Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Wonderful site! So glad that I found it.

In Rochefort's "Les Petits enfants du siecle," the narrator visits a new housing project (Sarcelles) under construction and says "houses, houses, houses, houses, houses."
The repetition of the word is meant to parallel the multitude of identical houses being built. Is this "palilogia"? There are many figures of repetition but I'm looking for the one whose intent is to emphasize the great number of things.

In the same book, there's a long long long passage (see what I mean?) where some guys argue about the merits and disadvantages of various automobiles. It's a real sort of pissing contest, each participant keen to show he knows more than the others. Not so different from a conversation you might hear about an NFL team today. Anyway, for normal readers, this passage is long and tedious. I think that the narrator wants readers to feel the same boredom that she felt hearing it. There must be a name for this strategy, no? (Imagine how ineffective "Waiting for Godot" would be if it were a 10-minute sketch.)

DEAR FIGARO,

While it is predictable that Palin would dish away - the book is a memoir, after all - she tells Barbara Walters:

"I was wearing my annoyance on my sleeve and I shouldn't have done that . . . My fault, my bad that I answered the way that I did"

- a quote that simply does not sound like she "blames everyone but herself for the disastrous Katie Couric interview."

In fact, it sounds like the antithesis. (I looked it up in your Glossary.) If I'm wrong, I'm sure those Greeks have some figure to put me in my place.

Meanwhile, thanks so much for the book. For the past two years it has been my favorite gift-giving surprise. But - a question - is it available as a download to my Ipod Touch?
Peter

DEAR PETER,

You're right. Figaro, being a member of the Media, couldn't help but be unfair to an American like ex-Gov. Palin. It's downright Pavlovian. He'll try to fight that reflex next time; or, better yet, avoid writing about her until she runs for President. Then all bets are off, of course.

Thanks for the kind words on the book. I used all the tricks in my book to persuade the publisher to do an Audible version, but failed. Kindle, yes. IPod, no.

Fig.

DEAR FIGARO,

Thank you for your book, which has given me new insight into how to apply rhetoric. I teach a composition class, and find it very odd that the majority of readers do not deal with rhetoric, as this ancient art comprises the nuts and bolts of communication. (Plus, those readers are so boring, and given their lack of depth, cannot fully teach writers the full range of freedom involved in communication.) So, I am making an effort to learn the techniques in your book.

I was recently directed to a billboard-type comment given publicity on HuffPo: "Areyou good without God? Millions are." (at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/21/non-believers-take-fight_n_328445.html).
Is this an example of an implied dilemma?
While I understand that implied dilemmas are not fallacies, the manipulation of the asking is definitely trite. Is the best answer to such a question another question? (Of the kind cited on your site, such as the rhetorical question example: Everyone is always right: isn't that always the way in America?) Or would there be a better response?
Thank you for your time and attention.
Katherine

DEAR KATHERINE,

It would be difficult to dismiss the God/good question as an implied (or false) dilemma, since it attempts to answer a dilemma presented by the faithful: believe, or live in sin.

As a lifelong sinner, Figaro prefers to spend his theological time thinking about arguing WITH God. His favorite book in the Bible is Job--until the end, when God answers Job's (pretty darn airtight) case with an argumentum ad fortiori.

Did that sufficiently duck your question? Mea maxima culpa.

Fig.

MR. HEINRICHS,

I just finished your book and wanted to take a moment to commend you on it. You are a very talented author and I hope to read more from you. I have already tagged your site and will visit often.

A short story if you are interested, After I finished your book I found myself looking for opportunities to use what I had learned. My employer uses "code words" such as "hustle," "system," and "rascal". (I didn't use that last one on him.) He also uses annoying phrases, "Put your shoulder to the plow! Keep your gloves up!" He preaches self sacrifice to the team and practicing on your own time. (We do construction. When do I get to "practice on my own time?")

After reading your book, I went into work and "hustled." When he came to the job and commended me just like every other day I said, "Well sir, last night I was sitting at home and I started to think of ways to better my system so the team could get more done. Then I got in here today, put my shoulder to the plow and tried to put more weight on my shoulders." (All this while wearing khakis and a button up shirt, just like him.)

I got my percentages raised to 40% and $3 added to my hourly.

