Etymology and Meanings of Anachronism
Derived from the Greek words “ana” (meaning “against”) and “chronos” (meaning “time”), anachronism is a very simple literary device. It refers to a person, thing, or idea that is out of place or out of time, in relation to the context in which it occurs.
It means that an anachronism could be;
- Something that is out of its proper time period: This is the most common meaning of anachronism. It refers to an object, person, or idea in a time period where it does not belong. For example, a movie set in the Middle Ages that features characters using smartphones is anachronistic.
- A mistake in chronology: An anachronism can also refer to a chronological error. For example, if a historian writes that a particular event took place before another event when in fact it happened after, that would be an anachronism.
- A cultural artifact that is misattributed to a different time period: This type of anachronism occurs when people attribute something wrongly to a time it does not belong. For example, if a historian claimed that the ancient Greeks used guns, that would be an anachronism.
- A person who has beliefs or behaviors that are out of date: This type of anachronism occurs when someone holds views or practices no longer considered acceptable or appropriate in the present time. For example, if someone were to use racial slurs, that would be an anachronistic behavior in modern society.
Anachrooism in Grammar
Anachronism is a singular noun and therefore requires a singular verb. The confusion may come from the fact that “anachronism” can refer to a singular instance of something that is out of place in time, or it can refer to multiple instances of such things. In either case, the verb should agree with the singular noun “anachronism”. For example:
- Singular: In the film, the anachronism was the appearance of a modern-day car in a medieval setting.
- Plural: There were several anachronisms in the play, including costumes that were not historically accurate.
In both cases, the verb agrees with the singular noun “anachronism”: “was” in the first sentence, and “were” in the second sentence.
Definition of Anachronism
In literature, anachronism refers to the presence of something in a work of fiction that does not belong to the time period or era in which the work is set. It is a literary device that involves intentionally or unintentionally placing a character, event, object, or custom in a time period where it does not fit.
Literary Examples of Anachronism
From The Odyssey by Homer
In this epic poem, Homer describes Odysseus’ men as eating cheese. However, cheese was not commonly consumed in ancient Greece, the time period in which the story is set.
“Then we kindled a fire and offered sacrifice, and ourselves, too, took of the cheeses and ate, and thus we sat in the cave and waited for him until he came back, herding his flocks.”
From The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
In this play, the character Petruchio uses the phrase “knocked me here a rin,” which is an anachronism because the word “rin” did not exist in the time period in which the play is set.
“Why, there’s a wench! Come on, and kiss me, Kate. Thy lips are ready, and thy kisses sweet. Hath not a gut, such as a man is, too? He breathed upon my face and knocked me here a rin.”
From The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
In this novel, Dorian Gray mentions having a telegraph installed in his home, which is an anachronism since the story is set in the late 1800s, before the widespread use of telegraphs.
“There was a touch of cruelty in the mouth, and in the curved, pointed hand that gripped the blackthorn stick. A sensitive, educated face, with a touch of passion and a considerable amount of the whimsical. I saw him pull out an old-fashioned silver watch, and stare at it.”
From The Crucible by Arthur Miller
In this play, the character of Giles Corey mentions pressing people to death as a form of punishment, but this was not a common practice in the time period in which the play is set.
“Giles: They say he give them but two words. “More weight,” he says. And died. They say he were a kind man, Mr. Parris. But a fool.”
From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
In this novel, Mr. Collins speaks of the “discovery of a most valuable gold mine” in a letter to Mr. Bennet, which is an anachronism since the story takes place in the late 1700s, before the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s.
“I have lately received an offer of marriage from Mr. Collins, which I have accepted. I will not enter into particulars with respect to the ceremony, because I do not wish to give false hopes to anybody, but as far as I have been able to judge, it is a very good match.”
How to Create Anachronism
- Use modern language in a historical setting: Introducing modern slang or terminology into a story set in the past can create an anachronism and add a humorous or satirical element to the work.
