hypallage
- noun
- /hɪˈpælədʒi/
- Literature
- The phrase 'restless night' is an example of hypallage, since it is the person, not the night, who is restless.
Examples
-
In her poem, she skillfully employed hypallage to describe a 'weary road' that reflected the tired traveler.
-
He pointed out the clever use of hypallage in the line 'the dancing leaves of autumn.'
-
Poets often use hypallage to create vivid and surprising imagery in their writing.
-
The poet used a striking hypallage to convey deep emotions.
-
What is a hypallage in literature?
-
The author demonstrated his mastery of hypallage with phrases that flipped expectations, such as 'the angry storm clouds'.
-
The phrase 'the swift-footed deer' exemplifies hypallage, as it attributes speed to the deer rather than its feet.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Hypallage comes from Greek parts hypo- ('under') and allassein ('change' or 'exchange'), so it literally means a kind of 'switch'. In writing, hypallage names that 'swap' where two words trade their normal roles, which creates a surprising or strong image.
