Accismus is a rhetorical device where a character pretends to refuse something they actually desire, creating irony or humor. It is often used in literature to highlight internal conflict, manipulate situations, or add complexity to characters.
I cover definition, examples, types, and the reasons why writers use accismus in their work. It also discusses the most effective moments to use this device and how it can enhance a narrative by deepening character development and engaging readers.
What is The Literary Definition of Accismus?
Accismus is a rhetorical device where a character pretends to refuse something they actually desire, often to appear modest or to manipulate a situation. It involves feigning disinterest in something while secretly wanting or desiring it, often creating irony or humor in literature.
Example: In The Taming of the Shrew, Katherina pretends to be reluctant to marry Petruchio, although she actually desires his attention.
What Are the 5 Examples for Accismus?
Here are five examples of accismus in literature:
- Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew – Katherina pretends not to want Petruchio’s affection while secretly desiring it.
- Don Juan in Don Juan by Molière – Don Juan feigns disinterest in women while secretly being a passionate seducer.
- Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales – The Wife of Bath pretends to be modest about her desires and sexual experience but is open about them.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Elizabeth Bennet feigns indifference toward Mr. Darcy despite feeling strongly for him later in the story.
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – Dorian pretends to be unaffected by his own image and vanity while secretly cherishing it.
What Are the Synonyms & Antonyms of Accismus?
| Synonyms | Antonyms |
|---|---|
| Feigned reluctance | Genuine desire |
| False modesty | Openness |
| Pretense | Honesty |
| Dissembling | Transparency |
| Hypocrisy | Sincerity |
Where Does the “Accismus” Come From?
The term accismus comes from the Greek word akismos, meaning “refusal” or “denial.” It has its roots in ancient literature, especially in works that used irony and deceit for comedic or dramatic effect. It was widely employed by playwrights and authors to develop complex characters or add humor to the narrative by creating contradictions between a character’s words and desires.
What Are the Types of Accismus?
There are two main types of accismus:
- Comedic Accismus – This type is used for humor, where the character pretends to refuse something in an exaggerated or playful way.
- Example: In The Taming of the Shrew, Katherina’s feigned refusal to marry Petruchio is a comedic instance of accismus.
- Dramatic Accismus – Used to create tension or irony, where the character pretends to be uninterested or reluctant in a situation that holds emotional or moral significance.
- Example: In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet’s denial of her growing affection for Mr. Darcy creates dramatic irony.
Why Writers Use Accismus?
Writers use accismus to create complexity in characters and add dramatic irony or humor to the narrative. By having characters pretend to refuse something they desire, writers can highlight internal conflicts, hypocrisy, or create layers of meaning that engage the reader. Accismus also plays a role in the development of a character’s relationships and helps to move the plot forward by introducing subtle contradictions.
When to Use Accismus?
Accismus can be effectively used when a writer wants to convey a character’s internal conflict, create dramatic irony, or inject humor into the dialogue. It is particularly useful when developing characters who want to appear modest, detached, or unaffected, but secretly harbor desires or motives that contradict their outward behavior. It can also be used in situations where characters attempt to manipulate others by pretending to disavow something they actually want.