Metonymy
By: Jace Blankenship
What is it?
A metonymy (/məˈtänəmē/) is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated with.
What are some examples?
- The pen is mightier than the sword. Pen is used to refer to writing or diplomacy, whereas, sword is used to refer to military force.
- Let me give you a hand. You're not really giving somebody a hand, rather you're referring to getting or giving help.
What effect does it have on the reader?
It provides the reader with symbols for specific items and plot points. By using this, the text itself dives deeper to find a new and hidden meaning to the point, for the reader.