A Pentecost of added tongues

Question

A not unsilvery tongue, too, was his, with gestures that were a Pentecost of added tongues, and persuasiveness before which granite hearts might crumble into gravel.

Is "A Pentecost of added tongues" a metonymy or a metaphor?

Please, explain why.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

There is something known as the Pentecostal church. Some religions have people "speaking in tongues." Rather than cause offense by giving a bad explanation, I suggest you look that up on Wikipedia or somewhere.

Is the author describing minister/pastor?

Wholegrain · Answer

No, he is not.

I really doubt it is anything else but a metaphor.

Can you tell me why you think it is not a metaphor?

BarbaraPA · Answer

Sure, it's a metaphor.

Wholegrain · Answer

Are you being sarcastic?

BarbaraPA · Answer

No, it's clearly a metaphor. Whether it's a complimentary metaphor would depend on the rest of the context. People who speak in tongues are incomprehensible. Is that what the author is saying about this character?

Wholegrain · Answer

Yes

Philip · Answer

wholegrainA not unsilvery tongue, too, was his, with gestures that were a Pentecost of added tongues, and persuasiveness before which granite hearts might crumble into gravel.

Is "A Pentecost of added tongues" a metonymy or a metaphor?

Please, explain why.

The 'pentecost of added tongues' describes the 'gestures', gestures that often accompany a passionate speech by a Pentecostal minister. The metaphor gives a visual image to the established oratory concept. The idea of 'speaking in tongues' comes from the teaching that Pentecost [originally 50 days after Passover and the celebration of first fruits], 50 days after Easter, was the time that the Holy Spirit appeared to the followers of Jesus, at which time the people gathered were able to speak in other languages, as the Spirit moved them.

[

And by the way, wholegrain, you never need to worry about the sincerity or integrity of Grammar Geek. She is one of the most highly respected members of these forums. She will always treat you with dignity.]

BarbaraPA · Answer

Aww Philip! [F]

CalifJim · Answer

wholegraina metonymy or a metaphor?

It seems to have aspects of both. The two are not mutually exclusive. See the Wikipedia article. The reference is to depictions of Pentecost in paintings. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles of Jesus (known as Pentecost) is usually shown as a small flame over the head of each, sometimes called 'tongues of flame'. The effect is to enliven the painting with apparent motion, so the man's gestures are being compared to the wild flickering of many flames.
"a Pentecost of added tongues" is thus "a flurry of flame-like gestures". The association of Pentecost with flurry or multiplicity is the metonymic component.
"tongues" as "flames" relies on a similarity of shape for its meaning. This is a metaphoric component.
The phrase is linguistically very complex (and quite clever and amusing), and I have only touched on a few aspects of it here.
CJ

A Pentecost of added tongues

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions