Synesthesia
Synesthesia or synaesthesia originates from the Greek language. The root words are, syn, meaning union, and aesthesis, meaning sensation: a union of the senses.[1] Synesthesia is usually used in poetry. It means "the concurrent response of two or more of the senses to the stimulation of one."[2] In simple terms synesthesia means the mixing of two or more senses at one time. Several authors use synethesia; such as Robert Frost, Dante Alighieri, George Meredith.
Functions of Synesthesia
Synesthesia is used to give writing more meaning. It allows writing to provide more feelings.[3] The term provides description and an extra boost of creativity. Synesthesia makes writing more interesting and appealing to an audience.[4] This literary device can also be used to add confusion and excitement to writing.[5]
Examples of Synesthesia
Literature
- Back to the region where the sun is silent. -'The Divine Comedy' by Dante Alighieri.[6]
- Drink the pale drug of silence - 'Modern Love: I' by George Meredith.[7]
- The butterfly and I had lit upon, Nevertheless, a message from the dawn, That made me hear the wakening birds around, And hear his long scythe whispering to the ground, 'The Tuft of Flowers' By Robert Frost.[8]
Everyday Life
- Loud Shirt
- Cool Sweater
- Frozen Silence
Notes
- ↑ Allen-Hermanson, Sean. Matey, Jennifer. Synesthesia
- ↑ Harmon, William. Holman, Hugh. “A Handbook to Literature." Ninth Edition. (2002). Prentice Hall.
- ↑ Bureman, Liz. Synesthesia In Literature: Definition and Examples Retrieved 9 April 2014 from The Write Practice
- ↑ Bavota, C. Synesthesia. Literary Devices
- ↑ Trent, Ann. What Is Synesthesia in Poetry? classroom.synonym
- ↑ Greggor, Chad. Examples of Synesthesia in Language and Literature. Retrieved 9 April 2014 from suite
- ↑ Meredith, George. "Modern Love: I". Poetry Foundation. Web. 9 April 2014.
- ↑ Frost, Robert. "The Tuft of Flowers" Poetry Foundation. Web. 9 April 2014.