Metabasis: A Literary Device

Metabasis: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology/Term

The term “metabasis” finds its origins in ancient Greek, rooted in the verb “metabaino,” meaning “to go over” or “to change.” In rhetoric, metabasis is a literary and rhetorical device where the author pauses in the midst of a narrative to provide a brief summary, transition, or reflection on what has been discussed. This device serves as a bridge between ideas, allowing for a strategic shift in focus, tone, or direction within a discourse. The artful use of metabasis contributes to the coherence and structure of a text, providing the audience with a moment of reflection and transition, which is particularly valuable in persuasive or didactic contexts.

Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Literal Meaning	Conceptual Meaning
Transition or Pause	Metabasis involves a literal pause or transition within a discourse.
Summary or Recapitulation	It includes a brief summary or recapitulation of the preceding content.
Bridge between Ideas	Acts as a bridge, connecting and facilitating a smooth transition between ideas.
Reflective Interlude	Provides a reflective interlude, allowing the audience to absorb previous points.
Shift in Tone or Focus	Permits a deliberate shift in tone, focus, or thematic direction within the text.
Narrative Coherence	Enhances the overall coherence and structure of a narrative or discourse.
Strategic Stylistic Device	Serves as a stylistic device, strategically used for rhetorical or persuasive effect.

Metabasis: Definition as a Literary Device

Metabasis in literature refers to a rhetorical device characterized by a brief pause or transition within a narrative or discourse. This literary tool involves the author stepping back from the main narrative to provide a summary, reflection, or transitional remark, contributing to the coherence and structure of the text. Metabasis serves as a strategic means to guide the audience through shifts in tone, focus, or thematic direction within the larger narrative context.

Metabasis: Types and Examples

Type of Metabasis	Example
1. Summative	In summary, we have explored the historical context.
2. Transitional	Now, let us shift our attention to the next chapter.
3. Reflective	Considering these points, let’s ponder the implications.
4. Concessive	Admittedly, there are alternative perspectives to consider.
5. Comparative	Contrastingly, the previous section presented a different viewpoint.
6. Anticipatory	Before we proceed, let me address a crucial aspect.
7. Conclusive	In conclusion, these findings underscore the significance of the topic.
8. Interpretative	Now, interpreting these results reveals a compelling narrative.

These examples showcase the versatility of metabasis in guiding the reader through transitions, summaries, reflections, concessions, comparisons, anticipations, conclusions, and interpretations within a literary or rhetorical context.

Metabasis: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Summative :
   • Reflecting on the day, we covered a lot of ground in our discussion about future plans.
2. Transitional :
   • Now, moving on to the next item on the agenda, let’s discuss the budget projections.
3. Reflective :
   • Considering the feedback we received, it’s evident that improvements need to be made.
4. Concessive :
   • While I appreciate your perspective, I must concede that there are valid concerns to address.
5. Comparative:
   • Contrastingly, his approach to problem-solving differs significantly from the traditional methods.
6. Anticipatory:
   • Before we delve into the details, let me provide some context for better understanding.
7. Conclusive:
   • In conclusion, after analyzing the data, the evidence overwhelmingly supports this conclusion.
8. Interpretative Metabasis:
   • Now, interpreting these survey results reveals a clear trend in consumer preferences.
9. Sequential Metabasis:
   • Firstly, we discussed the challenges, and secondly, we proposed potential solutions.
10. Causal Metabasis:
    • Due to recent developments, we find ourselves needing to reevaluate our original strategy.

These everyday examples demonstrate how metabasis is naturally integrated into conversations, providing transitions, reflections, concessions, comparisons, anticipations, conclusions, interpretations, and more.

Metabasis in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts, Dover Publications, 2004.
2. Corbett, Edward P. J., and Robert J. Connors. Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. Oxford University Press, 1998.
3. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. University of California Press, 1991.
4. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
5. Puttenham, George. The Arte of English Poesie. Edited by Gladys Doidge Willcock and Alice Walker, Cambridge University Press, 1936.
6. Quintilian. Institutio Oratoria. Translated by H. E. Butler, Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1920.
7. Richards, I. A. The Philosophy of Rhetoric. Oxford University Press, 1965.
8. Vickers, Brian. In Defence of Rhetoric. Oxford University Press, 1988.
9. Weaver, Richard M. Language is Sermonic: Richard M. Weaver on the Nature of Rhetoric. Edited by Richard L. Johannesen, Louisiana State University Press, 1970.
10. Ward Farnsworth. Farnsworth’s Classical English Rhetoric. David R. Godine Publisher, 2011.