Karl J. Stalker III

DEAR MR. STALKER,

Although your last name would alarm the more timid author, your story illustrates the single more important thing about learning rhetoric, other than saving the country: it can instantly boost your income without any additional effort on your part. (Aristotle personally commends this sort of argument.)

Jay

DEAR FIGARO,

Why are you using a bold font to emphasize?

I find it really frustrating to avoid the bold emphasis. When you are using a serif typeface, you might actually be better off with an italicized font. This doesn't distract your reader and doesn't make the rest of the text disappear.
Ferrix

DEAR FERRIX,

Figaro's preference for boldface reflects the bold face he presents to the world. He'd rather not have people know that, deep inside, he's a quivering mess of italics.

Fig.

DEAR FIGARO,

What would you call these?

"That car is in mint condition." (the car was also painted mint green)

"Global warming legislation is really starting to heat up."

"The city bus system will soon begin ramping up service for the handicap."

Are these adianoeta? Or are they simply double entendre since the irony is not contradictory? I was incorrectly calling them puns for a while; I'd love to know if they have a rhetorical name or category! Also, is there a different name for these if they are intended versus unintended?
Lisa

DEAR LISA,

Although classical rhetoricians may not agree, Figaro puts puns in three categories: double entendres, near-puns, and puns with a restraining order. Near-puns have their very own Greek name, PARONOMASIA. Unintended humor--the kind that backfires--Figaro calls BOEHNERS, after the congressman who turned his own boners into a reverse eponymn.

Fig.

DEAR JAY,

I beg to disagree with a quote from you in the August '09 issue of Reader's Digest , namely "when a mechanic says your car needs more than a tune-up, you might get a second opinion, In fact, always get a second opinion, whether it's about your car, your health, or your teenager". I'll agree to your health or your teenager, but not about the car - 'always'.
If you have to question your mechanic 'every time' he advises you on car repairs Jay, trust me, you need to find another mechanic! In fact, what if the 2nd opinion is as wrong as the 1st opinion, or what if you get 2 different opinions? Who do you believe? Should you get a 3rd opinion? Where will this end?
Let me throw out a novel idea. An honest, reputable, professional shop that knows how to properly diagnose car troubles and treat clients with respect will provide sound advise and reap the rewards of a busy shop. Don't get me wrong, we don't live in a perfect world, and in the event that they misdiagnose a problem, the type of shop I am talking about will not charge for the incorrect repair, but will realize the goodwill created by such selfless dealings in more business. I speak from experience, because I own such a shop, and my customers will attest to that fact. Don't take my word for this; read the 45 plus comments on Good Day LA's HOT LIST 'myfoxla.com' where we were voted Inland Empire's favorite auto repair shop. I am not trying to beat you up here, but instead am trying to help the many people dazed and confused about automotive repair and the frustrations of the shady operators out there making the rest of us look bad.
If you ever need any advise on automotive repair, Jay, please feel free to contact me - Harvey Van Egmond, owner of Harvey's Autotech in Corona, CA - 951-737-9878. Thanks for listening to me argue, and please respond!
Harvey

DEAR HARVEY,

That's the kind of self-plug that warms Figaro's heart. I usually rent cars when I'm in CA, being as how I live in NH. But I'll take you up on that advice next time my 1990 Chevy truck needs repair. Which, I'm afraid, is frequently.
Jay

DEAR SIR,

I wondered if you might like a mutual link to my English word website or press release details of my ensuing book with Penguin Press on amusing and interesting English vocabulary? www.thewonderofwhiffling.com

with best wishes,
Adam Jacot de Boinod (author of The Meaning of Tingo)
adamjacot@fastmail.co.uk

DEAR ADAM,

Penguin published the UK edition of Thank You for Arguing, which makes us, um, publishing housemates. I'd love to learn more about whiffling and tingo.

JAY

DEAR FIGARO,

I am a music composition professor and have found that some of the Rhetorical figures work well with the musical themes my students write. I'm interested in finding the most commonly used Rhetorical tropes or figures in language today so that I can adapt them into composition exercises for my students. Any ideas about how I might find something like this?
Charles

DEAR CHARLES,

You stand on the shoulders of such giants as Johann Sebastian Bach, who consciously worked figures into his compositions. As for the more common figures (figures and tropes are not quite the same thing), click on the "10 Ways to Use Figures" link at the top of this page. There you'll find the more common figures organized around 10 uses--including sounds and rhythm.
Fig.

