Etymology of Literary Device Aphorism
The literary device, aphorism, originated from Greek term, aphorismos, which means “definition” or “distinction.” It is a concise statement that expresses a general truth or moral principle.
Meanings of Literary Device Aphorism
Some common meanings of the term in literature include:
- Moral lessons: Aphorisms are often used to convey a moral lesson or to express a particular philosophy.
- Commentary on society: Aphorisms offer commentary on society or critique social norms or conventions.
- Satire: They could be satire, offering a witty and often sarcastic commentary on human behavior or societal norms.
- Summarization: Aphorisms summarize a larger work or convey a complex idea in a concise and memorable way.
Aphorism in Grammar
Grammatically, an aphorism is a type of statement or sentence that expresses a general truth or moral principle. Therefore, it is a declarative sentence. It is also a simple sentence but could be compounded in some cases.
As a word, however, it is a singular noun and its plural is aphorisms.
Definition of Aphorism
It is a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth or moral principle. As a literary device, it is often used to convey a complex idea or philosophy in a brief and memorable way.
Common Examples of Aphorism
Here are some common examples:
| Aphorism | Explanation |
| “Actions speak louder than’ words.” | This aphorism suggests that people’s actions are more important than their words, and that it is better to judge people by what they do rather than what they say. |
| “Honesty is the best policy.” | This aphorism suggests that telling the truth is always the best approach, and that honesty is more important than deception or dishonesty. |
| “The early bird catches the worm.” | This aphorism suggests that people who act quickly and decisively are more likely to be successful than those who hesitate or delay. |
| “Time heals all wounds.” | This aphorism suggests that the passage of time can help to heal emotional or physical wounds, and that it is important to be patient and allow time to do its work. |
| “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” | This aphorism that it is impossible to have two desirable things at the same time, and that people must often make difficult choices and sacrifices in life. |
Literary Examples of Aphorism
| Example | Explanation |
| “All that glitters is not gold.” – Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice | This aphorism that appearances can be deceiving, and that just because something looks valuable or desirable, it does not necessarily mean that it is. |
| “The pen is mightier than the sword.” – Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu | This aphorism suggests that words and ideas have more power than violence and force, and that through writing and speaking, people can effect change and make a difference. |
| “To be or not to be, that is the question.” – Shakespeare, Hamlet | This aphorism suggests that the fundamental question of human existence is whether to live or to die, and that life is full of difficult choices and decisions. |
| “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” – Exodus 21:24 | This aphorism suggests that justice should be proportional, and that punishments should be commensurate with the crimes committed. |
| “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” – Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia | This aphorism suggests that good intentions are not enough, and that even with the best of intentions, people can make mistakes and do harm. |
| “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” – Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols | Here it suggests that adversity and struggle can make people stronger and more resilient, and that challenges should be embraced rather than avoided. |
| “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” – Milton, Paradise Lost | This aphorism suggests that some people would rather have power and control, even if it means being in a negative or harmful situation, rather than being subservient to others. |
| “Actions speak louder than words.” – Abraham Lincoln | This aphorism suggests that people’s actions are more important than their words, and that deeds and actions are the true measure of a person’s character. |
| “Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson | This aphorism suggests that life is a process of growth and change, and that the experiences and lessons learned along the way are more important than the ultimate destination. |
| “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” – George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss | This aphorism suggests that people should not judge others based solely on their appearance, and that it is important to get to know someone before making judgments about them. |
How to Create Aphorism
Creating an aphorism can be a challenging task, as they are short, concise statements that convey a universal truth or principle. Here are some steps you can follow to create your own literary device aphorism:
- Identify a universal truth or principle
- Express it in a concise way
- Use poetic language
- Test it out
Benefits of Using Aphorism
There are several benefits of using the literary device aphorism in literature. Here are some of them:
- Memorable and impactful
- Adds depth and richness
- Provides wisdom and guidance
- Shows author’s insight and skill
- Enhances the theme and tone
Aphorism in Literary Theory
Aphorisms have been used in various literary theories as a way to convey ideas in a concise and impactful manner. Here are some examples of how they have been used in different literary theories:
| Literary Theory | How it Interprets Aphorisms | Example Critique | Example |
| British Humanism | British humanism interprets aphorisms as a means to convey ideas about human nature and the human experience, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself. | It promotes self-authenticity and individuality but may overlook the complexities of social and cultural contexts. | “To thine own self be true.” – William Shakespeare |
| Postmodernism | It Interprets aphorisms as a tool to question established beliefs and norms, challenging the idea of a single objective reality. | While this aphorism highlights the constructed nature of reality, its extreme skepticism may undermine the possibility of any truth. | “The simulacrum is never that which conceals the truth—it is the truth which conceals that there is none. The simulacrum is true.” – Jean Baudrillard |
| Postcolonialism | This theory interprets aphorisms as a way to convey the experiences of colonized peoples and challenge dominant narratives. | This aphorism exposes the problematic Orientalist approach, but its brevity may oversimplify the complexities of postcolonial discourse. | “Orientalism is a style of thought based upon an ontological and epistemological distinction made between ‘the Orient’ and (most of the time) ‘the Occident.’” – Edward Said |
| Feminism | It interprets aphorisms as a means to convey the experiences of women and challenge gender stereotypes. | It critiques the notion of innate femininity, but it may overlook intersectional aspects of gender identity and experiences. | “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir |
| Structuralism | Interprets aphorisms as illustrations of how language and structure shape meaning, emphasizing the importance of differences. | While highlighting the role of differences in meaning-making, this aphorism may overlook other aspects, such as cultural and contextual influences. | “In language there are only differences. Even more important: a difference generally implies positive terms between which the difference is set up.” – Ferdinand de Saussure |
Suggested Readings
- Andrew, Hui. A Theory of The Aphorism: From Confucius to Twitter. Princeton University Press, 2019.
- Auden, Wystan Hugh, and Louis Kronenberger. The Viking Book of Aphorisms: A Personal Selection. Barnes & Noble Publishing, 1962.
- Cano-de-la-Cuerda, Roberto. “Proverbs and Aphorisms in Neurorehabilitation: A Literature Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 17, 2021, pp. 9240.
- Gross, John, editor. The Oxford Book of Aphorisms. Oxford University Press, USA, 1987.
- Shaw, Quentin. “On Aphorisms.” British Journal of General Practice, vol. 59, no. 569, 2009, pp. 954-955.
