Table of Contents
Introduction
Metalepsis is a figure of speech that involves the use of a word or phrase in a new context, often substituting one figurative sense for another.
In this article, we will define this slippery concept and illustrate it with examples.
Let’s start with understanding what metalepsis means!
What is Metalepsis?
Metalepsis, deriving from the Greek words “meta- + lambanein,” meaning “participation”, “alteration,” “exchanging” or “taking part,” is a figure of speech in which reference is made to something by means of another thing that is remotely related to it, either through a causal relationship or another figure of speech.
This figure of speech is also known as transumption. It involves the paradoxical transgression of ontological levels of representation. It is like a creative rule-breaker in storytelling, going beyond the usual plot to mess with how things exist in the story, making it more interesting and thought-provoking.
Let’s consider some examples to illustrate the concept:
- I’ve got to catch the worm tomorrow.
- The speaker uses metalepsis by substituting the original words of the metaphor “early bird” with the pronoun “I.” In alignment with the proverb’s message of securing success by starting the day early, the subject likens themselves to the bird, indicating that they will rise early tomorrow to pursue success.
- A lead foot is driving behind me.
- This expression describes an individual with a propensity for fast driving. The phrase uses metalepsis to depict this characteristic through a cause-and-effect connection. The association lies in the weightiness of lead, symbolizing a heavy foot pressing the accelerator, consequently resulting in the acceleration of the car.
- He experienced a pallid death.
- The use of the adjective “pallid” directly to describe death constitutes a metaleptic expression, as it applies a quality typically associated with the effect of death (making the body look pale) to the concept of death itself.
Why Do Writers Use Metalepsis?
Metalepsis finds its place in literature for several strategic reasons. Writers use this device to achieve specific effects that enhance their narrative and engage readers.
- Layered Meaning and Nuance: Metalepsis allows writers to introduce layers of meaning and nuance by substituting one element with another, creating a more complex and thought-provoking narrative.
- Creative Expression and Innovation: Writers use metalepsis to break conventional linguistic and narrative boundaries, fostering creativity and innovation in storytelling. This figure of speech enables them to play with language and challenge traditional structures.
- Enhanced Rhetorical Impact: Metalepsis can contribute to the rhetorical impact of a text, making it more memorable and persuasive. By skillfully blending and intertwining concepts, writers can evoke emotions, emphasize themes, and prompt readers to ponder deeper meanings within the narrative.
Examples of Metalepsis
Example 1:
Was this the face that launched a thousand ships
and burnt the topless towers of Ilium?
– Chistopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus
The above lines from Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” are an example of metalepsis. In this particular soliloquy, Faustus is reflecting upon the transient nature of human beauty and the consequences of making deals with the devil. The reference to the face that launched a thousand ships is an allusion to Helen of Troy, a figure renowned for her beauty, whose abduction was a catalyst for the Trojan War.
In the subsequent line, “burnt the topless towers of Ilium,” Faustus is rhetorically questioning whether Helen’s beauty was worth the destruction of Troy. The phrase emphasizes the tragic consequences of Faustus’s own choices and serves as a contemplative moment in the play, where Faustus reflects on the broader implications of his pursuit of power and knowledge.
Example 2:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
From “Macbeth” by Shakepeare
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. . . .
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player….
In the above passage from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” metalepsis is employed when life is described as a “walking shadow.” This figure of speech involves substituting a part (the shadow) to represent the entirety of life, conveying a profound message about life’s transient and insubstantial nature.
Conclusion
In summary, metalepsis is a rhetorical device that involves the substitution or transgression of ontological levels within language, creating nuanced and layered meanings. It is used to convey complex ideas by replacing one element with another remotely related element, often resulting in a cascade of substitutions.
If integrated into your writing, metalepsis can add depth, creativity, and rhetorical impact. It allows for a more intricate exploration of themes and concepts. Its strategic use can engage readers, emphasize specific qualities, and contribute to the overall artistry and expressiveness of the written expression.
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