Zeugma and Syllepsis


Introduction

Zeugma is a rhetorical device where a single word governs or modifies two or more words, often creating a clever or unexpected connection between them. A special case of this figure of speech is syllepsis.

In this article, we will delve into the definition of this figure of speech, explore its special case, syllepsis, and illustrate these rhetorical figures with examples from literature.

Let’s begin by understanding what zeugma means!

What Is Zeugma?

Zeugma (from the Greek, “a yoking, a bond”) is a figure of speech in which a word, usually a verb or an adjective, joins different parts of a sentence

Zeugma, similar to puns, exhibits economy by condensing two sentences into one. It generates connections between disparate terms—whether mental and moral, abstract and physical, or high and low—resulting in a surprising outcome.

It is sometimes differentiated from syllepsis, with the latter being regarded as a specific instance of zeugma.

Let’s consider some examples to illustrate this stylistic device:

  1. Literal and Figurative Usage:
    • She stole my heart and my wallet at the party.
      • Here, the verb “stole” is applied both literally to the wallet and figuratively to the heart, creating a clever connection between two distinct meanings.
  2. Mental and Physical Connection:
    • He lost his keys and his temper during the argument.
      • In this example, the verb “lost” is used to describe both the physical act of misplacing keys and the emotional state of losing one’s temper.
  3. Abstract and Concrete Link:
    • She wore a smile and a stunning dress to the gala.
      • The verb “wore” is employed to describe both the concrete item, the stunning dress, and the abstract quality, the smile, bringing together two different elements in a single sentence.
  4. Culinary and Emotional Fusion:
    • He added spice to the curry and some excitement to the evening.
      • In this instance, the verb “added” connects the concrete action of spicing the curry with the abstract quality of bringing excitement to the evening.
  5. Professional and Personal Connection:
    • She signed the contract and her own fate.
      • Here, the verb “signed” is used to convey both the concrete act of signing a contract and the more abstract consequence of determining her fate.

The above examples illustrate this stylistic device, emphasizing its versatile application across various contexts. Through its artful use, writers can forge unexpected connections, weaving together disparate elements to create layers of meaning within a single sentence. This rhetorical device not only adds sophistication to language but also allows for nuanced expression.

Zeugma Vs. Syllepsis

While Zeugma and Syllepsis are frequently used interchangeably, it’s important to note that they are not entirely synonymous.

Zeugma:

  • Zeugma, or semantic syllepsis, is a construction where a single word is used with two other parts of a sentence but must be understood differently in relation to each.
  • It creates unexpected semantic (meaning) connections or relationships between different elements in the sentence.

Examples:

  • “He took his hat and his leave.”
  • “She broke his car and his heart.”

The above structures are grammatically correct: “took” collocates with both “hat” and “leave” and “broke” collocates with both “car” and “heart”. However, each use has a different meaning. The phrase “taking a hat” is different from “taking a leave”. Similarly, the meaning of “breaking a car” is distinct from “breaking a heart.” This distinction of meaning is crucial in this type of figure of speech.

Here is another example:

  • “I lost my keys and my temper,”

In this sentence, the verb “lost” applies to both “keys” and “temper,” but with different meanings in each case.

All the above constructions create their stylistic effect by seeming, at first hearing, to be incorrect by exploiting multiple shades of meaning in a single word or phrase.

Syllepsis:

  • Grammatical syllepsis occurs when a single word is used in relation to two other parts of a sentence although the word grammatically or logically applies to only one.
  • According to prescriptivists, this type of syllepsis is grammatically “incorrect”:

Examples:

  • “He works his work, I mine” (Tennyson, “Ulysses”)
  • “They saw lots of thunder and lightning.”

In the first example, the verb “works” agrees with the subject pronoun “he”, but not “I”. The pronoun “I” must normally agree with “work” not “works.”

In the second example, the verb “saw” may collocate with the word “lightning” but not “thunder”. It doesn’t logically or grammatically fit with the concept of seeing sound.

However, from the point of view of stylisticians, grammatical syllepsis is sometimes intentional because the writer wants to violate the rules of grammar for stylistic effect.

Why Do Writers Use Zeugma And Syllepsis?

Writers often turn to zeugma and syllepsis as powerful tools to elevate their expression. These figures of speech go beyond the ordinary, allowing writers to infuse depth, humor, and unexpected connections into their sentences. Let’s explore why writers choose to wield this figure of speech in their literary arsenal.

  • Wit and Cleverness:
    • These stylistic devices enable writers to showcase their wit by creating clever connections between different elements in a sentence.
  • Unexpected Connections:
    • Writers use these rhetorical devices to forge unexpected links between disparate terms, adding an element of surprise to their writing.
  • Enriching Language Complexity:
    • By incorporating these figures of speech, writers enhance the complexity of language, contributing to a more nuanced and sophisticated expression.
  • Conveying Multiple Meanings:
    • These figures of speech allow writers to convey multiple meanings or associations within a single sentence, providing layers of interpretation for readers.
  • Humor and Irony:
    • These figures of speech can introduce humor and irony, making the writing more engaging and memorable for the audience.

