Asyndeton, Polysyndeton
Nicole Messer
Asyndeton
Asyndeton is a writing style where conjunctions are omitted in a series of words. phrases or clauses. It is used to shorten a sentence and focus on its meaning. Take for example the title - instead of adding "and", I simply inserted a comma.
Type 1
One type of asyndeton is used between words, phrases and a sentence.
Type 2
The second type is used between sentences or clauses.
Examples
- He received applause, prizes, money, fame.
- He provided her education, allowance, dignity.
- I could have gone to war, I didn't.
- He tried to betray you, to cheat you, to deceive you.
- Smile, talk, bye-bye.
- We met, we got engaged, we married.
- She is addicted to chocolates, cakes, cookies.
Polysyndeton
Polysyndeton is a stylistic device in which several coordinating conjunctions are used in succession in order to achieve an artistic effect.
Example
Valarie - Amy Winehouse
Well, sometimes I go out by myself
And I look across the water
And I think of all the things, what you're doing
And in my head I paint a picture
'Cause since I've come on home
Well, my body's been a mess
And I've missed your ginger hair
And the way you like to dress
Your turn!
Find examples
Tables 1-3, look up examples of asyndeton in songs. Tables 4-6, look up examples of polysyndeton in famous speeches.
Citations
- Mrs. Thib's resources
- "Polysyndeton." 10intensive -. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
- "Asyndeton Examples." YourDictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.