The Schemata λέξεωσ: A Grammatical and Rhetorical Tool

Abstract

Abstract This article is divided in two parts. In the first, αλλοίωσισ is considered as a figure which in poetry corresponds with solecism in prose just as metaplasm corresponds with barbarism, and the group of figures which is ranged around αλλοίωσισ such as hysteron proteron, hyperbaton, hypallagé is studied. Since αλλοίωσισ means not only a particular figure, but also a group of figures, it is a matter of stylistic tools employed as tags in a more or less mechanical way to achieve special effects. Among Latin grammarians and rhetoricians, hyperbaton became a sort of general trope used to indicate a change in word order. In the second part of the article, some examples ofr hyperbaton are examined, particularly Epistulae 1,20,25 me primis urbis belli placuisse domique to show how the poet has made of this a double reference, making a discreet allusion to his military service in the army of Brutus as well as his friendship with Maecenas and Augustus.