This paper aims at investigating the linguistic phenomenon of syllepsis, which is done at three stages. First, the linguistic mechanisms of ambiguity, on which syllepsis is based, are described and their communicative effect is hinted at. Further, zeugma is presented in short as an adjoining figure. Finally, syntactic and semantic varieties of syllepsis are approached with a closer look at the latter. Semantic syllepsis presents the core of this investigation and the word which governs the elliptic parallel construction is elaborated upon. Punning, as the communicative effect of syllepsis, is discussed in great detail. A broader definition of syllepsis following from this exposé is given at the end and is invigorated by a comparison to film montage.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Ambiguity
1.1. Linguistic ambiguity
1.2. Poetic ambiguity
2. Zeugma.
3. Syllepsis
3.1.Syntactic syllepsis
3.2. Semantic syllepsis
3.2.1. Ambiguous word as a bracket
3.2.2. Vague word as a bracket
4. Punning as the communicative effect of syllepsis
Which of ye will be mortal to redeem
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This work investigates the linguistic phenomenon of syllepsis, exploring its dual nature as a syntactically and semantically complicated form of zeugma. The study aims to analyze how this rhetorical device exploits lexical and grammatical ambiguity to create humorous or satirical effects, often functioning as a condensed form of punning.
- The linguistic foundations of ambiguity (grammatical vs. lexical).
- The distinction and structural relationship between zeugma and syllepsis.
- Syntactic syllepsis and its role in agreement violations.
- Semantic syllepsis and the use of "brackets" to join disparate meanings.
- The communicative effects of syllepsis and its connection to punning mechanisms.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. Semantic syllepsis
Upon close examination, the semantic subcategory of syllepsis presents an exciting linguistic phenomenon. Its specific syntactic structure as examined above makes it possible to juxtapose disparate lexical items in one sentence in such a way that the sudden effect of bewilderment at a new meaning arises. Semantic syllepsis displays the rich possibilities of the language and the adroitness of its users: the material is already present, nothing has to be invented, just a ‘sleight of hand’ is needed to create the phenomenon.
Structurally, this subcategory of syllepsis is identical with the semantically complicated zeugma and is a figure of speech in which a word is predominantly used as a predicate bracketing together two subjects or objects to which it applies in different senses (predominantly, literal and metaphorical). For example, in the sentence
Here thou, Anna! whom three realms obey,
Dost sometimes counsel take - and sometimes tea
(Pope Rape of the lock, Canto III.7-8)13
the syllepsis is based on the two idiomatic uses of ‘take’ which are distinct in meaning, one being abstract and the other concrete. In the traditional apostrophe to the ode Pope addresses Great Anna, the last Stuart on the British throne, delineating her state and private affairs and suggesting ironically that the two activities are comparable and equally important (cf. Leech 1969:211).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Defines the scope of the study, identifying syllepsis as a potent rhetorical instrument that uses ambiguity to create unexpected humorous effects.
1. Ambiguity: Provides a theoretical foundation for the study, distinguishing between linguistic and poetic ambiguity, and categorizing grammatical and lexical sources of ambiguous utterances.
2. Zeugma.: Explores the definition of zeugma as a subtype of ellipsis, distinguishing between complicated and uncomplicated forms and establishing it as the parent structure for syllepsis.
3. Syllepsis: Delves into the core of the investigation, categorizing syllepsis into syntactic and semantic variants and examining how they manipulate grammatical and lexical structures.
4. Punning as the communicative effect of syllepsis: Discusses how syllepsis functions as a vehicle for punning, applying Heller’s typology to classify different types of punning based on their structural characteristics.
Which of ye will be mortal to redeem: An analytical section showcasing specific examples of complex punning within literary contexts, specifically using Milton’s works to illustrate linguistic collision.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, framing syllepsis as an elegant, concise mechanism that, like cinematic montage, uses the collision of disparate meanings to create a higher, ironic synthesis.
Keywords
Syllepsis, Zeugma, Ambiguity, Punning, Semantics, Lexical ambiguity, Grammatical ambiguity, Rhetorical figure, Polysemy, Homonymy, Syntax, Literary style, Linguistic mechanism, Ellipsis, Foregrounding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the language phenomenon known as syllepsis, examining it as a rhetorical device that creates humor through the exploitation of ambiguity.
What are the central thematic areas?
The study centers on the intersection of semantics and syntax, the mechanics of zeugma, the classification of ambiguity, and the communicative strategies behind punning.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to provide a broader, systematic definition of syllepsis by analyzing its structural and functional properties within both literary and non-literary language.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author employs a structuralist and stylistic approach, utilizing linguistic theory, existing classifications of ambiguity, and typologies of punning to analyze diverse textual examples.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section investigates the distinction between syntactic and semantic syllepsis, the role of "brackets" in creating meaning, and the typology of puns as foregrounded lexical ambiguity.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include syllepsis, zeugma, lexical and grammatical ambiguity, polysemy, homonymy, punning mechanisms, and structural ellipsis.
How does the author relate syllepsis to cinematic techniques?
In the conclusion, the author compares the mechanism of syllepsis to Sergey Eisenstein’s theory of collision montage, where disparate elements are juxtaposed to induce a new, synthetic meaning.
What role do specific literary examples play in the argument?
Literary examples, such as those from Shakespeare, Pope, and Milton, serve as empirical evidence to demonstrate how linguistic incongruity is used intentionally for artistic, ironic, or satirical effects.
- Quote paper
- MA Irina Giertz (Author), 2003, Semantic Relations in the Phenomenon of Syllepsis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/27996
