AsyndetonBy: Katelynn Sigrist

Greg Tillotson Zachary Lents

Definition and originThe omission of conjunctions.

Etymology1580-90 Latin Greek noun use of neuter of

asỳndetos not linked.

Pronunciation (a-SIN-dih-tawn)

http://animoto.com/play/Pkd6UBj8DtQ1RD0s3UGS7A

Examples“I came, I saw, I conquered.” (Julius Caesar) “I have a dream that one day even the state of

Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

"Speed up the film, Montag, quick. Click, Pic, Look, Eye, Now, Flick, Here, There, Swift, Pace, Up, Down, In, Out, Why, How, Who, What, Where, Eh? Uh! Bang! Smack! Wallop, Bing, Bong, Boom!"(Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, 1953)

It’s effectI think it gives a powerful feeling to the

speech. It gives it a sense of that’s that so don’t mess with it kind of feeling. When Julius Caesar said his quote, I felt like he was telling a huge story and fitting it into that one sentence, and you didn’t question it. It speeds up the sentence and makes it something you’ll remember.

Lesson Activity

Which of the following are NOT asyndetons?a) I saw my textbook, picked it up, and fell

asleep. (correct answer)b) We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet

any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. (J.F Kennedy)

c) But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. (Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)

SummaryA asyndeton is the omission of conjunctions.It gives the effect of power and brings out the

main point. An example is I came, I saw, I conquered. By,

Julius Caesar. Thank You!!!