Polysyndeton is a figure of speech that adds power as well as enthusiasm to what you write. The term polysyndeton has its origin in the Greek word meaning “bound together”. Polysyndeton is a commonly used literary device. In this article, you will be introduced to all the essential information about polysyndeton including its definition, common examples, its significance, etc.
- Polysyndeton Definition & Meaning
- Polysyndeton Synonyms
- Polysyndeton Examples
- Polysyndeton Purpose
- Polysyndeton Vs Asyndeton
- Difference between Syndeton, Asyndeton, and Polysyndeton
- Anaphora Vs Polysyndeton
- What is polysyndeton?
- Give examples of polysyndeton?
- Distinguish between Polysyndeton and Asyndeton?
Polysyndeton Definition & Meaning
Polysyndeton, pronounced as pronounced pah-lee-sin-de-ton is a literary device that makes repeated use of the same conjunction. Polysyndeton makes use of coordinating conjunctions like but, and, or, and nor. However, the most frequently used conjunction is and.
Polysyndeton Synonyms
Just like other literary devices, polysyndeton does not have an exact synonym. Some other related terms include hyperbole, irony, oxymoron, epiphany, asyndeton, and anaphora.
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Polysyndeton Examples
Given below are some examples of polysyndeton. They are as follows
- I had the chicken, and the turkey, and the rive soup and the bread, and the juice
- I put on the sweater, a hat, and a scarf.
- Neither he nor his sister nor his mother nor his father was present in the house.
- Charles and Carol and their friends are of the same nature.
- She had completed her essay and story and poem and diary.
- She is wearing her weather and a hat and her muffler and her cap and her trench coat.
- There are plenty of snacks for you Sarah. You can have bread or cookies or pasta or pizza or muffins.I like Katy, but he likes
- Caren, but she likes Mark, but he likes Marie, but she likes Nick, but he likes me.
- We have the tent and the sleeping bags and the biscuits and the chocolate and the graham crackers.
- For Christmas, I will purchase a doll and a ball and a new pair of boots.
Polysyndeton Purpose
The literary device polysyndeton has several uses:
- Emphasize each element in a list
- Adds rhythm to what you write
- Induces a child-like tone to a text.
- Brings continuity to a sentence.
Polysyndeton Vs Asyndeton
Polysyndeton can be considered as the opposite of another stylistic device known as “asyndeton.” In asyndeton, the words in a list are not separated by conjunctions. On the other hand, commas are used to join the words in a list. It is the technique of handling the sentence which makes both these figures of speech different. Polysyndetons use conjunctions to indicate continuity while Asyndeton makes use of a comma for the same.
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Difference between Syndeton, Asyndeton, and Polysyndeton
Syndeton is a technique in which two or more phrases are joined together with coordinating conjunctions. However, in the case of polysyndeton, the phrases are joined by conjunctions, while in the case of asyndeton the conjunctions are not used.
Anaphora Vs Polysyndeton
Anaphora refers to the successive repetition of some words and phrases. A polysyndeton is the repetition of conjunctions in phrases or clauses. Both of these figures of speech can be employed in literature and speech. While anaphora is used in poems and ballads, polysyndeton is most often seen in prose writings.
FAQs on Polysyndeton
Polysyndeton is a figure of speech that makes repeated use of the same conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions like and, or, but, and nor are used in polysyndeton. The most used conjunction is and.
2. Give examples of polysyndeton?
Examples of polysyndeton include:
- I had the chicken, and the turkey, and the rive soup and the bread, and the juice
- I put on the sweater, a hat, and a scarf.
- Neither he nor his sister nor his mother nor his father was present in the house.
3. Distinguish between Polysyndeton and Asyndeton?
In asyndeton, the words in a list are not separated by conjunctions. On the other hand, commas are used to join the words in a list.
Conclusion
Polysyndeton is a figure of speech that is commonly used in poems, prose as well as everyday interactions. Polysyndeton can be employed to emphasize an idea or concept. The use of this figure of speech compels the reader to pause and reflect. On the whole, this figure of speech portrays the power of the words. Polysyndetons can be used in writing to give the items equal rhythm, and enthusiasm.