Synecdoche

Encyclopaedia Britannica defines synecdoche as “a figure of speech in which a part represents the whole, as in the expression ‘hired hands’ for workmen, or, less commonly, the whole represents a part, as in the use of the word ‘society’ to mean high society. Synecdoche is an important poetic device for creating vivid imagery” (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Synecdoche is commonly used in English; for example, the word “boots” represents soldiers or the army in the expression “boots on the ground,” and “behind bars” refers to being in jail. Another well-known example is the expression "Can you lend me a hand?".

Synecdoche is used in many art forms, including visual arts, film, and even music. However, it is most frequently found in literature and spoken language.

Examples from English literature:
In George Orwell’s 1984, the expression “Big Brother” (which later entered colloquial English) is used to describe the tyrannical and controlling government.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is full of synecdoches, one of the most notable being “The Eye of Sauron,” representing the ever-watchful evil spirit of Sauron.

The Eye of Sauron

Big Brother

Works cited:

Darshana Das, Gloria Lotha, Emily Rodriguez and the Editors of Encyclopaedia Brittanica (https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) “Synecdoche”, Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., Oct 1 2024 . https://www.britannica.com/art/synecdoche

Orwell, George. 1984. Centennial edition, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins, 2012.

psion 005, The Eye of Sauron, May 3, 2006, https://www.deviantart.com/psion005/art/The-Eye-of-Sauron-32747839

ZFShadowSOLDIER, Big Brother is Watching You, Jan 19 2022, https://www.deviantart.com/zfshadowsoldier/art/Big-Brother-is-Watching-You-280298156

Petr Ulman 483048