Polyptoton: A Rhetorical Device

Polyptoton: Etymology/Term, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology and Term

The term “polyptoton” finds its roots in Greek, where “poly” means “many,” and “ptosis” means “case” or “falling.” The combination suggests a multiplicity of cases or forms. In rhetoric, polyptoton is a figure of speech characterized by the repetition of a root word while employing different grammatical forms of that word. This repetition serves to emphasize and enhance the rhetorical impact of the expression. Polyptoton can take various forms, including using different tenses, cases, or grammatical categories of a word within the same sentence or phrase, creating a nuanced and stylistically rich effect.

Meanings and Concept

Aspect	Description
Definition	A rhetorical device involving the repetition of a root word in different grammatical forms.
Purpose	Emphasizes a particular concept, intensifying the impact of the expression and conveying depth.
Examples	“Love’s Labour’s Lost” (Shakespeare) – “His child is father to the man.”
Grammatical Forms	Utilizes various forms of a word, such as different tenses, cases, or grammatical categories.
Stylistic Impact	Enhances the beauty and complexity of language, creating a memorable and impactful expression.
Literary Use	Commonly found in poetry and rhetoric, adding layers of meaning and contributing to the overall style.
Emotional Resonance	Can evoke emotional responses by intensifying the focus on a particular aspect of the expression.
Historical Significance	Used by ancient rhetoricians and continues to be employed in modern literature for its rhetorical power.
Related Figures	Similar to but distinct from other figures of speech like anadiplosis and epistrophe.
Language Exploration	Encourages linguistic creativity and exploration by playing with the forms and meanings of words.

Polyptoton: Definition as a Rhetorical Device

Polyptoton is a rhetorical device characterized by the repetition of a root word while employing different grammatical forms of that word within a sentence or phrase. This figure of speech aims to intensify the impact of the expression by emphasizing a particular concept through the varied use of the same term. Through this linguistic repetition, polyptoton enhances the stylistic richness and depth of a statement, contributing to its overall rhetorical effectiveness.

Polyptoton: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Noun-Verb Polyptoton:
   • Example: “The run was a good run, filled with joy and accomplishment.”
2. Adjective-Adverb Polyptoton:
   • Example: “She spoke in a loud voice, making her point loudly and clearly.”
3. Noun-Adjective Polyptoton:
   • Example: “The house was a dark darkness, with shadows stretching across the room.”
4. Verb-Noun Polyptoton:
   • Example: “He dreams of a dream where creativity and imagination know no bounds.”
5. Adverb-Adjective Polyptoton:
   • Example: “She solved the problem quickly, showcasing her quick thinking.”
6. Verb-Adverb Polyptoton:
   • Example: “He ran fast, realizing he needed to move fast to catch the train.”

Polyptoton in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

1. From “Hamlet” (Act 3, Scene 1):
   • Example: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.”
   • Analysis: The repetition of “to be” in different forms emphasizes the existential dilemma faced by Hamlet, contributing to the depth of his soliloquy.
2. From “Macbeth” (Act 1, Scene 2):
   • Example: “What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won.”
   • Analysis: The repetition of “hath” in different grammatical forms enhances the contrast between loss and victory, emphasizing Macbeth’s changing fortunes.
3. From “Julius Caesar” (Act 3, Scene 2):
   • Example: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.”
   • Analysis: The repetition of “ears” and the variation in addressing different groups heighten the oratorical impact of Mark Antony’s speech.
4. From “Romeo and Juliet” (Act 2, Scene 2):
   • Example: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
   • Analysis: The repetition of “name” and the play on words with “rose” contribute to Juliet’s contemplation on the significance of names and their inherent qualities.
5. From “Othello” (Act 3, Scene 3):
   • Example: “Put money in thy purse.”
   • Analysis: The repetition of “purse” in different forms underscores the theme of greed and manipulation in Iago’s cunning advice to Roderigo.

