Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

Which literary device can create emphasis through the elimination of conjunctions?

1. Paradox

2. Asyndeton

3. Allusion

4. Irony

The correct answer is: Asyndeton

Asyndeton is a literary device that enhances emphasis and urgency by omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. This technique can create a rapid, impactful rhythm in writing, drawing attention to the individual elements listed and making them stand out more than if they were connected by conjunctions. For instance, in a phrase like "I came, I saw, I conquered," the lack of "and" between the actions intensifies each component, emphasizing the speaker's achievements. In contrast, paradox presents contradictory concepts to provoke thought or illustrate a deeper meaning, and while it can create emphasis, it does so by juxtaposing ideas rather than eliminating conjunctions. Allusion involves referencing another work or concept, enhancing meaning through connections but does not eliminate conjunctions for emphasis. Irony typically involves a discrepancy between expectation and reality, which is a different method of creating emphasis and does not specifically focus on the absence of conjunctions. Thus, asyndeton is the most direct answer for the creation of emphasis through the elimination of conjunctions.