Enthymeme: A Literary Device

Etymology of Enthymeme

The term “enthymeme” finds its origins in ancient Greek rhetoric, with its etymological roots in the Greek words “en” and “thymos,” meaning “in” and “mind” or “heart,” respectively. It was first introduced and extensively discussed by Aristotle in his work Rhetoric.

An enthymeme is a rhetorical syllogism, a deductive argument that is expressed with one of its premises or the conclusion left unspoken and implied, relying on the audience to fill in the missing parts based on shared beliefs and common knowledge.

Enthymemes are a fundamental component of persuasive discourse, allowing speakers and writers to engage with their audiences, tapping into shared values and reasoning, making their arguments more compelling and effective. This ancient concept continues to influence the fields of rhetoric, argumentation, and communication to this day.

Meanings of Enthymeme

Aspect	Meaning
Rhetorical Device	Condensed, persuasive argument leaving elements unspoken or implied.
Implicit Argument	Incomplete argument with unstated premises, relying on audience inference.
Audience Engagement	Relies on shared values, involving the audience in the argumentation process.
Aristotelian Concept	Originates from Aristotle’s “Rhetoric,” a tool for effective persuasion.
Persuasive Efficiency	Makes arguments concise and encourages critical thinking in the audience.
Contemporary Relevance	Remains relevant in modern communication, including advertising and politics.

Definition of Enthymeme

An enthymeme is a persuasive rhetorical device that presents a condensed argument, often leaving some elements unspoken, with the expectation that the audience will fill in the missing components based on shared beliefs or common knowledge.

It relies on implicit premises and conclusions, engaging the audience in the argumentation process by appealing to their understanding and values.

Rooted in Aristotle’s Rhetoric, the enthymeme remains a powerful tool for effective persuasion in various forms of discourse, making arguments more concise and rhetorically efficient.

Types of Enthymeme

Type	Explanation	Example
Causal Enthymeme	Suggests a cause-and-effect relationship, where stating a cause leads the audience to infer the resulting effect.	If we reduce carbon emissions (cause), we can mitigate the impact of climate change (effect).
Conditional Enthymeme	Presents a condition and an expected consequence, leaving the audience to complete the conditional statement.	If you study diligently (condition), you’ll excel in your exams (consequence).
Resemblance Enthymeme	Relies on similarities between two entities to draw conclusions, prompting the audience to infer broader comparisons.	The way she handles challenges (entity 1) is similar to a seasoned leader (entity 2).
Sign Enthymeme	Uses observable signs or evidence to guide the audience toward inferring a specific conclusion, often based on visual or tangible cues.	The dark clouds (sign) suggest an impending storm (conclusion).
Comparison Enthymeme	Compares two elements, implying that if one has certain characteristics, the other likely shares similar traits, even if not explicitly stated.	Her dedication to fitness (element 1) indicates her commitment to a healthy lifestyle (element 2).
Contrary-to-Fact Enthymeme	Deals with hypothetical or counterfactual scenarios, proposing that changes in certain conditions would lead to different outcomes.	If we had taken a different route (counterfactual condition), we would have arrived earlier (counterfactual consequence).

Common Examples of Enthymemes

Enthymemes are prevalent in everyday communication, as they often rely on shared knowledge and implicit reasoning. Here are some common examples:

1. If it looks like rain, take an umbrella.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) If it looks like rain, it will likely rain.
2. He’s a software engineer, so he must be good with computers.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) Software engineers work extensively with computers, so they are skilled with computers.
3. She’s never late for class; she’s really responsible.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) People who are never late for class are responsible individuals.
4. If you eat too much junk food, you’ll gain weight.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) Consuming excessive junk food leads to weight gain.
5. If you work hard, you’ll succeed.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) Hard work typically leads to success.
6. You should trust him; he’s your best friend.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) Best friends are usually trustworthy.
7. Since she’s a doctor, she must know a lot about medicine.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) Doctors have extensive knowledge about medicine.
8. If you exercise regularly, you’ll stay healthy.
   • Enthymeme: (Unstated premise) Regular exercise contributes to good health.

These examples illustrate how enthymemes simplify communication by relying on shared assumptions, making the reasoning process more efficient in everyday conversations.

Shakespearean Enthymemes

Shakespearean Work	Enthymeme	Implied Premise
Hamlet	“To be or not to be, that is the question.”	(Unstated premise) Life is filled with suffering, and death is an escape from suffering.
Macbeth	“What’s done cannot be undone.”	(Unstated premise) Actions have irreversible consequences.
Julius Caesar	“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.”	(Unstated premise) Our destinies are shaped by our own actions, not by fate.
Romeo and Juliet	“O, be some other name! What’s in a name?”	(Unstated premise) Names themselves do not define a person’s worth.
Othello	“I am not what I am.”	(Unstated premise) People often hide their true nature and intentions.

These Shakespearean examples demonstrate how implicit reasoning and shared cultural understanding are essential elements of his renowned works.

Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford University Press, 2007.
2. Corbett, Edward P. J. Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. Oxford University Press, 1990.
3. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
4. Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.