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What figure of speech is this: "the arguing sixth floor window"

English Language & Usage Asked on April 8, 2021

Sydney Barringer jumps from the ninth floor rooftop. His parents argue three stories below. Fay’s accidental shotgun blast hits Sydney in the stomach as he passes the arguing sixth floor window. Google Books

This doesn’t appear to be exactly synecdoche as the window is not part of the arguing people. Anthropomorphism also sprang to mind but I am not sure that is the case here either. That there is an element of anthropomorphism or personification is not disputed, but I doubt that gives the whole picture, because besides the personification of the window this line also connects the window to the arguing people.

Also I don’t think anthropomorphism is a figure of speech. What is this then? Figure of speech or some other concept?

4 Answers

I think it is a case of personification:

a figure of speech in which a thing – an idea or an animal – is given human attributes.

The non-human objects are portrayed in such a way that we feel they have the ability to act like human being

Answered by user 66974 on April 8, 2021

I think synecdoche is most correct answer here, although it is a surprising example. Synecdoche is not always strictly about a relationship of a part to a whole. A classic example is that an athlete is a jockstrap, or "jock". The jockstrap is not part of the athlete. Another example is where a container is used to refer to its contents, e.g. "He drank the keg". I think this example is similar to that. It would be more common to say something like "The sixth floor was arguing", but your example works the same way.

Answered by Kieran Jack Commanda on April 8, 2021

Definitely a figure of speech, it may be more specifically defined, but I feel almost certainly is a form of irony.

The first OED definition of irony is as follows. Take particular note of the parts I have highlighted.

As a mass noun. The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect; esp. (in earlier use) the use of approbatory language to imply condemnation or contempt (cf. sarcasm n.). In later use also more generally: a manner, style, or attitude suggestive of the use of this kind of expression. Cf. ironia n. The meaning in quot. a1657 is obscure. See also Romantic irony n. at romantic adj. and n. Compounds

The precise application of the term has varied over time and remains the subject of much discussion. Irony is first recorded as a rhetorical figure used in sentences and (later) extended pieces of writing having a particular tone and intent. In 20th-cent. criticism application of irony has expanded to encompass non-verbal expression in fields such as art and music where it denotes a distancing from and playful engagement with what has come before. For a fuller discussion see E. N. Hutchens ‘The Identification of Irony’ in ELH (1960) 27 352-63 and N. Knox The Word 'Irony' & its Context, 1500–1755 (1961).

Answered by WS2 on April 8, 2021

If anything— this is an example (albeit, perhaps a sloppy one)— of metonymy.

My reason for going with metonymy instead of synecdoche is that with the former, the substituted word is merely something associated with it, while with the latter, a part represents the whole or vice-versa.

Answered by user405662 on April 8, 2021

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