Encomium: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings
Encomium: Etymology
The term “encomium” originates from the Greek word “ἐγκώμιον” (enkṓmion), which means a speech or composition in praise of someone or something. The word itself is derived from “ἐν” (en), meaning “in,” and “κῶμος” (kōmos), meaning “banquet” or “revel.” In ancient Greece, encomiums were often delivered during festive banquets and public gatherings to extol the virtues and achievements of individuals. Over time, the concept of encomium evolved and found its place in various forms of literature and rhetoric, maintaining its core function as an expression of high praise and admiration. The transition from Greek to Latin retained the word’s essential meaning, and it eventually made its way into English usage during the Renaissance, where it has since been employed in both formal and literary contexts to denote a tribute or eulogy.
Literal and Conceptual Meanings
| Literal Meaning | Conceptual Meaning |
| Literal | Conceptual |
| Derived from Greek “ἐγκώμιον” (enkṓmion) | A formal expression of praise |
| Composed of “ἐν” (en) meaning “in” and “κῶμος” (kōmos) meaning “banquet” or “revel” | A rhetorical device used to celebrate and honor someone or something |
| Originally used in festive banquets and public gatherings in ancient Greece | An elaborate and laudatory speech or piece of writing |
| Transitioned into Latin and English during the Renaissance | Often employed in academic, literary, and ceremonial contexts to highlight virtues and accomplishments |
Encomium: Definition as a Literary Device
Encomium, a rhetorical device with ancient origins, refers to a formal expression of praise, often employed in speeches or written works. Characterized by lofty language and effusive admiration, encomium aims to celebrate and extol the virtues of a person, object, or event. Frequently used in epideictic oratory, encomium serves not only to honor its subject but also to reinforce shared values and ideals within a community.
Encomium: Examples in Everyday Life
| Encomium Example | Explanation | Reference |
| “Your dedication to this project is truly inspiring.” | Praises someone’s work ethic and commitment. | Workplace |
| “This meal is absolutely divine!” | Extols the exceptional quality of a dish. | Restaurant review |
| “You are the best teacher I’ve ever had.” | Expresses admiration for a teacher’s abilities and impact. | Student feedback |
| “This book is a masterpiece.” | Praises a literary work for its exceptional artistry. | Book review |
| “You are the most caring and supportive friend anyone could ask for.” | Celebrates the qualities of a cherished friend. | Personal conversation |
| “Your performance tonight was breathtaking.” | Acknowledges an outstanding artistic or athletic performance. | Concert or sports review |
| “This company is a leader in innovation and customer service.” | Commends a company’s achievements and values. | Business report |
| “This city is a gem, full of history and beauty.” | Expresses admiration for a city’s unique qualities. | Travel blog |
| “You are a true hero for your bravery and selflessness.” | Recognizes someone’s exceptional courage and compassion. | News article |
| “Your wedding was a magical and unforgettable celebration.” | Celebrates a couple’s special day and the love they share. | Wedding toast |
Encomium in Literature: Shakespearean Examples
· “Henry V”
- Reference: Act 1, Scene 1
- Example: The Archbishop of Canterbury praises King Henry V: “The courses of his youth promised it not. The breath no sooner left his father’s body but that his wildness, mortified in him, seemed to die too.”
· “Othello”
- Reference: Act 2, Scene 1
- Example: Cassio praises Desdemona: “The divine Desdemona, […] Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, that I extend my manners. ‘Tis my breeding that gives me this bold show of courtesy.”
· “Julius Caesar”
- Reference: Act 3, Scene 2
- Example: Antony’s speech praising Caesar: “He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honourable man.”
· “Macbeth”
- Reference: Act 1, Scene 2
- Example: Duncan praises Macbeth: “O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!”
· “Hamlet”
- Reference: Act 1, Scene 2
- Example: Claudius praises Laertes: “The head is not more native to the heart, the hand more instrumental to the mouth, than is the throne of Denmark to thy father.”
· “Much Ado About Nothing”
- Reference: Act 1, Scene 1
- Example: Messenger praises Claudio: “He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion.”
· “The Tempest”
- Reference: Act 1, Scene 2
- Example: Prospero praises Miranda: “O, a cherubim thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile infused with a fortitude from heaven.”
· “Antony and Cleopatra”
- Reference: Act 5, Scene 1
- Example: Cleopatra praises Antony: “His legs bestrid the ocean; his reared arm crested the world.”
Encomium in Literature: Examples
| Encomium Example | Work | Explanation |
| “O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done…” | “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman | An encomium for Abraham Lincoln, praising his leadership and mourning his death. The extended metaphor of a ship’s captain guiding his vessel through a storm highlights Lincoln’s role in leading the nation through the Civil War. |
| “Much have I travell’d in the realms of gold, And many goodly states and kingdoms seen…” | “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer” by John Keats | An encomium for the beauty and power of poetry, specifically Homer’s epics as translated by George Chapman. The speaker compares reading Chapman’s translation to discovering a new world of wonder and excitement. |
| “She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies…” | “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron | An encomium for a woman’s beauty, comparing her to the serene and harmonious beauty of nature. The poem celebrates both her physical attractiveness and her inner grace. |
| “Of Man’s first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree…” | Paradise Lost by John Milton | While the epic poem primarily focuses on the Fall of Man, it opens with an invocation to the Muse, a form of encomium praising divine inspiration and seeking guidance for the poet’s ambitious undertaking. |
| “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate…” | Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare | A classic love poem that is an encomium to the beloved’s beauty and enduring qualities. The speaker compares the beloved to a summer’s day but ultimately finds them to be superior. |
Encomium in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
- Classical Rhetoric: Encomium is one of the three genres of rhetoric, aiming to praise or honor a person, place, or thing, emphasizing its virtues and achievements.
- Neoclassicism: Encomium is used to extol the virtues of a subject, often drawing on classical models and ideals, emphasizing reason, order, and balance.
- Romanticism: Encomium is employed to express intense emotions and personal feelings, often focusing on the beauty and wonder of nature, art, or the human experience.
- Postmodernism: Encomium is subverted or ironicized, challenging traditional notions of praise and honor, and often blurring the lines between sincerity and satire.
Encomium in Literature: Relevant Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Eulogy | A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically at a funeral. |
| Panegyric | A public speech or text in praise of someone or something. |
| Tribute | An act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration. |
| Hymn | A religious song or poem of praise to God or a deity. |
| Homage | Special honor or respect shown publicly. |
| Applause | Approval or praise expressed by clapping. |
| Acclamation | Loud and enthusiastic approval or praise, typically given by a group. |
| Commendation | Formal praise or approval. |
| Ode | A lyric poem, typically addressed to a particular subject, often in a lofty or formal style. |
| Laudation | Praise, commendation. |
Encomium in Literature: Suggested Readings
Books:
- Mackin, James A. Classical Rhetoric for Modern Discourse. Routledge, 2018.
- Pernot, Laurent. Rhetoric in Antiquity. The Catholic University of America Press, 2005.
- Vickers, Brian. In Defence of Rhetoric. Clarendon Press, 1988.
Web Links:
- “Encomium.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/art/encomium
- “Epideictic Rhetoric.” Silva Rhetoricae, Brigham Young University, http://rhetoric.byu.edu/
- “Praise and Blame.” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, https://plato.stanford.edu/