jane's days became a blur of meaningless events – wake up, brush teeth, make the coffee, get the mail, fix dinner, watch TV.

Full Answer

What is the opposite of polysyndeton?

The Opposite of Polysyndeton: Asyndeton. Polysyndeton has an opposite, called asyndeton (something Joe is very fond of using). Asyndeton is what would result if you replaced all the conjunctions in the sample sentence above with commas, as in the famous Julius Caesar quote, “Veni, vidi, vici.”.

What is the opposite of asyndeton?

The opposite of Asyndeton is Polysyndeton. In the polysyndeton, there is the excessive use of the connecting conjunctions to gain an increased emphasis. Writers also use polysyndetons to create pauses in a sentence; this allows an emphasis on each of the series of words or thoughts to show that each one is equally important.

What is an example of Syndeton and polysyndeton?

is an example of syndeton. Put another way, syndeton is how conjunctions are normally handled, and polysyndeton and asyndeton are departures from that normal construction. Parataxis is another figure of speech that's related to polysyndeton.

What are the advantages of polysyndeton?

The pauses created by polysyndeton can put extra focus on each item in a list. Polysyndeton can also create the feeling that all of the elements in the list are piling up, one right on top of another, with the result of overwhelming the reader for rhetorical effect.

image

What is a polysyndeton example?

A great example of polysyndeton is the postal creed: 'Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers. ' The use of nor isn't technically necessary in the statement. However, the polysyndeton effect gives each different item in the statement the same weight and adds gravity.

What does polysyndeton mean?

repetition of conjunctions in close successionDefinition of polysyndeton : repetition of conjunctions in close succession (as in we have ships and men and money)

What is asyndeton and examples?

Asyndeton is a writing style where conjunctions are omitted in a series of words, phrases or clauses. It is used to shorten a sentence and focus on its meaning. For example, Julius Caesar leaving out the word "and" between the sentences "I came. I saw. I conquered" asserts the strength of his victory.

What is meant by asyndeton?

Definition of asyndeton : omission of the conjunctions that ordinarily join coordinate words or clauses (as in "I came, I saw, I conquered")

Is polysyndeton a run on sentence?

Polysyndeton is a less common type of run-on that happens when too many conjunctions are used to keep a sentence going. Example: Let's go fishing and eat a picnic lunch and go hiking but leave before dark. The coordinating conjunction and is overused and there is really too much going on in this run-on.

What is an asyndeton sentence?

What Is Asyndeton? Asyndeton is one of several rhetorical devices that omit conjunctions. The definition of asyndeton is simple enough: It is a sentence containing a series of words or clauses in close succession, linked without the use of conjunctions.

How do you use asyndeton in a sentence?

Asyndeton can also be used for just part of a sentence. For instance, the sentence "Deftly and lightly, he entered the dark house undetected" could be rewritten with an asyndeton at the beginning: "Deftly, lightly, he entered the dark house undetected."

Why is polysyndeton used?

The use of polysyndeton can slow down the rhythm of a phrase, make it more memorable, or emphasize each individual item in a list. It can also be used to make the items in a list seem to pile up, one atop another, giving the reader a sense of being overwhelmed.

What is asyndeton in poetry?

asyndeton, the omission of the conjunctions that ordinarily join coordinate words or clauses, as in the phrase “I came, I saw, I conquered” or in Matthew Arnold's poem The Scholar Gipsy: Related Topics: literature ...(Show more) Thou hast not lived, why should'st thou perish, so?

How do you remember asyndeton?

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, which you can remember with the mnemonic device FANBOYS. For: “I'm putting in little effort, for it's my last day.” And: “The salt cave made everyone feel cleansed, rejuvenated, and at peace.” Nor: “He was not awake, nor was he asleep; he was lucid napping.”

What types of Antonomasia Do you know give examples of each?

Antonomasia is the practice of replacing a proper name with a word or phrase. This is usually something that describes the person or type of person....Other examples:Romeo — a lover.Adonis — a handsome man.Judas — betrayer.Svengali — manipulator.

How do you use polysyndeton in a sentence?

Depending on the language with which it's used, polysyndeton can: #1: Give a breathless or excited feel to the writing: Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so—but still they admired her and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet girl, and one whom they would not object to know more of.

What is a Polyptoton in literature?

Definition of polyptoton : the rhetorical repetition of a word in a different case, inflection, or voice in the same sentence (as in Tennyson's "my own heart's heart, and ownest own, farewell")

What is the difference between anaphora and polysyndeton?

Difference Between Anaphora and Polysyndeton Whereas an anaphora is a successive repetition of some words and phrases, a polysyndeton is the repetition of conjunctions in successive phrases or clauses with the purpose to join them.

How do you say polysyndeton?

0:051:01How To Say Polysyndeton - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPodéis indican con ese in the town podéis in the town.MorePodéis indican con ese in the town podéis in the town.

When does God use polysyndeton?

In contrast to Asyndeton (No Ands), in which no item in the list is specifically emphasized, God uses Polysyndeton (Many Ands) when He wants to emphasize each item in the list. For example:

What are the two contrasting figures?

In this article we are going to cover two contrasting figures, Asyndeton and Polysyndeton, which we might refer to in English as, “No Ands” and “Many Ands.” Mankind has always used lists and/or referred to multiple things in a single sentence, and so grammatical rules have arisen in each language to communicate how the list should be written. The standard grammatical practice in Hebrew, Greek, and English is to write the list and place the word “and” before the last item. Thus, we would write, “When you go to the grocery store, get milk, eggs, butter, and bread.” We do not write, “…get milk and eggs and butter and bread,” nor do we write, “…get milk, eggs, butter, bread.”

