SEMANTIC SATIATION FOR POETIC EFFECT

Abstract This article argues that the defamiliarization caused by extensive repetition, termed ‘semantic satiation’ in psychology, was used ancient poets for specific effects. Five categories of repetition are identified. First, words undergo auditory deformation through syllable and sound as commonly etymologies. Second, a tradition emphatic proper-name is identified, which final instance name given special emphasis; this spans Greek Latin poetry, ultimately goes back to Nireus entry Catalogue Ships. Third, wordplay, where repeated term not only emphasized but also incurs some change its meaning or shape. Fourth, incantatory divine names hymns cultic invocations amplifies sense presence behind beyond repetend. Fifth, half full lines different speakers Old Comedy serves undercut parody original words. Extensive literature never merely ornamental range semantic effects with distinct identifiable structures.