Stylistic use of Proverbs and Sayings

Both proverbs and sayings are laconic and witty expressions characterised by a greater volume of thought than what they usually manifest by a mere sum or total of their elements. The stylistic value of sayings may also be viewed in the fact that they are elliptical in their structure. Both of them are in many cases rhythmically organised and sometimes rhymically.

No sweet without sweat.

Epigrams.Epigrams are witty statements, often satirical, normally created by men of letters. In a laconic and expressive form epigrams convey some generalised idea. Some of them are later converted into proverbs as a result of constant reiteration. Poetry is considered to be epigrammatic in its nature. Often the last two lines of English sonnets may be further used as an epigram (Shakespeare’s sonnets, for example).

Allegory.Allegory is often used in proverbs, sayings and epigrams but allegory is more a form of literature and art theory than linguistics. The only branch of linguistics regularly observing allegory is stylistics. Allegories express abstract ideas through concrete pictures. Allegory can be easily represented in complete texts. As for shorter context these are usually proverbs.

Make hey while the sun shines – implies advice which has nothing in common with hey-making or sun shine and means to make use of favourable situations.

All is not gold that glitters.

Every cloud has its silver lining.

No rose without a thorn.

In this respect highly allegorical proverbs should not be confused with maxims which are not metaphorical utterances.

Better late than never.

Allusion.To allude means to mention, hence allusion is a reference to something presumably known to the listener or reader, frequently coming from history, literature, religion. When allusion is manifested by a quotation such a quotation should not be exact.

“No”, - he said wistfully, - “I suppose not. It’s time to dress”. To dress – to dine, and if to dine, to sleep – to sleep, to dream. And then what dreams might come? (Golsworthy)

The stylistic effect of allusions can only be achieved if the utterance alluded is well-known to the reader. Referring to the well-known fact, allusion enables the writer to be more explicit without expanding on the subject too much. Galperin stated that allusions are based on the accumulated experience and knowledge of the writer who presupposes a similar experience and knowledge in the reader.

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