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Zeugma: A Literary Device
Zeugma is a literary device where a single word or phrase is used in a sentence to modify or govern two or more other words, often in different senses.
Zeugma: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings
The term “zeugma” originates from the Greek word “zeugnynai,” meaning “to join” or “to yoke.” In ancient rhetoric, zeugma referred to a figure of speech where a single word governs or modifies two or more other words, typically in different senses. This linguistic device yokes together disparate elements within a sentence, creating a surprising or witty effect.
Literal Meaning:
Linguistic Device: Zeugma functions as a rhetorical device in which a single word or phrase applies to two or more parts of a sentence, often in different ways.
Grammatical Structure: It involves the coordination of multiple elements, such as nouns, verbs, or adjectives, through a shared word or phrase.
Conceptual Meaning:
Figurative Connection: Zeugma enables writers to draw unexpected connections between ideas or objects, often for humorous, dramatic, or ironic effect.
Cognitive Impact: It engages readers by prompting them to reinterpret the shared word or phrase in different contexts within the same sentence, leading to a deeper understanding or appreciation of the text.
Zeugma is a literary device where a single word or phrase is used in a sentence to modify or govern two or more other words, often in different senses. This technique creates a striking effect by linking together disparate elements within the same sentence. Zeugma is commonly employed for its rhetorical impact, adding depth, wit, or irony to the text.
Zeugma in Literature: Examples in Literature
Example
Explanation
“She broke his car and his heart.”
In this sentence, “broke” is used to describe the actions towards both “car” and “heart.” The word “broke” applies literally to the car and figuratively to the heart, creating a vivid image of both physical and emotional damage.
“He stole both her wallet and her heart.”
Here, “stole” is employed to describe the actions towards both “wallet” and “heart.” While it applies literally to the theft of the wallet, it is used metaphorically to convey the capturing of the person’s affection or love, employing the same verb for disparate contexts.
“She opened the door and her heart to the orphan.”
“Opened” is used to describe both the physical action of opening the door and the metaphorical action of opening one’s heart to someone in need. This zeugma highlights the emotional and physical act of kindness simultaneously.
“The storm sank ships and my hopes.”
“Sank” is used to describe the sinking of both “ships” and “hopes.” While it applies literally to the ships, it is metaphorically applied to the speaker’s feelings of optimism or expectation, drawing a parallel between physical and emotional destruction.
“He caught the train and a bad cold.”
“Caught” is employed to describe both “train” and “cold.” While it applies literally to catching the train, it is used metaphorically to describe the onset of an illness, creating a humorous juxtaposition of two different types of “catching.”
“She let down her hair and her guard.”
In this sentence, “let down” is used to describe both the physical action of releasing her hair and the metaphorical action of lowering her emotional defenses. This zeugma links the physical and emotional states of the character.
“The detective solved the crime and his own personal demons.”
“Solved” is used to describe both the solving of the crime and the resolution of personal issues. This zeugma juxtaposes the external action with the internal struggle of the detective, emphasizing the complexity of his journey.
“She stole his thunder and his spotlight.”
“Stole” is employed to describe the actions towards both “thunder” and “spotlight.” While it applies literally to the theft of thunder, it is metaphorically used to depict the usurping of attention or credit, creating a vivid and humorous image.
“He lost his keys and his temper.”
“Lost” is used to describe both the loss of “keys” and “temper.” While it applies literally to the keys, it is metaphorically applied to the loss of composure or control, demonstrating the connection between physical and emotional states.
“She broke the news and my heart.”
“Broke” is employed to describe both the action of breaking the news and the emotional impact on the speaker’s heart. This zeugma links the physical act of communication with its emotional consequences, emphasizing the depth of the emotional response.
Zeugma in Literature: Shakespearean Examples
From “Hamlet” (Act 3, Scene 1):
“With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage”
Explanation: In this line, Hamlet describes the contradictory emotions present at a funeral and a wedding. The word “with” governs both “mirth” and “dirge,” juxtaposing joy and sorrow within the context of these two events.