- Use modern technology or inventions in a historical setting: Introducing modern technology, such as computers or smartphones, into a historical setting can create anachronisms that highlight the differences between past and present.
- Mix up historical periods: Combining elements of different historical periods in a single work can create anachronisms that challenge traditional interpretations of history.
- Use anachronistic clothing or fashion: Incorporating clothing or fashion styles from different historical periods into a single work can create anachronisms that challenge traditional interpretations of history or add a humorous or satirical element.
- Use anachronistic music or art: Incorporating music or art styles from different historical periods into a single work can create anachronisms that challenge traditional interpretations of history or add a humorous or satirical element.
Benefits of Using Anachronism
- Humor: One of the most obvious benefits of using anachronism is that it creates humor. By juxtaposing elements from different historical periods or using modern language or technology in a historical setting, writers create humorous situations that play with the audience’s expectations.
- Satire: Anachronism also satirizes or critiques historical events or social norms. By highlighting the differences between past and present, writers challenge traditional interpretations of history and point out the absurdities of certain cultural practices or beliefs.
- Creative freedom: By using anachronism, writers break free from the constraints of historical accuracy and create works that are more imaginative and creative. This allows them to explore new ideas and concepts that may not be possible within the bounds of historical accuracy.
- Accessibility: Anachronism can make historical works more accessible to modern audiences by making them more relatable and engaging. By incorporating elements of modern culture into historical settings, creators can help audiences connect with the past in new and interesting ways.
- Cultural commentary: Anachronism are handy to comment on contemporary culture or politics by using historical events or settings as a lens through which to view modern society. By drawing parallels between past and present, creators can offer insights into the cultural and political issues of our time.
Anachronism in Literary Theory
Anachronism can be viewed through various literary theories, each providing a unique perspective on how it functions within literature. Here are some ways anachronism can be interpreted through different literary theories:
- British Humanism: British Humanism emphasizes the importance of studying the classics and the historical context of literature. Anachronism, therefore, is often seen as a problem because it disrupts the historical accuracy of the work and undermines the value of studying literature as a window into the past.
- Formalism: Formalism focuses on the structural elements of literature and sees anachronism as a way to disrupt the flow of the narrative and create tension or irony. Formalist critics may analyze how anachronism functions within the text and what effect it has on the overall structure of the work.
- New Criticism: New Criticism emphasizes the close reading of literary texts and sees anachronism as a way to create ambiguity and multiple meanings. New Critics may analyze how anachronism functions within the text and what it reveals about the themes and motifs of the work.
- Feminism: Feminist literary theory often focuses on the ways in which women have been excluded from traditional narratives and seeks to recover their voices and experiences. Anachronism can be a useful tool for feminist critics because it allows them to insert contemporary perspectives into historical narratives and challenge traditional gender roles and expectations.
- Postmodernism: Postmodernism is a literary theory that rejects traditional notions of truth and history and instead emphasizes the fragmented and contingent nature of knowledge. Anachronism is often used in postmodern literature to disrupt traditional narratives and challenge the idea that history is a linear, objective record of the past.
- Postcolonialism: Postcolonial literary theory focuses on the legacy of colonialism and how it continues to shape contemporary culture and society. Anachronism can be used to challenge Eurocentric narratives and to recover the voices and experiences of colonized peoples who have been excluded from traditional historical accounts.
- Reader Response Theory: Reader Response Theory emphasizes the importance of the reader’s interpretation of the text and sees anachronism as a way to engage the reader and encourage them to question their assumptions about history and literature. Reader Response theorists may analyze how readers respond to anachronism and what it reveals about their own beliefs and values.
Suggested Readings
Easterling, P. E. “Anachronism in Greek Tragedy.” The Journal of Hellenic Studies, vol. 105, 1985, pp. 1-10.
Tambling, Jeremy. On Anachronism. Manchester University Press, 2013. Rood, Tim, Carol Atack, and Tom Phillips. Anachronism and Antiquity. Bloomsbury Academic, 2020.
