Accumulation: A Literary Device

Accumulation: Etymology

“Accumulation” originates from the Latin word “accumulatio,” rooted in “accumulare” meaning “to heap.” Emerging in the late 16th century, the term signifies the gradual gathering of elements or resources over time. Used in various disciplines like economics and sociology, it captures processes of growth or aggregation, reflecting its adaptability and historical evolution.

Accumulation: Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Literal Meaning:

• Etymologically rooted in Latin, derived from “accumulatio” and “accumulare,” signifying “to heap” or “to pile up.”
• First appeared in the late 16th century.

Conceptual Meanings:

• Gradual accrual or gathering of elements, resources, or information.
• Versatile term applied in diverse disciplines.
• Describes the aggregation of wealth, social capital, or environmental pollutants.
• Used in fields such as economics, sociology, and environmental science.
• Captures processes of progressive build-up or growth over time.

Literary Meanings:

• Symbolic representation of the inexorable passage of time and the accrual of experiences.
• Metaphorical use to describe the accumulation of emotions or memories in literary works.
• Conveys a sense of weight or significance, often associated with the accumulation of knowledge or wisdom in literature.

Accumulation: Definition as a Literary Device

Accumulation, as a literary device, involves the systematic repetition of words, phrases, or clauses for rhetorical emphasis and cumulative effect. It serves to amplify a particular idea or emotion, creating a sense of intensity and building momentum in the narrative. This technique enhances the overall impact of the writing by layering information or expressions, thereby engaging the reader through a deliberate and strategic accumulation of linguistic elements.

Accumulation: Types

Type of Accumulation	Definition	Example
Simple Accumulation	Repetition of similar syntactic structures, adding more elements for emphasis.	She laughed, danced, sang—all night long.
Enumerative Accumulation	A list of details that exhaustively enumerates elements for completeness.	The garden was filled with roses, tulips, daisies, and sunflowers.
Cumulative Accumulation	Building up of information or details in a progressive manner.	His achievements, his perseverance, his integrity—all contributed to his success.

These examples illustrate the different types of accumulation, showcasing how this literary device can be applied to enhance emphasis, completeness, and a sense of progression in writing.

Accumulation: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Repetition in Poetry:
   • Poets often use repetition to accumulate words or phrases, creating a rhythmic effect and emphasizing a particular theme or emotion. For example, a line like “day by day, night by night, we waited” in a poem could convey a sense of prolonged anticipation.
2. Cumulative Sentences in Prose:
   • Authors use cumulative sentences, where details or clauses accumulate, to build suspense or describe a scene in intricate detail. The accumulation of information gradually paints a more complete picture. For instance, “The room was filled with the scent of fresh flowers, the soft glow of candlelight, and the distant murmur of laughter.”
3. Accumulation of Imagery:
   • Writers often accumulate vivid images to enhance the sensory experience for readers. By piling up descriptive details, they create a rich and immersive atmosphere. An example might be describing a bustling market with “colors blending, sounds clashing, and aromas intertwining.”
4. Accumulation in Character Development:
   • Character traits or experiences can accumulate throughout a story, revealing growth or transformation. An author might show a character accumulating wisdom, courage, or scars as they navigate through the challenges of the narrative.
5. Building Tension through Plot Development:
   • The accumulation of suspenseful events or clues in a mystery novel can heighten tension. Each new piece of information contributes to the overall suspense, making readers eager to discover the resolution.
6. Gradual Revelation in Drama:
   • In a play, the accumulation of revelations or plot twists can be used to engage the audience and keep them intrigued. Characters might gradually disclose secrets, leading to a cumulative impact on the unfolding drama.
7. Accumulations in Symbolism:
   • Symbolic elements can accumulate to convey deeper meaning. For instance, a recurring symbol or motif may gain significance as the story progresses, accumulating layers of interpretation.
8. Accumulations of Dialogue:
   • Through a series of dialogues, characters’ perspectives, emotions, or conflicts can accumulate. Each conversation adds to the overall understanding of relationships and developments in the narrative.

By employing accumulations as a literary device, writers can create a sense of progression, intensify emotions, and craft a narrative that resonates with readers by gradually building on elements over time.