From “Julius Caesar” (Act 1, Scene 2):
“I love the name of honor more than I fear death.”
Explanation: Here, Brutus uses the word “love” to express his attitude towards both “honor” and “death.” The phrase highlights the conflict between his devotion to honor and his fear of death, employing the same verb for two different objects.
From “Antony and Cleopatra” (Act 2, Scene 2):
“The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, / Burned on the water.”
Explanation: This line describes Cleopatra’s barge as both a “burnished throne” and something that “burned on the water.” The verb “burned” is used first in a metaphorical sense to describe the grandeur of the barge and then in a literal sense to depict its reflection on the water.
From “Macbeth” (Act 2, Scene 2):
“Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, / And by opposing end them?”
Explanation: Here, Hamlet deliberates whether to “take arms” against a “sea of troubles” and “by opposing end them.” The phrase employs the same verb “opposing” to suggest both physical and metaphorical opposition, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenges he faces.
Zeugma in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
Zeugma is relevant in formalist literary theory as it focuses on the technical aspects of literature, such as form, structure, and language. Formalists analyze how zeugma contributes to the overall aesthetic effect of a text by examining its syntactic and semantic properties. They might explore how zeugma creates tension, surprise, or resonance through its manipulation of linguistic elements within a work.
Within structuralist literary theory, zeugma is viewed as part of the broader system of language and signification. Structuralists examine how zeugma operates within the linguistic structure of a text, considering its role in creating meaning through relationships between signifiers and signifieds. They may analyze how zeugma contributes to the organization of narrative or thematic patterns within a literary work.
Zeugma is relevant in reader-response theory as it focuses on the interaction between the text and the reader. Readers may interpret zeugma differently based on their individual experiences, cultural background, and linguistic proficiency. Reader-response theorists explore how zeugma invites readers to actively engage with the text, prompting them to decipher multiple layers of meaning and make personal connections to the narrative.
Postcolonialism
In postcolonial literary theory, zeugma may be examined in relation to questions of power, identity, and representation. Scholars may analyze how zeugma reflects colonial or postcolonial discourses, exploring its role in subverting or reinforcing dominant narratives. They might examine how zeugma functions within the language of resistance, hybridity, or cultural negotiation in texts from postcolonial contexts.
Within feminist literary criticism, zeugma can be analyzed in terms of gender representation and agency. Scholars may explore how zeugma contributes to the portrayal of female characters and their relationships within a text. They might investigate how zeugma reflects or challenges traditional gender roles, stereotypes, or power dynamics, highlighting its role in shaping the narrative construction of gender identities.
The repetition of words derived from the same root but with different grammatical forms or inflections, such as “love” and “loving” in “His love for her was both passionate and enduring.”
A rhetorical device where a single word is used with two others but must be understood differently in relation to each, such as in “She stole his heart and his wallet.”
A form of wordplay involving punning or the deliberate use of similar-sounding words to create a humorous or witty effect, as seen in “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
A figure of speech in which a word is repeated in the same grammatical form but with a different meaning each time, as in “Your argument is sound, but your actions speak louder than words.”
A rhetorical structure where words or concepts are repeated in reverse order to create an inverted parallelism, as seen in “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
A rhetorical device where parallel structures are used with similar or equal length and rhythm, as in “Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”).
The use of similar grammatical structures, phrases, or clauses within a sentence or passage to create balance and rhythm, as in “The cat chased the mouse, the dog chased the squirrel, and the bird chased the bug.”
A rhetorical device that involves the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, often in parallel structures, to highlight their differences or create tension, as in “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.”
A stylistic device where conjunctions are deliberately omitted from a series of phrases or clauses, creating a sense of speed or urgency, as in “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions in close succession within a sentence or passage for emphasis, rhythm, or pacing, as seen in “They ran and jumped and laughed and played.”
