Digression: A Literary Device

Etymology of Digression

The term “digression” derives from the Latin word “digressio,” which is a combination of “di-” (meaning “apart” or “away”) and “gressus” (meaning “a step” or “a movement”).

The word evolved in the English language during the late 16th century and took on the meaning of a departure or deviation from the main topic of discourse or a written or spoken work.

Digression is a rhetorical device often used in literature, speeches, and academic writing to provide additional information, context, or elaboration on a related subject while temporarily straying from the primary narrative or argument. It has since become a valuable tool for writers and speakers to explore tangential ideas, add depth to their narratives, and engage with their audiences effectively.

Meanings of Digression

Aspect	Meaning
Departure from the Main Topic	Digression refers to the act of deviating or departing from the primary subject or central theme of a discourse or text.
Tangential Exploration	It involves temporarily shifting the focus of discussion to explore related or subsidiary topics that are not part of the main narrative.
Rhetorical Device	Digression is used as a deliberate literary or rhetorical device to provide additional information, context, or elaboration while momentarily straying from the main argument or storyline.
Narrative Depth	It allows writers and speakers to add depth and complexity to their narratives by introducing side stories, anecdotes, or secondary ideas that enhance the overall understanding of the subject.
Audience Engagement	Digression can be a strategic tool for engaging audiences by piquing their interest with related, but non-essential, information before returning to the main topic of discussion.

Definition of Digression

A digression, as a literary device, is the deliberate departure from the main narrative or central theme of a literary work to explore tangential ideas, anecdotes, or subplots. It serves to provide additional context, depth, or elaboration on related subjects without directly advancing the primary plot. This technique enhances the overall richness and complexity of the narrative, engaging the reader by offering insight into peripheral elements before returning to the main storyline.

Types of Digression

Type	Definition	Example
Historical Digression	These digressions provide historical context or background information relevant to the main narrative. They often serve to enrich the reader’s understanding of the setting or time period.	In a novel set during the American Civil War, the author includes a historical digression explaining the causes and key events of the war, offering context for the story’s time frame.
Philosophical Digression	These digressions delve into philosophical ideas, debates, or concepts, often allowing the author to explore abstract themes or questions related to the main story.	In a philosophical novel, the protagonist engages in a lengthy philosophical digression, pondering the nature of existence and the meaning of life, which adds depth to the narrative.
Anecdotal Digression	Anecdotal digressions introduce short stories or anecdotes that are related to the main narrative but may not directly advance the plot. They are used to illustrate points, provide examples, or add depth to the characters or themes.	In a novel, a character tells an anecdotal digression about a personal experience that mirrors the main character’s struggles, shedding light on their shared humanity.
Expository Digression	Expository digressions offer detailed explanations or descriptions of a specific subject, which can help the reader better understand a concept or object relevant to the story.	In a science fiction novel, the author provides an expository digression explaining the advanced technology used in the story’s futuristic world, enhancing the reader’s comprehension.
Narrative Digression	In this type, the narrative temporarily diverts to explore subplots, secondary characters, or events that are not directly tied to the central storyline but contribute to the overall narrative structure.	In a novel, the main character’s journey is interrupted by a narrative digression that explores the backstory of a supporting character, revealing their motivations and inner conflicts.
Humorous Digression	These digressions are employed for comedic effect, introducing humor or satire into the narrative by discussing unrelated, amusing topics or absurd situations.	In a comedic play, a humorous digression includes a comical monologue where the character goes off on a tangent, sharing absurd and funny anecdotes to entertain the audience.
Tangential Digression	A tangential digression involves a temporary shift to a related, yet non-essential, topic, which may serve to engage the reader’s interest or provide a brief respite from the main narrative.	In a novel, during a tense moment, there’s a tangential digression describing the beauty of the surrounding landscape, offering a moment of relaxation and visual richness.
Metafictional Digression	In metafiction, the author directly addresses the reader or comments on the writing process, often breaking the fourth wall. Such digressions can offer insight into the author’s intentions or commentary on the nature of storytelling itself.	In a postmodern novel, the author employs a metafictional digression where the narrator addresses the reader, discussing the act of storytelling and questioning the nature of reality within the narrative.