Thank you for the article on teaching children how to argue! I Stumbled, I read, I laughed and laughed! I could not agree more! I posted this link on Twitter. I thumbs up on Stumble. I'll post to FB next! I read incessantly, but very rarely post a comment or share on all my Social Media favorites!
As a parent of 2 daughters (ages 3 - 5) I have always encouraged them to discuss, negotiate and find a way to get the other person to agree with you. Until now, I have not used the 3 types of debate (but will starting today!) and they both know the rules of "calling foul" however we haven't called it that before today.
Here in the MidWest, I am often told that I am "wrong" by encouraging my munchkins to negotiate, as in they should "just do what they are told". yeah right! It doesn't work with adults, or in the work world, or in college - so why should I encourage it in my children.
There is a BIG difference between intelligent argument or debate and disrespect or "talking back". I never forget that I am raising my girls to be "released into the wild" and what better way then to prepare them to debate and negotiate!

Thank you for reinforcing what I KNEW to be right!! You Rock!!
Christina
GoogleJuice (on Twitter)

Dear Figaro,
Why do people no longer pronounce the word 'the' as 'thee' before vowels? It sounds so hick and ugly.
[Theh End]

Thank you for your book
i found my first copy in the back of my uncles car, i flipped to the section (How to Seduce a Cop)
i was then seduced into getting my own copy, having no ideal what kind of world, i was stepping into.
Your book has opened the doors of Rhetoric to me and i am amazed in all that there is. The power that lies in Rhetoric seems immense and incredible.
Thank you for opening this world to me

P.S. Do you have any advice on how a 16 year-old can learn and master Rhetoric?

Dear Figaro:

I teach AP English English Language and Composition, and this coming year (actually, for summer reading), we'll be delving into your book. It's required for my course. Now, I need help, ideas, game plans, etc. I've printed your discussion questions. Just wondering if you would take the book in the order you've written it (probably a d'uh there). I also teach (alongside the AP course) American Lit, and that last chapter is very appealing to start with. I teach American Lit in chronological order, so we'll be analyzing the Founding Fathers' speeches, etc. Anyway, I finished your book today and feel pretty rhetorical for promoting both your book and rhetoric in my classroom. I just want to do justice to your material!

Thanks, Jan

Hey, you encourage your kids to argue, http://www.figarospeech.com/teach-a-kid-to-argue/, but don't have on page comments? Seems contrary.

Anyhow, my eldest is nearly 4 - I tell him if he doesn't like what we ask he has to say, this I try and encourage argument. Unfortunately the school tell him he must do things "first time", oh well. Any suggestions for encouraging him to think about his objections more; what did you do with your kids (who it seems are much older) at this stage?

Is there a term for the figure of speech when the name of an individual or individuals may be used to represent a class of people?

For instance, "It is a widely held belief among the (insert person's name as a plural noun) of the world that gravy makes a wonderful adhesive."

Dear Figaro,

In a past English exam paper they gave us a cartoon, they then asked us to state which part of speech was used. The first character "I'm sorry. I forgot your party last night." and then the second character said "Oh, weren't tou there?" Can you please tell me which part of speech is being used.

Dear Figaro,
I am still Cubasia from Italy-
you are right. We speak very rhetorically.
Just a question:
I saw that your president and all your politicians use all the tactics you have so well explained in your book.

We italians have different values, so we cannot understand how American people don't understand they are just playing.
Everything seems studied including the moves of their hands.

From your experience, is it so easy to influence someone in USA just speaking retorically?!
And, on an other hands, what could be a good move to influence italian people that instead don't believe in nothing ?

Let me know when you pass from Italy...

CIao
C.

Hello. Let me first congratulate you for your book. I had a wonderful time reading it. Tell me. I am looking for ways to learn more about this art that is rhetorics & was curious to hear your suggestions. Are there any movies where one could easily analyse rhetorics in action?

Kathy,

Interesting that a State Representative is using a logical fallacy as a support for his argument.

Our state representatives in Utah keep insisting that civil unions are a "slippery slope" towards same-sex marriage. I've done my best to explain that there is no such thing as a "slippery slope," but since bigotry is illogical it comes as no surprise our esteemed boys on Capitol Hill would employ the "slippery slope" argument. Would you care to expand on the discussion?