Why writers use synecdoche

Both synecdoche and metonymy emphasize relationships between words and ideas. They serve to establish connections for readers as a means of developing greater understanding of concepts and expression through language. This is effective for readers in that synecdoche allows them to think of an object or idea in a different way, in terms of the representation of its parts.

Therefore, this can enhance the meaning and understanding of an entity for the reader when synecdoche is properly used. When writers incorporate synecdoche into their work, it is a useful literary device for creating connections for the reader.

For synecdoche to be effective, both as microcosm and macrocosm, the reader must be able to connect the significance of the smaller part to the larger whole. In other words, a writer cannot just choose any part of something and create synecdoche. There must be meaning to the part as it relates to the whole in order for the reader to understand. Synecdoche allows writers to vary and enhance their expression. Such figures of speech can emphasize the way that a part of something represents the whole.

Writers can also utilize synecdoche to enhance description and create imagery for the reader. The alumni visited campus last week. Using Specific Class to Represent a Whole A synecdoche may also use a word or phrase as a class to express more or less than the word or phrase actually means. Some people refer to all varieties of carbonated beverages as "Coke," even though it's a specific brand name and flavor. I'm thirsty; I sure need a Coke.

I live in America. Many people refer to all facial tissues by the brand name "Kleenex," even though there are many other brands. Does anyone have a Kleenex? What is this on my cereal? I asked for milk! Many people use the brand name "Band-Aid" to refer to any type of adhesive bandages. I need a Band-Aid for this cut on my finger. The word "Styrofoam" is generally used to refer to any bit of polystyrene, but it is a brand name. Why is there so much Styrofoam in this shipping package?

Referencing a Material to Name an Object An interesting form of synecdoche involves using the name of a material commonly or formerly used to make something to describe the object.

All cutlery is commonly referred to as "silverware," though most of it does not contain silver. Will you bring some plastic silverware to the picnic? People often refer to credit cards and debit cards as "plastic," which is a component used to make them. Do you have any cash? No, but I have plastic.

The word "ivories" is often used to denote piano keys, which is a component that used to be commonly used to make them. I love to tickle the ivories. When a golfer plays with their "woods" they are referring to their longest golf clubs, which used to be crafted from actual wood. I'm looking forward to trying out my new woods on the links.

Bullets are sometimes referred to as "lead," which is an ingredient still commonly used in making bullets. The target has been peppered with lead. Good ol' fashioned newspapers are referred to as "papers," which is what they are printed on. I can't wait to read the funny papers. Synecdoche vs. Identifying Synecdoche vs. Metonymy Let's consider the earlier example relating to the car.

A synecdoche takes an element of a word or phrase and uses it to refer to the whole or vice versa. A metonymy replaces the word or phrase entirely with a related term that is not literally a part of it.

Metonymy: The Whole Truth In truth, synecdoche and metonymy have a lot in common. The word sword is used to represent fighting, so it is clearly an example of metonymy. The word pen is used to represent writing.

Synecdoche is used to sound more colloquial and to mirror everyday language. This helps a speaker connect with his audience to achieve his purpose. Synecdoche is used throughout all literature. Because it is a type of figurative language symbolism , more specifically , writers use it in poetry, prose, drama, and non-fiction. The underlined portion of the text is the example of synecdoche.

Marc Antony does not literally want the ears of the people.