Rhetorical Devices: Amplification

In this third article on types of rhetorical devices, we take a look at amplification, which is a form of auxesis.  Firstly, “auxesis” (αὔξησις) is the Greek word for “growth” or “increase”.  In the field of rhetoric, it refers to varying forms of expounding in speech: hyperbole, which is an intentional overstatement in speech; climax, which are a series of clauses of increasing force; and amplification or amplification, a rhetorical increase. In ancient Greece, these were collectively known as “auxanein”, “growing”.

Amplification is the expansion of details of a statement , such as in an abrupt sentence. It is also a means to provide depth when setting a scene, which the audience may otherwise miss.  Amplification is used to increase rhetorical effect, to add importance, to make the most of a thought or circumstance, to add an exaggeration, or to change the arrangement of words or clauses in a sequence to increase force.

In “A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices”, by Robert A. Harris, it is said that, “Amplification involves repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to it, in order to emphasise what might otherwise be passed over.  In other words, amplification allows you to call attention to, emphasise, and expand a word or idea to make sure the reader realises its important or centrality in the discussion.”  The example cited in the book is thus: “In my hunger, after ten days of rigorous dieting, I saw visions of ice cream - mountains of creamy, luscious ice cream, dripping with gooey syrup and calories.” This allows the audience to recognise the depth of the yearning for ice-cream.

A humorous example of amplification in speech is found in this scene from “Black Adder Goes Forth”, played by Rowan Sebastian Atkinson: This is a Crisis.  Here, he first states succinctly that there is a crisis.  Then, he elaborates using exaggeration and hyperbole on how large a crisis it is using vivid imagery.

Another, more dramatic example, is this other scene from “Patch Adams”, starring the late Robin McLaurin Williams, where he expounds on the definition of doctor, and medical care: Patch Adams Speech - Being a Doctor.  Here, he makes a dramatic, controversial statement.  And then uses amplification to clarify it at length, and in depth.

Amplification is a useful tool to set the stage for a speech.  It is also a useful tool to end with a dramatic call to action, but putting forth an ending statement seemingly contrary to the body of the speech, and then clarifying it to create closure.  This was one of the favourite rhetorical devices of Cicero, and many Roman orators.