Archaism: Literary Device

Etymology of Literary Device of Archaism

The term “archaism” originates from Greek word archaismos. It means the use of old, classic or obsolete words or expressions. The word “archaism” first came into use in the 17th century to describe the use of ancient Greek and Latin words in Renaissance literature, but it has since become akin to the usage of obsolete words or language.

Meaning of Literary Device of Archaism

Archaism refers to the use or existence of outdated words, phrases, or expressions that have fallen out of common usage in contemporary language. It often involves employing language that was prevalent in earlier times, such as old-fashioned or obsolete terms. Archaic language may be encountered in literature, historical documents, or even in colloquial speech in certain regions.

Archaism in Grammar

Grammatically, archaism is a noun. As a noun, it can be used in both singular and plural forms, depending on the context. For example, one might say “the author’s use of archaisms added a sense of authenticity to the historical novel” or “the novel was filled with archaisms that made it difficult for modern readers to understand.”

When used in a sentence, “archaism” takes a singular verb, as it is a singular noun. For example, “The use of archaism in this passage creates a sense of historical authenticity.” In contrast, when referring to multiple instances of archaism, the plural form “archaisms” is used, and takes a plural verb. For example, “The novel is filled with archaisms that transport the reader to a bygone era.”

Definition of Literary Device of Archaism

The literary device of archaism involves the use of outdated or old-fashioned language and expressions in a piece of writing. It includes archaic vocabulary, syntax, and grammar, and is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to create a historical or classical tone. Also, archaism is an important element of style that writers can use to create a particular effect or tone in their writing.

Types of Archaism

There are various types of archaisms that writers can use to create a particular effect or tone in their writing. Some of the most common types of archaism include:

Type	Definition	Example
Archaic Vocabulary	The use of words or expressions that were once common but are now outdated.	“Thou,” “hath,” “ye”
Archaic Syntax	The use of sentence structures or word orders that are uncommon in modern English.	“Him saw I yesterday.”
Archaic Grammar	The use of grammatical forms or inflectional endings no longer used in modern English.	“The knighte’s sword hath smote the dragon, and it hath felleth.”
Archaic Spelling	The use of outdated spellings for words, differing from their modern equivalents.	“Favour” instead of “favor,” “colour” instead of “color.”

Shakespearean Archaism

Shakespearean archaism refers to the use of outdated or old-fashioned language and expressions in the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare. As a writer in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Shakespeare wrote at a time when English was still evolving and changing. As a result, his writing is filled with archaisms that are no longer commonly used in modern English.

Shakespeare Play	Act and Scene	Sentence	Archaic words or phrases
Romeo and Juliet	II, ii	“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”	“wherefore” = why
Hamlet	III, i	“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”	“to be” = exist
Macbeth	II, i	“Is this a dagger which I see before me?”	“dagger” = knife
King Lear	II, iii	“The rain it raineth every day.”	“raineth” = rains
The Tempest	III, ii	“Be not afeard, the isle is full of noises.”	“afeard” = afraid
Othello	III, iii	“If thou dost love me, let me know thy mind.”	“mind” = thoughts

Shakespearean archaisms often challenge the modern readers and audiences, but they add a sense of historical authenticity to Shakespeare’s works. They also demonstrate the evolution of the English language over time and the influence of historical context on literary style.

Literary Examples of Archaism

Example	Work and Author	Explanation
1.	“But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” – Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare	In this famous passage from Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses the archaic interjection “soft!” which means “quiet” or “hold on a moment.” This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it adds a sense of drama and poetic rhythm to the line.
2.	“And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.” “Abou Ben Adhem,” Leigh Hunt	In this poem by Leigh Hunt, the archaic interjection “lo!” is used to draw attention to the moment when Ben Adhem’s name is revealed to be at the top of the list of those who love God. This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it adds a sense of dramatic emphasis and surprise to the line.
3.	“Oft in the stilly night, Ere slumber’s chain has bound me.” “Oft in the Stilly Night,” Thomas Moore	In this poem by Thomas Moore, the archaic adverb “oft” is used to mean “often.” This word is not commonly used in modern English, but it adds a sense of nostalgia and historical tone to the poem.
4	She riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household. She girdeth her loins with strength and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. From Tess of D’Urberville by Thomas Hardy	This passage from Hardy shows several archaic words as highlighted.

How to Create Archaism

Creating an archaism involves intentionally using outdated or old-fashioned language or expressions in your writing to evoke a sense of historical context or add a poetic or dramatic effect. Here are some steps to follow when creating archaisms:

1. Research the time period or historical context you are writing about.
2. Consider the tone and style of your writing.
3. Use archaic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
4. Use archaic idioms and expressions.
5. Edit and revise your writing.

Benefits of Using Archaism

Using archaism in writing can have several benefits:

1. Historical authenticity
2. Poetic effect
3. Cultural and literary references
4. Differentiation

However, it is important to note that using too much archaic language can make the writing difficult to understand and alienate readers who are not familiar with the outdated terms and expressions. Therefore, it is important to use archaic language sparingly and with care, ensuring that it does not impede the clarity and accessibility of the writing.

Archaism and Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Application of Archaism to Interpret Archaism
Historicism Literary Theory	Interpreting literary works in their historical and cultural context by analyzing the use of archaic language and expressions to create a sense of historical authenticity and accurately represent the time period being depicted.
Stylistics	Analyzing the use of archaic language and expressions to gain insights into the author’s writing style and literary techniques, providing a more nuanced understanding of the meaning and impact of the work and the author’s intentions.
Literary Criticism and Analysis	Discussing and analyzing the use of archaism as a literary device, examining its effects in terms of evoking historical context, adding poetic or dramatic effect, and deepening our understanding of language and literary devices in literature.

Archaism, as a literary device, is discussed and analyzed within the contexts of historicism, stylistics, and literary criticism and analysis. It serves to enhance the readers’ understanding of the historical and cultural context of a work, shed light on the authors’ writing style and techniques, and contribute to a deeper comprehension of language.

Archaism in English studies holds significance as it provides insights into the historical development of the language, aids in interpreting older texts, preserves cultural heritage, assists in translation, improves lexicography, facilitates language revival and historical fiction, and reminds us of the linguistic diversity that shaped modern English.

Suggested Readings

1. Barber, Charles. Early Modern English. Edinburgh University Press, 1997.
2. Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 1995.
3. Forsyth, Mark. The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Berkley Books, 2014.
4. Greenblatt, Stephen. Shakespearean Negotiations: The Circulation of Social Energy in Renaissance England. University of California Press, 1988.
5. Leith, Dick. A Social History of English. Routledge, 1997.
6. Simpson, James. The Oxford English Literary History: Volume 2: 1350-1547: Reform and Cultural Revolution. Oxford University Press, 2002.

More from Literary Devices:

• Apostrophe