Shakespeare’s adept use of polyptoton enriches his plays with linguistic intricacy, emphasizing key themes and sentiments within the context of the characters’ dialogues and soliloquies.

Polyptoton in Literature: Examples

1. Shakespeare’s Hamlet:
   • Original: “This above all: to thine own self be true.”
   • Explanation: The repetition occurs with the use of “true” and “thine own self,” emphasizing the idea of authenticity and self-honesty.
2. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech:
   • Original: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.”
   • Explanation: The repetition is seen in the use of “dream” and “live out,” highlighting the aspiration for the nation to fulfill the genuine significance of its principles.
3. Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities:
   • Original: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
   • Explanation: The repetition occurs with the phrase “it was,” emphasizing the contrasting nature of the times described.
4. John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address:
   • Original: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
   • Explanation: The repetition involves the use of “ask” and “can do,” stressing the idea of civic responsibility and duty.
5. William Wordsworth’s “She Dwelt Among the Untrodden Ways”:
   • Original: “She lived unknown, and few could know / When Lucy ceased to be; / But she is in her grave, and, oh, / The difference to me!”
   • Explanation: The repetition is found in the variations of “know” and “be,” underscoring the theme of the subject’s quiet existence and the impact of her absence.

Polyptoton in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Polyptoton in Literature
Rhetorical Theory	– Polyptoton is a rhetorical device that enhances the persuasive power of language by emphasizing key ideas through repetition and variation.
	– It contributes to the stylistic and aesthetic appeal of a text, making it more memorable and engaging for the audience.
Structuralism	– Polyptoton can be examined as a linguistic structure, showcasing the interconnectedness of words and their varied forms within a sentence or text.
	– The repetition of words in different forms may hold symbolic significance, contributing to the overall meaning and structure of a literary work.
Psychoanalytic Theory	– Polyptoton may be analyzed in terms of its impact on the unconscious mind of the reader, evoking emotions and associations that contribute to the interpretation of the text.
	– The repetition of words can create a sense of rhythm and familiarity, influencing the emotional response and connection to the narrative.
Reader-Response Theory	– Polyptoton engages the reader actively by creating linguistic patterns that demand attention and interpretation.
	– The reader’s personal experiences and linguistic associations with the repeated words contribute to the construction of meaning and interpretation.
Deconstruction	– Polyptoton can be deconstructed to explore the multiplicity of meanings inherent in the variations of a word within a text.
	– The repetition and variation of words may reveal the instability of language and challenge fixed meanings, aligning with deconstructive principles.

Polyptoton in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Polyptoton	Repetition of a word in different forms within a sentence for emphasis.
Rhetorical Device	Technique used to enhance expression, often for persuasion.
Tropes	Figures of speech, including polyptoton.
Stylistic Device	Element contributing to the overall style, such as polyptoton.
Repetition	Repeating words for emphasis, including polyptoton.
Emphasis	Special importance given to elements, often achieved through polyptoton.
Rhetorical Effect	Impact achieved through rhetorical devices like polyptoton.
Variation	Introducing diversity or change, seen in polyptoton.
Grammatical Forms	Different structures or inflections a word can take, as in polyptoton.
Aesthetic Appeal	Artistic attractiveness of language and style, enhanced by polyptoton.

Polyptoton in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. The Art of Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts, Dover Publications, 2004.
2. Kolln, Martha. Rhetorical Grammar: Grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects. Pearson, 2007.
3. Sword, Helen. Stylish Academic Writing. Harvard University Press, 2012.
4. Forsyth, Mark. The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Berkley, 2014.
5. Quinn, Arthur. Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase. NTC Publishing Group, 1993.
6. Burton, Gideon O. Silva Rhetoricae. Brigham Young University, 2003. (Online Resource)
7. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1961.
8. McGuigan, Brendan. Rhetorical Devices: A Handbook and Activities for Student Writers. Prestwick House, 2008.
9. Brummett, Barry. Rhetoric in Popular Culture. Sage Publications, 2006.
10. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. University of California Press, 1991.