Common Examples of Digression

1. Storytelling: When telling a story or recounting an experience, individuals often digress by providing additional background information, anecdotes, or tangential details that may not be directly relevant to the main point but add color and context to the narrative.
2. Conversations: During conversations, people might temporarily veer off-topic to share related personal experiences, anecdotes, or side comments before returning to the main subject. This can help build rapport or provide context.
3. Presentations: In public speaking or presentations, speakers might digress to explain terms, provide historical context, or share relevant examples to ensure the audience’s comprehension.
4. Lectures: Educators and speakers sometimes use digressions to elaborate on a particular concept, delve into related topics, or address questions from the audience, enhancing the depth and clarity of the material.
5. Interviews: During interviews, both interviewers and interviewees may digress by briefly discussing personal stories, examples, or anecdotes to illustrate their points or make the conversation more engaging.
6. Social Media: Online discussions, blog posts, and comments often include digressions when users share personal experiences, side comments, or additional information that relates to the main topic of the conversation.
7. Emails: In written communication, digressions can appear when individuals include background information, explanations, or anecdotes to provide context or clarify a point in their emails.
8. Classroom Discussions: In educational settings, students and teachers may digress from the main topic to explore related concepts, answer questions, or share relevant examples, deepening their understanding of the subject.
9. Group Discussions: During group discussions or meetings, participants may go off on tangents to address relevant issues or share additional information to better explore the primary topic.
10. News Reporting: Journalists may include digressions in news articles or broadcasts to provide historical context, related events, or background information to help the audience understand a complex issue.

Shakespearean Digression

1. The “All the world’s a stage” Speech in “As You Like It”: In Act II, Scene VII of “As You Like It,” the character Jaques delivers a famous speech that begins with the lines “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” This philosophical digression contemplates the stages of life and the various roles people play, providing a reflective moment in the midst of the play’s comedic events.
2. The “Queen Mab” Speech in “Romeo and Juliet”: Mercutio’s “Queen Mab” speech in Act I, Scene IV of “Romeo and Juliet” is a whimsical and imaginative digression where he describes the fairy Queen Mab and her influence on people’s dreams. This speech is both humorous and symbolic, contributing to the play’s exploration of love and dreams.
3. Hamlet’s Soliloquies in “Hamlet”: “Hamlet” is replete with soliloquies, which are extended digressions where Hamlet reflects on his internal struggles, the nature of life and death, and his moral dilemmas. The “To be or not to be” soliloquy in Act III, Scene I is one of the most famous examples, illustrating Hamlet’s introspective and philosophical nature.
4. The Porter Scene in “Macbeth”: In Act II, Scene III of “Macbeth,” there’s a humorous and somewhat dark digression as the Porter, in a state of drunkenness, imagines himself as the gatekeeper to Hell. This digression provides comic relief in the aftermath of King Duncan’s murder and adds a contrasting element to the tragedy.
5. Fool’s Wit in “King Lear”: In Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” the character of the Fool provides numerous digressive moments. The Fool’s witty and often cryptic comments offer commentary on the actions of Lear and the other characters, as well as insight into the themes of the play. The Fool’s wordplay and digressions serve to enrich the text with depth and irony.

Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin, 1996.
2. Cohn, Dorrit. The Distinction of Fiction. The University of Chicago Press, 1999.
3. Genette, Gérard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cornell University Press, 1983.
4. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000.
5. Martin, Wallace. Recent Theories of Narrative. Cornell University Press, 1986.
6. Ortega y Gasset, José. The Dehumanization of Art and Other Essays on Art, Culture, and Literature. Translated by Helene Weyl, Princeton University Press, 1968.
7. Sterne, Laurence. The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. Oxford University Press, 2009.
8. Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1925.