Which figure of speech represents the repetition of coordinating conjunctions?

• A. Anaphora
• B. Alliteration
• C. Polysyndeton
• D. Assonance

Answer: (C)

Polysyndeton is the repetition of coordinating conjunctions between successive items in a list. By linking each element with and (or or, but), the rhythm becomes deliberate and cumulative, often slowing the pace and emphasizing the abundance or weight of what’s being described. For example, a phrase like “we walked and talked and laughed and cried” showcases how each item is tied together with a conjunction, creating a sense of fullness and continuity.

This differs from anaphora, which focuses on repeating the same word at the start of successive clauses, not on the linking words between items. Alliteration and assonance are about sound patterns—repeating initial consonants or vowel sounds—not the use of conjunctions to join a list. So repeating coordinating conjunctions to connect each element is exactly the technique of polysyndeton.