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Seeing through Words: Hypotyposis and its Functions

Author

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  • Alessandro Prato

    (University of Siena - Department of Political and Cognitive Social Sciences)

Abstract

This essay aims to analyse the rhetorical device of hypotyposis, which is held in great consideration both by ancient rhetoricians (Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian) and by modern critics (Dumarsais, Barthes and Eco) for its capacity to portray visual experiences through the use of words, so as to make them as perceptible as if they were present before the reader’s eyes. The essay compares hypotyposis with other similar rhetorical strategies, such as description (an important moment in which the narratio is suspended and the author describes a place or character), evidentia, and especially ekphrasis - which comes from ekphràzo, meaning “describe, represent”, it is used with reference to the description of artworks - which all exercise a significant persuasive function, for they make arguments more tangible and convincing.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Prato, 2021. "Seeing through Words: Hypotyposis and its Functions," International Journal of Teaching and Education, European Research Center, vol. 9(1), pages 66-74, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:aop:jijote:v:9:y:2021:i:1:p:66-74
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    elocutio; ekphrasis; descriptio; evidentia; representation; rhetoric;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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