Accumulations in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

Play	Example	Accumulations Types	Explanation
Macbeth	“Life’s but a walking shadow…”	Metaphorical Accumulation	Shakespeare accumulates metaphors to convey the fleeting and insubstantial nature of life. Each metaphor adds to the overall theme of life’s transience and the insignificance of human actions.
Julius Caesar	Antony’s Funeral Oration	Accumulations of Virtues and Contrast	Mark Antony accumulates Caesar’s virtues and repeatedly contrasts them with Brutus’s assertion that Caesar was ambitious. The accumulation builds emotional tension and sways the crowd against the conspirators.
Hamlet	“To be or not to be” soliloquy	Accumulations of Contrasting Images	Hamlet accumulates contrasting images and dilemmas to explore the complexities of existence. The repetition of “To be, or not to be” emphasizes the central existential question and the internal struggle Hamlet faces.
Othello	Iago’s manipulation of Othello	Accumulations of Deception	Iago accumulates insinuations and false evidence to manipulate Othello’s perception of Desdemona. The accumulation of deception contributes to the tragic unfolding of the plot.
Romeo and Juliet	Balcony Scene Vows and Declarations	Accumulation of Vows and Metaphors	Romeo and Juliet accumulate vows and declarations, piling up words and metaphors to express the intensity of their love. The accumulation of language emphasizes the depth of their emotions and commitment.

Accumulation in Literature: Examples

1. Charles Dickens – A Tale of Two Cities:
   • In the opening lines of this classic novel, Dickens uses accumulations to set the contrasting tone between two cities: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness… The accumulation of contrasting statements establishes the dual nature of the times in which the story is set.
2. F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby:
   • Fitzgerald employs accumulations to describe Gatsby’s extravagant parties: There was music from my neighbor’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars. The accumulation of sensory details creates a vivid picture of the opulence and decadence of Gatsby’s world.
3. Gabriel Garcia Marquez – One Hundred Years of Solitude:
   • In Marquez’s magical realist masterpiece, accumulation is used to depict the passage of time and the cyclical nature of history. The novel spans generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo, and the accumulation of events, names, and repetitions contributes to the novel’s unique narrative structure.
4. J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter series:
   • Rowling uses accumulation in the form of magical objects and creatures to build the rich and detailed world of Hogwarts. The accumulation of magical elements, from the Triwizard Tournament challenges to the variety of magical creatures, contributes to the depth and complexity of the wizarding world.
5. Langston Hughes – “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”:
   • Hughes employs accumulations in his poem, where he connects the history and experience of African Americans with rivers: I’ve known rivers: / I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the / flow of human blood in human veins. The accumulation of references to historical rivers symbolizes the deep roots and enduring strength of African American history.
6. Ray Bradbury – Fahrenheit 451:
   • Bradbury uses accumulations in the repetition of the burning of books to emphasize the oppressive nature of the society depicted in the novel. The accumulation of burned books symbolizes the suppression of knowledge and free thought in a dystopian future.

Accumulation in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Accumulation	Example
Formalism	Emphasizes the structure and form of the text. Accumulation contributes to the rhythm, pattern, and overall organization of literary works.	In T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Waste Land,” the accumulation of fragmented voices and cultural references creates a complex, layered structure.
Structuralism	Focuses on the underlying structures and systems in literature. Accumulation can reveal patterns, repetitions, and interconnections within a text.	In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” the accumulation of recurring themes and names reflects the novel’s structural complexity.
Feminist Criticism	Examines gender roles and representations. Accumulation can highlight the evolution or oppression of characters based on gender.	In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the accumulation of details reveals the protagonist’s descent into madness and challenges traditional gender roles.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores the psychological aspects of characters and their motivations. Accumulation can unveil the subconscious or repressed elements in a narrative.	In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the accumulations of the narrator’s obsession and paranoia reflects deeper psychological complexities.
Postcolonial Criticism	Analyzes the impact of colonialism and cultural hegemony. Accumulation may expose power dynamics, cultural clashes, or resistance.	In Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” the accumulations of cultural details illustrates the clash between colonial forces and traditional Igbo society.
Deconstruction	Questions binary oppositions and undermines fixed meanings. Accumulation can destabilize traditional interpretations and challenge certainty.	In Jorge Luis Borges’s “The Garden of Forking Paths,” the accumulations of narratives disrupts conventional notions of time and narrative coherence.

These examples demonstrate how accumulation can be analyzed through different literary theories, providing insights into the structural, cultural, and psychological dimensions of a literary work.

Accumulation in Literature: Relevant Terms

Literary Term	Definition
Accumulation	Progressive addition of elements in a text for emphasis.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or stylistic effect.
Cataloging	Listing items to create a detailed description or depiction.
Juxtaposition	Placing elements side by side to highlight contrasts.
Motif	Recurring theme contributing to the overall meaning.
Parallelism	Using similar structures or patterns for coherence.
Enumeration	Counting or listing items for emphasis or comprehensiveness.
Progression	Orderly development or advancement of narrative elements.
Intensification	Increasing the strength or importance of narrative elements.

Accumulation in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Eliot, T.S. The Waste Land. Harcourt, 1922.
2. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
3. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Small & Maynard, 1899.
4. Hughes, Langston. The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. Vintage, 1995.
5. Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. One Hundred Years of Solitude. HarperCollins, 1991.
6. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Scholastic, 1998.
7. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Penguin, 2000.
8. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Simon & Schuster, 1992.
9. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. Simon & Schuster, 1953.