- characteristics
- - Origin
- - Qualifier
- Example
- - Does not alter
- Example
- - It is not limiting
- Example
- Epithet functions
- Types
- Typifying epithets
- Metaphorical epithets
- Pejorative epithets
- Appreciative epithets
- Emphatic epithets
- Appositive epithets
- Epic epithets
- Homeric epithets
- Surreal epithets
- Examples of epithets
- References
An epithet is a rhetorical device that consists of an adjective that qualifies the noun, but that is not alien to its characteristics and qualities. Examples of epithets are "the green grass", "the fresh wind" or "the cold snow".
As can be seen, the nouns (grass, wind and snow) are qualified with an adjective that is responsible for enhancing their own quality to embellish or emphasize the content of the statement.
An epithet is a rhetorical device that consists of an adjective that qualifies the noun, but that is not alien to its characteristics and qualities. Source: lifeder.com.
The epithet is a permanent word or term whose function is to qualify and enhance the characteristics that describe a person or thing. For example: Simón Bolívar “El Libertador” or Alejandro “Magno”. Now, epithets are commonly used in poems to maximize their expressive character.
characteristics
The epithet is characterized by the following aspects:
- Origin
When talking about epithet it is necessary to know its etymological origin. In this sense, the term comes from the Greek word epitheton, which translates as "more" or "added." Hence, this literary figure is added to a noun only to emphasize a quality that belongs to it.
- Qualifier
The most significant feature of the epithet is to express in a qualifying way a quality that a noun has. In general, the trait that is manifested is recognized by most because it is part of the essence or nature of the person, animal or object of which it is spoken.
Example
The fiery sun.
The soft honey.
- Does not alter
The epithet or qualifying adjective does not alter or modify the meaning of the sentence if it is deleted or not mentioned. This is because it enhances a characteristic that belongs to the noun to which it is attached.
Example
Manuel walked on the white snow for a long time.
Manuel walked on the snow for a long time.
- It is not limiting
The feature of the epithet of not being limiting refers to the fact that it does not restrict or shorten the function of the noun. This occurs because this literary resource is responsible for highlighting a trait that is understood to have the person, object or animal of which it is spoken.
Generally, the epithet is placed before the noun within the Spanish language and it is understood that it is done so that the sentence or phrase is freer and not limited.
Example
The studious pupils go to school.
Students students go to school.
In the second sentence, the adjective "studious" limits or shortens the type of students who attend school. Not only do scholars go, there are also those who are not applied or those who do not have good behavior, for example.
Epithet functions
The functions of the epithet are associated with its own concept. In this way, this literary element fulfills the objective of qualifying the noun to which it is linked or accompanied.
In this sense, it is not necessary for the meaning or meaning of the sentence or phrase, since it only reveals a feature that belongs to said noun.
According to the above, the functions of the epithet are to embellish the text and at the same time emphasize an innate or natural quality of the noun. Therefore, this element of rhetoric is about expressiveness and styling to capture the attention of the recipients.
Types
There are a variety of epithets that are classified according to their subjective or objective character:
Typifying epithets
This type of epithet refers to the enhancement of a quality or trait that is typical of the noun, that is, that by nature is part of it. Example: The dry fields of the Middle East.
Metaphorical epithets
This variety of epithet is made up of metaphors, whose quality is attributed or added to the noun of the metaphor itself. Example: the classic "crystalline brake" by the Spanish poet Luis de Góngora to refer to the slow flow of the waters.
Pejorative epithets
Pejorative epithets are those that manifest and highlight negative features of the accompanying noun. They generally have subjective value. Example: I don't feel like going to boring math class.
Appreciative epithets
This type of epithet focuses on subjectively highlighting the positive qualities and characteristics of the noun. Example: How delicious was the salad I ate yesterday!
Emphatic epithets
They are those epithets that are specifically responsible for enhancing a certain characteristic of the noun to which they are added. Example: The country has become a decadent circus run by a clown.
Appositive epithets
These epithets are those that are separated by commas in order to keep the receiver attentive and interested. Example: His sad, gloomy, desolate soul.
Epic epithets
Epic epithets are those that accompany the name of a character within novels, especially epics. Example: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, the Cid Campeador.
Homeric epithets
The Homeric epithets are typical of the epics and have their origin in Ancient Greece. Example: Athena, the one with the bright eyes.
Surreal epithets
These types of epithets bring imaginary and unreal qualities to the noun. Example: Incandescent tears.
Examples of epithets
- He approached with his gentle gaze.
- He looked at me with his blue eyes.
- I stared at the silent sea.
- I couldn't stand the cold wind.
- I got dehydrated from the unmerciful heat.
- I could appreciate the bright morning.
- He marked me with his cruel forgetfulness.
- And I walked into the dark night.
- And she left in the quiet afternoon.
- I was deafened by the shrill thunder.
- I felt small before the imposing pyramids.
- And there was the colossus Zeus on Olympus.
- I had a long way to go to navigate the long road.
- The long-lived Japanese still amaze me.
- I can't stop listening to the old radio.
- The dog sat in front of the quiet pond.
- The inclement winter is coming.
- I never liked your lousy service.
References
- Maza, M. (2017). Epithet: meaning and examples. (N / A): A teacher. Recovered from: unprofesor.com.
- Epithet. (2020). Spain: Wikipedia. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.
- Meaning of epithet. (2014). (N / A): Rhetoric. Recovered from: rhetoricas.com.
- Gomez- Martinez. (S. f.). Epithet. (N / A): Glossary. Introduction to Literature. Recovered from: essayists.org.
- Epithet. (2020). Spain: Dictionary of the Spanish Language. Recovered from: dle.rae.es.