Definition of Inversion
Inversion refers to the reversal of conventional word order in a sentence, phrase or clause. In this technique of writing, the verb is placed before the subject or inverts the typical order of words for rhetorical purposes. Inversion draws attention to certain elements in a sentence, such as, creating sense of urgency and emphasizing the impact of certain words.
In literature, inversion is used as a stylistic technique to create emphasis, rhythm, and variety in sentence structures. It is also used to add variety and depth to the language and to emphasize key ideas or emotions.
common examples of inversion
In standard English sentences, the subject comes before the verb and the object follows the verb (e.g. She loves coffee). In inversion, this typical word order is flipped.
Some common types of inversion are:
- Verb before subject – Walks the dog down the street.
- Adverb at the start – Slowly the snail crawled across the leaf.
- Negative words at the start – Never have I seen such a sight.
- Prepositional phrase at the start – In the woods lived a fox.
- Dependent clause before independent clause – Should you need any help, please call me.
- Questions beginning with auxiliary verbs – Have you been to Paris?
Importance of Inversion
Inversion serves several important purposes in literature:
- It creates emphasis and importance on words or ideas by placing them at the start of the sentence.
- It adds variety and rhythmic flow to sentence patterns which engage the reader.
- It makes expressions more dramatic or poetic by departing from conventional structures.
- It highlights contrasts between clauses or concepts by juxtaposing them.
- It crafts elegant, periodic sentences that build tension before revealing key information.
- It forms grammatically correct questions by reversing the subject-verb order.
Examples of Inversion in Literature
1- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“Arrived we were in the latter part of January: the weather was uncommonly mild, and we were without boots and gloves.”
The author uses inversion of the typical word order in a sentence to emphasize the timing and unusual nature of the arrival. The phrase “Arrived we were in the latter part of January” is structured differently than a typical sentence. It places the action of arrival at the beginning for greater emphasis. This change in word order draws attention to the significance of the arrival happening in the month of January, a time typically associated with cold weather and the need for boots and gloves.
Additionally, the inversion, “the whether was uncommonly mild, and we were without boots and gloves” highlights the unseasonably warm weather. It further emphasizes the contrast between the expected cold weather and the actual mild conditions experienced upon arrival. This inversion helps to create a sense of surprise and emphasis on the unusual timing and weather conditions surrounding the arrival.
2- “1984” by George Orwell
“Never, for any reason on earth, could you wish for an increase in pain.”
The phrase “Never, for any reason on earth, could you wish for an increase in pain” employs inversion to emphasize the intensity of the statement. In this case, the use of inversion places the phrase “could you wish for an increase in pain” at the end of the sentence. It makes it stand out and creates a strong impact. The writer places the key idea at the end to highlight the extreme and emphatic nature of the sentiment being expressed.
3- “Night” by Elie Wiesel
“Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed.”
Here, the writer employs inversion to emphasize the lasting impact of the night. In this instance, the use of inversion places the phrase “Never shall I forget that night” at the beginning of the sentence. It draws immediate attention to the significance of that specific night. This technique emphasizes the profound and enduring impact of the experience. It conveys the depth of the narrator’s emotional and psychological trauma.
4- “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are”
The excerpt uses inversion to create emphasis. In this case, the phrase “Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are” places the most important idea at the end, which makes a strong impact. This technique emphasizes the contrast between past strength and present reality. It draws attention to the speaker’s reflection on their changed capabilities.
5- “The Song of the Shirt” Thomas Hood
“With fingers weary and worn, With eyelids heavy and red, A woman sat, in unwomanly rags, Plying her needle and thread.”
The inversion is used to emphasize the laborious and wearisome state of the woman described. The phrase “With fingers weary and worn, With eyelids heavy and red” places the description of physical exhaustion at the beginning of the sentence. This technique makes the reader pay attention to the tired condition of the and reflects the difficult circumstances in which she is working. It helps to convey the hardship and toil endured by the woman as she sews, which creates attention to her physical and emotional fatigue.
6- “The Odyssey” by Homer
“Came to the place of my dark ships. My people climbed on board swiftly and took their places, all in due order.”
Here, the inversion is used to emphasize the sense of urgency and organized action. In this excerpt, the phrase “Came to the place of my dark ships” starts with the action to put emphasis on the arrival at a specific location. Then, the statement “My people climbed on board swiftly and took their places, all in due order” highlights the systematic and efficient way in which the crew embarked the ships. This technique stresses the promptness and disciplined manner in which the characters carry out their actions.
Read also: Literary Devices That Start With ‘I’
Related Terms
1- Metaphor
Metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a comparison between two different things. It suggests that they are alike in some way. In the context of innuendo, metaphor is used to convey hidden meanings and insinuations through indirect comparisons.
2- Irony
Irony is a literary device used to convey a meaning that is often the opposite of the literal interpretation. When used in innuendo, irony adds depth to the message by subtly revealing and implying an alternative intention behind the words or actions.
