Seeing through Words: Hypotyposis and its Functions

This essay aims to analyse the rhetorical device of hypotyposis, which is held in great consideration both by ancient rhetoricians (Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian) modern critics (Dumarsais, Barthes Eco) for its capacity portray visual experiences through use words, so as make them perceptible if they were present before reader’s eyes. The compares hypotyposis with other similar strategies, such description (an important moment narratio suspended author describes a place or character), evidentia, especially ekphrasis - comes from ekphràzo, meaning “describe, represent”, it used reference artworks all exercise significant persuasive function, arguments more tangible convincing.