Exergasia (also spelled exergasis) is a rhetorical device in which a single idea is repeated and developed through different words, phrases, or examples, to emphasize or clarify it. In other words, it’s when a writer or speaker restates the same thought in various ways to drive the point home.
✅ Definition:
Exergasia is a rhetorical device that elaborates on one idea by expressing it multiple times in different forms or with different wording for emphasis and variety.
💡 Example:
- “We must fight for freedom. We must stand up for our rights. We must never bow to tyranny.”
Here, the central idea (“resisting oppression”) is restated in several different ways — that’s exergasia.
🏛️ Classical Example (from Cicero):
- “He didn’t just steal; he robbed. He didn’t just rob; he plundered the whole province.”
Again, one idea is expanded and reinforced through repetition with variation.
And there it is! Now go ahead and use exergasia in your CXC prep/CSEC prep.
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