analepsis etymology

Etymology:

  • Derived from Ancient Greek "ἀνάληψις" (analēpsis)
  • "ana-" (up) + "lēpsis" (taking)

Meaning:

Analepsis, also known as a flashback or retrospection, is a literary or cinematic technique in which the narrative moves back in time to provide additional context or perspective on the present events.

Origin:

The term "analepsis" was first used in the context of ancient Greek literature by the grammarian Dionysius Thrax in the 2nd century BC. He described it as a figure of speech where "the poet begins a narration not from the beginning, but from a certain point, and then goes back to the beginning and tells the story from the start."

Characteristics:

Analepsis is often used to:

  • Provide necessary backstory or information about characters or events
  • Explain present actions or motives
  • Enhance the dramatic impact or suspense
  • Create a sense of nostalgia or emotional resonance
  • Foreshadow or foreshadow future events

Examples:

  • In the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," the trial of Tom Robinson is preceded by an analepsis that recounts the events leading up to his arrest.
  • In the film "Citizen Kane," the main character's life is revealed through a series of flashbacks triggered by the investigation of his dying words.
  • In the TV series "Lost," the present-day story is constantly intertwined with flashbacks to the characters' lives before the plane crash.

analepsis relate terms

  • lemma

    Etymology The word lemma has its origins in ancient Greek Lemma λήμμα thing

  • censor

    Etymology Late Latin censere to assess a tax Latin census assessment registration

  • delta

    Etymology Greek δέλτα delta Meaning The fourth letter of the Greek alphabe

  • hunky dory

    Etymology Hunky Possibly from Hungarian hunk meaning brawn or muscle Dory Mea

  • brown nose

    Etymology The phrase brown nose is derived from the practice of polishing shoes with b

  • promulgate

    Etymology The word promulgate is derived from the Latin word promulgare which means

  • dauphin

    Etymology and Origin The word dauphin derives from the Latin word delphinus meaning

  • lotus

    Etymology The word lotus is derived from the Greek word lotos which may have origi

  • concord

    Etymology The word concord derives from the Latin word concordis which means harmo

  • cleave

    Etymology Middle English cleven cliven from Old English clēofan to split divide

  • pivot

    Etymology The word pivot comes from the Old French word pivot which in turn derives