Does Asyndeton leave off the "and"?

Asyndeton purposely leaves off the “and” that would ordinarily connect the last two items in the list, making the list seem to run by very quickly to its conclusion, thus emphasizing the conclusion. For example:

What is a polysyndeton?

Here’s a quick and simple definition: Polysyndeton is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions—words such as "and," "or," and "but" that join other words or clauses in a sentence into relationships of equal importance—are used several times in close succession, particularly where conjunctions would normally not be present at all.

What is a conjunction in polysyndeton?

To put it simply, conjunctions in general are words that join parts of a sentence and, in joining them, define a relationship between those parts.

Why Do Writers Use Polysyndeton?

Writers use polysyndeton for a variety of different effects and purposes, depending upon the context. The more common reasons include:

What is a syndeton sentence?

Syndeton refers to sentences that have a single conjunction between the parts of the sentence being joined. The word comes from the Greek, sundetos, which means "bound together with." "Why were you late, unprepared, and wearing the wrong uniform?" is an example of syndeton. Put another way, syndeton is how conjunctions are normally handled, and polysyndeton and asyndeton are departures from that normal construction.

What is the relationship between polysyndeton and parataxis?

It is also related to parataxis, which, like polysyndeton, joins ideas in relationships of equal importance.

Why does polysyndeton sound like regular speech?

Because it sounds like regular speech and, at the same time, gives that speech a sense of rhythm and emphasis through repeated conjunctions, polysyndeton offers many valuable effects for songwriting.

Does parataxis overlap with polysyndeton?

So while parataxis focuses on the equality of elements and polysyndeton focuses on the inclusion of an abundance of conjunctions, the two devices can often overlap. There's a good example of this in a description from Joan Didion's book of essays, Slouching Toward Bethlehem:

What is an asyndeton?

What is asyndeton? Here’s a quick and simple definition: An asyndeton (sometimes called asyndetism) is a figure of speech in which coordinating conjunctions —words such as "and", "or", and "but" that join other words or clauses in a sentence into relationships of equal importance—are omitted.

Why is asyndeton used in literature?

Examples of Asyndeton in Literature. Because asyndeton is a common habit of everyday speech, writers often use it to create realistic dialects for their characters. It can also be used to exhaust an idea or feeling with a long, extensive list.

Why Do Writers Use Asyndeton?

Writer's use asyndeton for a variety of different effects and purposes, depending upon the context for publication or oration. The more common reasons include:

What is the difference between asyndeton and parataxis?

Asyndeton vs. Parataxis. Parataxis is another figure of speech that is somewhat related to asyndeton. The word parataxis comes from the Greek, and means the "act of placing side by side.". In parataxis, short, simple, independent sentences or phrases are placed one after another.

What is a syndeton sentence?

Syndeton refers to sentences that have a single conjunction between the parts of the sentence being joined. The example included above—"Deftly and lightly, he entered the dark house undetected."—is an example of syndeton. Put another away, syndeton is how conjunctions are normally handled, and asyndeton and polysyndeton are departures from that normal construction.

What is the purpose of asyndeton in music?

Establishing rhythm through asyndeton can also give a text or speech a musical quality, which can make it memorable.

How to pronounce Asyndeton?

Here's how to pronounce asyndeton: uh- sin -di- tahn

image

1.Polysyndeton and Asyndeton: Definition and Examples

Url:https://thewritepractice.com/polysyndeton/

32 hours ago Asyndeton. Asyndeton is a list or a series in which no and is used at all, rather the items are separated by commas. Asyndeton has an effect that is quite different from polysyndeton’s. If …

2.Videos of What Is Polysyndeton and Asyndeton

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+polysyndeton+and+asyndeton&qpvt=what+is+polysyndeton+and+asyndeton&FORM=VDRE

18 hours ago  · Polysyndeton is opposite to another stylistic device known as “asyndeton.” In an asyndeton, the words in a list are separated by commas, and no conjunctions are used to join …

3.Polysyndeton and Asyndeton | University of Houston …

Url:https://www.uhv.edu/curriculum-and-student-achievement/student-success/tutoring/student-resources/e-p/polysyndeton-and-asyndeton/

36 hours ago  · Polysyndeton noun. (rhetoric) The use of many conjunctions to achieve an overwhelming effect in a sentence. Asyndeton noun. A figure which omits the connective; as, I …

4.Asyndeton vs. Polysyndeton - What's the difference? | Ask …

Url:https://www.askdifference.com/asyndeton-vs-polysyndeton/

5 hours ago Polysyndeton has an opposite, called asyndeton (something Joe is very fond of using). Asyndeton is what would result if you replaced all the conjunctions in the sample sentence …

5.The Figures of Speech - Asyndeton and Polysyndeton

Url:https://spiritandtruthonline.org/the-figures-of-speech-asyndeton-and-polysyndeton-as-used-in-the-bible/

35 hours ago  · Polysyndeton. In contrast to Asyndeton (No Ands), in which no item in the list is specifically emphasized, God uses Polysyndeton (Many Ands) when He wants to emphasize …

6.Polysyndeton - Definition and Examples | LitCharts

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/polysyndeton

26 hours ago Polysyndeton. The exact opposite of asyndeton is polysyndeton, which consists of the addition of conjunctions or links in a phrase that could well lack them. It usually gives what is said a sense …

7.Asyndeton - Definition and Examples | LitCharts

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/asyndeton

10 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9