Rhetoric & FiguresIntermediate
Polysyndeton
Extra conjunctions accumulate between words, phrases, or clauses.
Principle
Repeated conjunctions make accumulation audible.
Takeaways
- It can slow rhythm, enlarge scale, or create ritual weight.
- The repeated and often matters as much sonically as logically.
- Used carelessly, it bloats pace without adding force.
Overview
Polysyndeton repeats conjunctions beyond strict necessity. It can make prose feel biblical, childlike, incantatory, breathless, comic, or overwhelming depending on context.
Examples
- And the rain came, and the river rose, and the lamps went out.
- She brought bread and salt and candles and every key she owned.