Pleonasm is an intriguing linguistic concept, that frequently contributes to enhance conversations, writing, and storytelling. To get rid of pleonasm may appear to be a trivial matter of redundancy, but it has its own consequences in language that helps to create stress, provide clarity and elegance in style. Understanding pleonasm, its forms, and how it is different from other related ideas, such as tautology and metonymy, can aid the writers and speakers in effectively using the language.
What is Pleonasm?
Pleonasm is the use of extra words that are unnecessary to convey a meaning. Such lexical redundancy is usually superfluous in the way of comprehension because the second word or phrase is nothing but a restatement of the implicit idea in the original expression. For example, an ATM machine is a phrase that includes redundant word, such as “machine” or words like “burning fire” which imply the word ‘fire’ in the latter.
Pleonasm seems like an inefficient way to say things, however it has many purposes in language. It can be used to create emphasis, clarify, or make more poetic or rhetorical effect. In literature, speeches and regular conversation, pleonasm is often used to emphasize key points or give the language a rhythm or a particular emotional quality.
Types of Pleonasm
There are different types of pleonasm depending on how and where to use them. They play different roles in language. Each type contributes to language in a specific way, from stylistic choices in literature to everyday expressions in order to make the things clearer or to put greater emphasis on the words.
1- Stylistic Pleonasm
Stylistic pleonasm is used intentionally to create emphasis, rhythm or a poetic effect. This type of writing or speaking is commonly used by the writers and speakers to grab the attention of an idea or to create a captivating phrase. The device of stylistic pleonasm is widespread in literature, where it enhances the expressive qualities of the language.
For Example: In “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, the line uttered by Marc Antony, “This was the most unkindest cut of all” is the example of pleonasm. Here, the phrase “most unkindest” is technically redundant, but it adds dramatic emphasis to the betrayal.
2- Logical Pleonasm
Logical pleonasm includes redundancy in order to provide clarity. In technical or legal writing, pleonasm is used to remove ambiguity and ensure that meaning of the statement is clear and unambiguous to all readers. Although this type of pleonasm may seem to be unnecessary, however it is often quite necessary in the act of precise communication.
For Example: In a legal phrase i.e. “null and void”, both the words “null” and “void” indicate invalidity, however the combination clarifies that the contract holds no legal effect whatsoever.
3- Unintentional Pleonasm
Pleonasm happens naturally in everyday conversation. The repetitive phrases are used by the speakers unconsciously, as several expressions have become standard in conversation. Usually these redundancies are harmless (and can even contribute to a conversational, or informal, tone).
For Example: The phrase “free gift” is an example of unintentional pleonasm. As the gifts are inherently free, the word “free” is redundant, yet it is a common phrase used to emphasize the lack of cost.
4- Rhetorical Pleonasm
In speeches and persuasive writing, the rhetorical pleonasm is used to emphasize a point or to give an argument more weight. Pleonasm in rhetoric can make ideas seem more persuasive and memorable. The orators often use it to make sure that the listeners remember those points.
For Example: The famous line of Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I have a dream” speech contains the phrase, “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low”. Here, the repetitive structure fortifies the power of his vision, which makes it both memorable and provocative.
Examples of Pleonasm in Literature
Example#1
“Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare
“This was the most unkindest cut of all.”
– Act 3, Scene 2
In the play, after assassination of Caesar, Marc Antony delivers an eloquent speech. In this case, the author employs pleonasm while combining the words “most” and “unkindest”. His words that Brutus “hath the most unkindest cut of all”.
The double superlative intensifies the emotional impact, which makes the depth of Brutus’ betrayal. Though “unkindest” would work, “most” is added for a dramatic effect, which emphasizes the extraordinary wickedness of this one betrayal among all the others Caesar endured.
Example#2
“Paradise Lost” by John Milton
“Behemoth biggest born of earth upheaved / His vastness.”
– Book VII
The author uses pleonasm in the description of Behemoth, a giant creature in Paradise Lost. The fact that Behemoth is the “biggest born of earth” suggests enormity, but Milton is not satisfied with that and adds “vastness” as well, to further reinforce upon the reader the magnitude and power of Behemoth.
