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Literary Devices

Syntax & Structure

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton involves the repeated use of conjunctions (such as "and," "or," or "but") to create a sense of emphasis, rhythm, or continuity in a sentence or passage. Unlike asyndeton, which omits conjunctions for effect, polysyndeton adds extra conjunctions to create a deliberate effect. This can give a sense of accumulation, amplification, or urgency to the words being connected. Polysyndeton is a common device in both prose and poetry, and can be used to create a range of effects, from the rhythmic to the emotional.

Polysyndeton repeats conjunctions where ordinary phrasing would use fewer. Notice how each added and, or, or but gives the linked item extra weight and changes rhythm or pace.

She packed the maps and the rope and the lantern and the radio.
Repeated and before each item creates deliberate accumulation.

See it in language

Examples of Polysyndeton

  1. She packed the maps and the rope and the lantern and the radio.

    Instructional example

  2. The crowd shouted and surged and stumbled and rose again.

    Instructional example

    The repeated conjunction sustains the sequence and gives each action weight.

  3. He could apologize or explain or leave or remain silent.

    Instructional example

    Repeated or slows the list and emphasizes each alternative.

Show more examples
  1. "I said, 'Who killed him?' and he said, 'I don't know who killed him but he's dead all right,' and it was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown and I got a skiff and went out and found my boat where I had her inside Mango Key and she was all right."

    — Ernest Hemingway, After the Storm

  2. "We lived and laughed and loved and left."

    — James Joyce, Finnegans Wake

  3. "The meal was simple but delicious: a salad and a steak and potatoes and green beans and a glass of red wine and a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee."

    — John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men

  4. "We walked and talked and laughed and sang and danced and kissed and loved under the moonlight."

    — Unknown

  5. "And fastened with a single feather / With thread of their own make"

    — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Read like an editor

How to recognize it

  1. Find conjunctions repeated before several coordinated words, phrases, or clauses.
  2. Compare the passage with the more economical version an ordinary list would use.
  3. Describe whether repetition slows, accumulates, intensifies, or equalizes the items.

Meaning and effect

Why writers use Polysyndeton

Build intensity
Accumulating linked items can make pressure or abundance feel relentless.
Build rhythm
Repeated conjunctions create a strong recurring beat.
Create emphasis
Each coordinated element receives separate attention.

Common confusion

Polysyndeton vs. Asyndeton

The devices manipulate conjunctions in opposite directions.

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton repeats conjunctions beyond ordinary need.

“maps and rope and lanterns and radios”

Asyndeton

Asyndeton deliberately omits expected conjunctions.

“maps, rope, lanterns, radios”

What's the Difference?

Follow the idea

Related devices

Questions readers ask

Frequently asked questions

Does Polysyndeton only use and?

No. Repeated or, but, nor, and other coordinating conjunctions can also create the effect.

Does Polysyndeton always speed a sentence up?

No. It often slows readers by giving each item weight, though context and sentence length can also create urgency.