Zeugma: How One Word Can Create Connections Between Multiple Ideas

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Zeugma is a literary device where a word modifies two or more words in a sentence or phrase. This is done to link two grammatically and logically separate parts, adding an additional layer of meaning through their connection.

Look at the following sentence: “She finally had the courage to take her house and life from him.” Take is only used once but governs two different nouns, creating two distinct meanings.

Zeugma comes from the Greek zeûgma, meaning a “yoking” or “bond.” Its adjective form is zeugmatic.

Zeugma and Syllepsis

There’s an ongoing debate as to whether another figure of speech, called syllepsis, is the same as or different from zeugma.

Those who consider the two separate argue that it’s a matter of semantics and grammar. Zeugma and syllepsis do use one word to modify two or more parts but in different ways.

In zeugma, the relationship between the modifier and the words it governs is semantically different: “He carries the bat and his father’s dreams on his shoulders.” The meaning of the word “carries” changes when it relates to a bat and a father’s dreams.

In syllepsis, the relationship between the modifier and its words is grammatically or logically different: “She swims to keep healthy and I to enjoy it.” In this context, “swims” only agrees with one subject (she) and not the other (I) but the sentence still makes sense.

Another example of syllepsis is, “They saw the collapse of the building and the howl of tortured metal.” Logic dictates that you can see something collapse, but a howl is heard rather than seen.

The difference may seem nitpicky to some. In truth, not even grammar experts agree on what zeugma and syllepsis are, much less their difference. In contemporary language, both are used interchangeably for the same thing.

Bryan A. Garner, an expert in English usage and style, agrees as much in his book, The Oxford Dictionary of American Usage and Style:

“Although commentators have historically tried to distinguish between zeugma and syllepsis, the distinctions have been confusing and contradictory. We’re better off using zeugma in its broadest sense and not confusing matters by introducing syllepsis, a little-known term the meaning of which even the experts can’t agree on.”

Types of Zeugma

As stated above, you can consider zeugma to be divided into to main types: semantically driven and grammatically driven. However, zeugma can also be classified by way of where the modifier is placed.

  • Prozeugma: A zeugma whose governing word is placed at the beginning of the sentence, before the governed parts. “The man lost his pants and dignity.”
  • Mesozeugma: A zeugma whose governing word can be found in the middle of the sentence, between the governed parts. “She found peace and I, happiness.”
  • Hypozeugma: A zeugma whose modifier is at the end of the sentence, after the governed parts. “Debt and misery were all he left her.”

Another special type of zeugma is the diazeugma, where a single subject governs multiple verbs such as in this sentence: “His beliefs endangered his family, left him in debt, made him a pariah, and killed him at last.”

Examples of Zeugma in Literature

Here are a few examples of zeugma taken from literature ranging from classical to more modern works.

  1. When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. (The Bible, Exodus 20:18)
  2. Here Thou, great Anna! whom three Realms obey,
    Dost sometimes Counsel take – and sometimes Tea.     (The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope)
  3. They covered themselves with dust and glory. (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain)
  4. Miss Bolo rose from the table considerably agitated, and went straight home in a flood of tears, and a sedan-chair. (The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens)
  5. Then she brought the cup to each of the Company, and bade them drink and farewell, (The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien)
  6. “He carried a strobe light and the responsibility for the lives of his men.” (The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien)
  7. We were partners, not soul mates, two separate people who happened to be sharing a menu and a life. (The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan)

Examples of Zeugma in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of zeugma taken from music, movies, tv series, and more:

  1. “You held your breath and the door for me.” (Head over Feet by Alanis Morissette)
  2. “She lowered her standards by raising her glass,Her courage, her eyes and his hopes.” (Have Some Madeira, M’Dear by Flanders and Swann)
  3. You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit. (Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation)
  4. “Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared.” (Scar from The Lion King)
  5. “The theme of the Egg Hunt is ‘learning is delightful and delicious’—as, by the way, am I.“ (C.J. from The West Wing)
  6. “A house they call the rising sun, where love and money are made.” (The House of the Rising Sun by Dolly Parton)
  7. Now, when all the clowns that you have commissioned,
    Have died in battle or in vain     (Queen Jane Approximately by Bob Dylan)

Usage of Zeugma

Zeugma is a technique to create a connection between two or more words, phrases, or concepts—which may, or may not be dissimilar to one another. It is also used to set the tone, add emphasis, and create complexity to a work.

Consider the sentence, “She finally left the city and her past behind.” The physical act of leaving a place is connected to the emotional act of leaving something behind. This creates a sense of freedom, along with the uncertainty of a new beginning.

Apart from layered meanings, zeugma can also be used to exhibit irony or comedy. “Mother feeds me love, happiness, and many chocolate chip cookies.” In the sentence, the sudden shift at the latter end of the sentence operates much like a paraprosdokian, surprising the reader with unexpected humor.

Conclusion

Zeugma can be fun, witty, and dramatic but is only effective if you use it well. A poorly made one is more likely to confuse the reader than awe them.

However, if you do it right, you’ll have a line that will make your readers do a double-take. They’ll want to keep rereading that part just to make sure they understood it completely or are simply admiring a well-written sentence.

What’s your favorite example of zeugma? Share it in the comments below!

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