The redundancy of the references to the creature’s size contribute to the epic aspect of the creature, as the references magnify the creature’s intimidating size and the awe it produces. The writer conveys a sense of overwhelming power for an epic poem by layering descriptions of its size.
Example#3
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
“I felt lonesome. I most wished I was dead.”
– Chapter 1
The author uses pleonasm in the novel to express Huck’s strong emotional state. The word “lonesome” suggests loneliness, but Huck emphasizes this by uttering he “most wished” he were dead.
This phrase may appear redundant, it adds to the sense of loneliness, depicting the strength of his isolation and despair. Here, Twain uses pleonasm in his choice of words to assist the readers in connecting emotionally with Huck the character and thus his sense of isolation feels more vivid and relatable.
Example#4
“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot
“I will show you fear in a handful of dust.”
– Section I: “The Burial of the Dead”
The author employs pleonasm in the phrase “a handful of dust”. Here, the word, “dust” by itself implies tiny particles, but the word “handful” directly follows it and brings an image of something small and fragile.
This redundancy is done intentionally and is intended to signify the insignificance of human existence and the temporary nature of life. The use of pleonasm increases solemnity of the poem, and add weight to the image by intensify its haunting and existential quality.
Example#5
“Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville
“A damp, drizzly November in my soul.”
– Chapter 1
Herman Melville uses pleonasm in the novel to create a sense of melancholy that is vivid. Both the words “damp” and “drizzly” implicit wetness, and combining them allows Ishmael to stress his pervasive bleakness.
The double description intensifies the mood of gloom, exaggerating it and making Ishmael’s emotional state feel even more heavy and oppressive. Here the pleonasm reinforces the imagery and helps the readers understand how deeply Ishmael is discontent.
Example#6
“Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens
“He took me by both hands and led me to the window, where he stood looking out, holding me as though I were a mere child.”
– Chapter 39
Dickens quotes the phrase “mere child” by stating that Pip feels small and vulnerable. Although “child” itself hints at youth, by adding “mere”, it emphasizes how minimal Pip is compared to Magwitch when Pip meets him.
This pleonasm accentuates the power relation between the characters, as it underlines the feeling of powerlessness and fear of Pip.
Example#7
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
“It was the deadest, coldest winter in Maycomb since 1885.”
– Chapter 8
In the novel, the author uses the phrase “deadest, coldest winter” because the winter season is so severe. Using “coldest” on its own would suffice, but “deadest” adds a description with a sense of lifelessness and dread.
This pleonasm thus reinforces the oppressive, bleak atmosphere found in Maycomb, as well as reflects the tension and darkness of the story’s themes. Lee uses descriptive words to layer atop each other, to add emotional weight to the setting, which draws the reader into the cold of the weather and the social climate as well.
See also: Examples of Poem in Literature
Pleonasm vs. Tautology vs. Metonymy
Pleonasm is frequently confused with other literary devices; the term is not synonymous with tautology or metonymy. By knowing these differences, it will help us understand how this makes each technique affect language differently.
Pleonasm vs. Tautology
Pleonasm and tautology refer to redundancy, but they are differ in application. Pleonasm means using unnecessary words for the purpose of emphasis or clarity and tautology is repeated idea through synonymous expressions. Tautology repeats a concept often without contributing additional meaning, and can sometimes be considered too redundant or verbose.
Example of Pleonasm: “True fact”. Here, “True” is unnecessary because facts are inherently true.
Example of Tautology: “They arrived at the very end”. Here, the words “Very end” are repetitive because “end” already implies finality.
Pleonasm vs. Metonymy
A literary device in which a word or phrase is substituted with another word or phrase closely related and often used to produce a more vivid or culturally resonant image. While pleonasm repeats words to emphasize the point, metonymy replaces a word to add meaning by association.
Example of Metonymy: It refers to business executives as “suits”. Here, “suits” stands in for executives by association with their attire.
See also: Examples of Platitude in Literature
