Epizeuxis: A Literary Device

Epizeuxis: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Epizeuxis Etymology/Term:

Epizeuxis, stemming from the Greek term “epizeugnynai,” translates to “to join together” or “to fasten upon.” In rhetoric, epizeuxis is a powerful device characterized by the immediate repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis, intensifying the impact of expression within a sentence or phrase.

Literal Meaning:

• Repetition: Involves the immediate, consecutive repetition of a word or phrase.
• Sequential Placement: The repeated words are positioned closely within a sentence or clause.

Conceptual Meaning:

• Emphasis: Significantly emphasizes a specific word or phrase, making it stand out.
• Intensity: Adds urgency, passion, or heightened emotion to the expression of an idea.
• Rhythmic Impact: Contributes to the rhythm and cadence of a text, enhancing memorability and impact.

Epizeuxis: Definition as a Literary Device

Epizeuxis is a literary device characterized by the immediate and consecutive repetition of a word or phrase within a short span, employed for emphasis and heightened emotional impact in writing or speech. It serves to underscore and intensify a particular idea, creating a memorable and forceful expression.

Epizeuxis: Types and Examples

Type of Epizeuxis	Example
Single-word Epizeuxis	“Stop! Stop!”
Phrase Epizeuxis	“Never, never give up!”
Sentence Epizeuxis	“This is the day, this is the hour, this is our moment!”
Emphatic Epizeuxis	“I want it now, now, not later!”
Expressive Epizeuxis	“Amazing! Amazing performance!”

Epizeuxis can be observed in various forms, ranging from the repetition of a single word for emphasis to the repetition of entire sentences, and it is commonly used in everyday communication to convey urgency, strong emotions, or emphasis on specific points.

Epizeuxis in Literature: Examples

1. Shakespeare’s“Hamlet”:
   • “Never, never, never, never, never!”
2. William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”:
   • “I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire; I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend your breath trying to conquer it.”
3. Charles Dickens’A Tale of 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, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
4. Martin Luther King Jr.’s“I Have a Dream” speech:
   • “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.”
5. Edgar Allan Poe’s“The Tell-Tale Heart”:
   • “True!—nervous—very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease has only sharpened my senses—not destroyed—not dulled them.”
6. Walt Whitman’s“Song of Myself”:
   • “O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done.”
7. Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham”:
   • “I do not like green eggs and ham. I
   •  do not like them, Sam-I-am.”

Epizeuxis in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Role of Epizeuxis	Example
Rhetorical Theory	Emphasizes the persuasive or emotive aspects of language. Epizeuxis is a powerful rhetorical device that can enhance persuasion.	“Never, never, never, never, never!” – Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Stylistics	Examines how linguistic elements contribute to the style of a text. Epizeuxis can contribute to the rhythm and cadence of a work.	“Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!” – Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Structuralism	Explores how language structures meaning. Epizeuxis may affect the overall structure of a text, creating emphasis or highlighting certain themes.	“I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire…” – Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and experience. Epizeuxis can elicit a strong emotional response from readers.	“I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am.” – Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham”
New Criticism	Emphasizes close reading and the text’s intrinsic meaning. Epizeuxis might be analyzed for its impact on the text’s overall meaning and tone.	“Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me…” – Emily Dickinson’s poem
Feminist Literary Theory	Explores gender roles and power dynamics. Epizeuxis may be analyzed in the context of how it reinforces or challenges traditional gender norms.	“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” – Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”
Postcolonial Theory	Focuses on colonial and postcolonial experiences. Epizeuxis may be analyzed for its role in expressing resistance or asserting cultural identity.	“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed…” – Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech
Psychoanalytic Theory	Examines the psychological aspects of characters and authors. Epizeuxis may be analyzed in terms of its reflection of characters’ emotional states or conflicts.	“True!—nervous—very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am…” – Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart”

It is important to note that literary theories often overlap, and the application of epizeuxis in a particular context may be subject to multiple interpretations.

Epizeuxis in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Epizeuxis	Immediate repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis.
Rhetorical Device	A technique used to convey meaning persuasively.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Emphasis	Stress placed on a particular word or idea for significance.
Cadence	The rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.
Intensification	Increasing the strength or force of expression.
Stylistics	Analysis of linguistic elements contributing to style.
Rhythm	Pattern of beats or stresses in language.
Linguistic Emphasis	Highlighting certain words or phrases for impact.
Persuasion	The act of influencing beliefs or actions through language.

Epizeuxis in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Poetry. Harcourt, Brace, 1938.
2. Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 1997.
3. Dickinson, Emily. “Because I could not stop for Death.” The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson. Back Bay Books, 1976.
4. Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. Vintage, 1929.
5. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
6. King, Martin Luther Jr. “I Have a Dream.” A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches. HarperOne, 1986.
7. Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Tell-Tale Heart.” The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Vintage, 1975.
8. Seuss, Dr. Green Eggs and Ham. Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960.
9. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins, Arden Shakespeare, 1982.
10. Whitman, Walt. “Song of Myself.” Leaves of Grass. Penguin Classics, 2005.