Lecture 4 Stylistic Devices of Semasiology Phonetic Means of Stylistics
Figures of combination are stylistic devices based on combining in syntagmatic sequence meanings of the language units of one level within the limits of the unit of another, higher level. So, the realization of figures of combination is possible only in a certain context.
There are three types of relations of the meanings of lexical units:
Relations of similar meanings of lexical units. In this case the speaker combines in the utterance or text some units which he considers equal, so figures of identity are formed.
Relations of opposite meanings of lexical units. In this case the speaker combines in the utterance or text two semantically contrasting units, and as a result figures of opposition are formed.
Relations of different meanings of lexical units. The speaker combines in the utterance or text lexical units denoting different, not identical notions, and as a result figures of inequality are formed.
F
igures
of Combination
Figures of Identity Figures of Opposition Figures of Inequality
Simile Antithesis Climax
Synonyms-substitutes Oxymoron Anticlimax
Synonyms-specifiers Paradox Pun
Zeugma
Figures of Identity
Relations of identity are realized in the context on the basis of similar, or synonymous units referring to the same object, phenomenon or action. So semantically equal units are used to denote the same referent in the given context. Here we refer simile, substituting and specifying synonyms.
Simile (Lat. similis – similar) – is partial identification of two objects belonging to different spheres. The compared objects are not identical, they only have some resemblance, some common features. The emphasizing of their partial identity gives new characteristics to the object.
More examples: The sand on the seaside of the dunes glittered like fine white sugar in
the sun. (Bates H.)
Simile is a structure consisting of two components: the subject and the object of comparison; and they may be united by formal elements of comparison, such as: like, as though, as if, such as, as…as, and others.
If the formal element of comparison is absent but the relations between the two objects are those of similarity and identity, we have implied simile. In such similies notional words (verbs, nouns, etc.) express semantic relations between the elements of the utterance: to resemble, to remind, to seem, resemblance, etc. E.g. He reminded Julia of an old dog lying in the sun and gently beating his tail. (S. Maugham. Theatre).
We should distinguish simile (which is the subject of stylistics) and logical comparison. The latter deals with the notions belonging to the same sphere stating the degree of their similarity and difference. In case of comparison all qualities of the two objects are taken into consideration, but only one is compared. E.g. He was a big man, as big as Simon, with sandy hair and blue eyes. (D. Garnett. Letting Down the Side).
Simile usually excludes all other qualities of the two objects but one which is common for both of them. E.g. I could see the roof as pink as a slice of salt ham. (V. Pritchett. The Sailor).
Many similies became set-phrases or even proverbs: E.g. drunk as a lord, fit as a fiddle, as old as hills, as cool as a cucumber, etc.
Many are found in proverbs: as like as two peas, as old as the hills.
The structure of simile diverse. Image-bearing similies are created by the authors who quite unexpectedly bring into contact entirely different objects. E.g. A big wardrobe stood open and the two white suits hung there like the last teeth in an old mouth. (G. Greene. The Quiet American).
Simile may be based on metaphors and metonymy which in their turn imply comparison. E.g. I cried in the voice of a lion (Durrell)
Both metaphor and simile are based on comparison. Metaphor is often called a compressed simile which differs from simile structurally. However the difference between the two is not only structural but semantic as well. Simile and metaphor are different in their linguistic nature:
1. Metaphor aims at identifying the objects (She is a flower). Simile aims at finding some point of resemblance by keeping the objects apart (She is as innocent as a flower).
2. Metaphor only implies the feature which serves the basis for comparison; simile indicates this feature, so it is semantically more definite.
More examples: The thought of her was like champagne itself.
His letter came like a thunderbolt.
He was as vain as a peacock.
He was looking like a million dollars.
Synonyms-substitutes – are words used to denote the mentioned object, phenomenon or action and supplementing the given object in some new aspect. Besides lexical synonyms, pronouns and periphrases are widely used to avoid monotonous repetitions. E.g. There on the table lay a number of parcels. They were presents from his patients. Some of the gifts were not wrapped at all. (A. Cronin. The Citadel).
Substituting synonyms are characterized by contextual similarity. This is why some synonyms can be treated as such only in the given context, in the given situation.
Synonyms-specifiers. This stylistic device consists in using two or more synonyms usually following one another to express one and the same or similar meaning. The synonyms are used together for a better and more detailed description of a thing or a object, the second synonym adds some new information to the first.
There are two ways of using specifying synonyms: 1) paired synonyms and 2) synonymic variations. In the second case synonyms are used in succession. The speaker chooses such linguistic means which seem to him more expressive for achieving a certain pragmatic effect. E.g. It was Bart’s love and affection that compensated for everything else. (D. Cusack. Say No to Death).
The synonyms specify the utterance, adding some more information. Though the given synonyms are very close in their meaning still they are different in stylistic colouring. Synonymic variation specifies the utterance intensifying the emotional value. Synonyms are widely used in fiction and publicistic style. In scientific-prose style and official style their usage is limited.