In essence, the utilization of zeugma and syllepsis goes beyond mere linguistic embellishment; it serves as a strategic choice to captivate readers and infuse literary works with a distinctive and impactful style.

Common Examples Of Zeugma And Syllepsis In Everyday Conversations

  1. “He stole my heart and my favorite pen.”
  2. “She wore a smile and an elegant dress to the party.”
  3. “They opened their minds and the door to new possibilities.”
  4. “He lost his keys and his temper during the argument.”
  5. “She took my advice and the last piece of cake.”
  6. “He embraced his friends and the opportunity to dance.”
  7. “The chef seasoned the dish and the conversation with humor.”
  8. “She planted flowers and a sense of joy in the community garden.”
  9. “He plays the piano and with my emotions.”
  10. “He wrote a letter and history with his words.”
  11. “The politician addressed the crowd and the issues of the day.”
  12. “She spent the evening and all her money at the charity event.”
  13. “He fixed his car and the relationship with a simple gesture.”
  14. “The artist painted a masterpiece and the town red with festivities.”
  15. “She completed the marathon and her transformation as a runner.”
  16. When he arrived to collect me, I welcomed him by opening not just my door but also my heart.
  17. Putting an end to that undesirable practice, she kicked the bad habit and, unfortunately, the bucket shortly afterward.
  18. Using a microscope, the student scrutinized the specimen with both scientific curiosity and a touch of disgust.
  19. The storm not only submerged my boat but also drowned my aspirations.
  20. Jane faced a rapid sequence of setbacks, losing her job, her residence, and, eventually, her sanity.
  21. Before the first day of summer vacation concluded, Nancy had already worn out her patience along with her kids.

Examples Of Zeugma And Syllepsis In Literature

Zeugma and syllepsis are often used in literature to infuse writing with creativity, wit, and unexpected connections, enriching the language and engaging readers.

Here are some illustrative examples:

Example 1:

“They covered themselves with dust and glory.”

From “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain

Mark Twain uses the verb “covered” to connect two elements, “dust” and “glory,” in a single sentence. This construction creates a vivid and figurative image where “covered” applies both literally to the physical act of being covered in dust and metaphorically to the attainment or pursuit of glory.

The excerpt here cleverly combines the tangible and intangible, emphasizing the dual experiences of the characters in the narrative.

Example 2:

“Here Thou, great Anna! whom three Realms obey,
Dost sometimes Counsel take – and sometimes Tea.”

From “The Rape of the Lock, Canto III” by Alexander Pope

In the above lines, the verb “take” is used in a way that governs two different objects, creating a rhetorical effect. The phrase “Dost sometimes Counsel take – and sometimes Tea” uses zeugma by connecting the abstract concept of seeking counsel with the more mundane and concrete act of taking tea.

This clever use of this stylistic device juxtaposes serious matters, like seeking advice, with a seemingly trivial activity, like having tea, to create humor and emphasize the diverse aspects of the subject, in this case, the character addressed as “great Anna.” This figure of speech serves to highlight the contrasting elements in a playful and satirical manner.

Example 3:

“Miss Bolo […] went straight home, in a flood of tears and a sedan-chair.”

From “The Pickwick Papers”, Chapter 35 by Charles Dickens

This excerpt conveys that Miss Bolo “went home” in two distinct ways: emotionally, “in a flood of tears,” and physically, “in a sedan chair.” This construction effectively emphasizes the dual nature of her departure, employing the verb “went” to connect both the emotional and physical aspects of her journey home.

Example 4:

THE BEAVER’S LESSON

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;
They pursued it with forks and hope;
They threatened its life with a railway-share;
They charmed it with smiles and soap.

From “The Hunting of the Snark” by Lewis Carroll

This figure od speech here involves the verb “sought,” which is applied to different objects in a way that creates a humorous and unexpected connection.

The speaker refers to the fact of seeking something using various methods, such as thimbles, care, forks, hope, a railway share, smiles, and soap. The verb “sought” ties together the diverse and unrelated actions, emphasizing the absurdity of the efforts to find the elusive object.

The use of this figure of speech adds a playful and whimsical tone to the poem.

Conclusion


In summary, Zeugma is a powerful rhetorical device that involves a single word, typically a verb or an adjective, governing or modifying two or more parts of a sentence. While it intricately connects disparate elements, it is closely related to syllepsis, a specific type of zeugma where the applied word doesn’t entirely fit with each part.

Both of these related figures of speech are used to inject creativity, wit, and unexpected connections into language, allowing writers to convey nuanced meanings and engage their audience. Incorporating them into your writing adds a layer of sophistication, fostering a more vivid and memorable expression that captivates readers and elevates the overall impact of your prose.

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