Microsoft Word Seminars on stylistics

e.g.:
“Papa, love. I am a mother. I have a child who will soon call Walter by 
the name, by which I call you”. (Dickens) 
Periphrasis 
a word-combination, which is used instead 
of the word designating an object

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e.g.: 
“Come on”, said Miss Hardforth, “
has the cat got your tongue
?”=can you 
speak?
to be snatched up to the skies
= to die. 
Task 1. Distribute the following periphrasis into original and 
traditional: 
1.
Did you ever see anything in Mr. Pickwicks manner and conduct towards 
the opposite sex to induce you to believe. (Dickens) 
2.
His arm about her, he led her in and bawled, “Ladies and worser halves, the 
bride”. (S. Lewis). 
3.
I was earning barely enough money to keep body and soul together.
(S. Maugham). 
I expect you d like a wash”, Mrs. Thompson said. “The bathroom’s to the 
right and the usual offices next to it. (J. Braine)
4.
She was still fat; the destroyer of her figure sat at the head of the table.
(A. Bennett). 
5.
Mr. Mor’s half is still to come. 
6.
Bill went with him and they returned with a tray of glasses, siphons, and 
other necessaries of life. (A. Christie). 
 
 Task 2. Discuss the following cases of periphrases: 
 
1. Delia was studying under Resenstock-you know his repute as a disturber of 
the piano keys. (O. Henry). 
2. You are my true and honourable wife. 
As dear to me as are ruddy drops.
That visit my sad heart (=blood). (Shakespeare) 
The stylistic function of periphrasis
to produce a satirical or humorous 
effect, sarcastic description.

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3. The two friends returned to their inn; Mr. Winkle to ruminate on the 
approaching Struggle, and Mr. Snodgrass to arrange the weapon of war. (Dickens) 
4. Mr. Snodgrass bore under his arm the instruments of destruction. (Dickens)