Metonymy is a trope which puts the name of one thing for that of another connected with it.
Metonymy: A change of name
From English Composition and Rhetoric, by Alexander Bain; English Composition by W. Davidson; Practical Rhetoric,
by Albert Raub:
Metonymy consists in placing one word for
another which does not express or define it, but is so associated with the
other that the mind will think of the one when the other is
mentioned.
I. Kinds of metonymy
A. Cause for effect
We have read Milton and Shakespeare.
That is, authors for writings.
Look at this man’s hand.
That is, at his writing.
B. Effect for cause
shade for trees; blood-letting for battle
Can gray hairs make folly respectable?
That is, gray hairs for age.
There is death in the pot.
That is, a poisonous herb that will cause death.
C. Container for thing contained
They smote the city.
“City” is used instead of “the inhabitants of the city,” i.e., the container for the thing contained.
The kettle boils.
So we say familiarly, but what is meant is that the water in the kettle boils.
France would not consent.
Meaning, the people of France would not consent.
The bottle is his worst enemy.
That is, the bottle instead of the contents.
A period of time is sometimes used for the production or events included (contained) in it. We hear of a good season, a successful voyage.
D. Sign or symbol for thing signified
the crown or sceptre for royaltyred tape for the routine of officesheathing the sword for peace
The miser is a slave to his gold.
I.e., the miser is a slave to his money.
The pen civilizes the world.
That is, pen for literature or the spread of knowledge.
These signs and symbols are often more striking than the thing signified. In many instances, however, all that is sought or gained is variety of expression.
E. Instrument for agent
Cowley says of Cromwell,
“He set up parliaments by the stroke of his pen, and scattered them with the breath of his mouth.”
The intention in the above sentence is to substitute for the hidden operations of the mind some outward and expressive action.
F. Material for thing made
He brandished the glittering steel.
That is, he brandished a sword.
Note: Synecdoche is a type of metonymy.
II. Using metonymy
A. Use the known
In using metonymy, the name of a thing better known should be substituted for one that is less known. If this be not done, much of the beauty of the figure is lost.
B. Avoid the obscure
Avoid the use of names about which little is known. The average reader is not familiar with minor heroes of mythology or with obscure characters in history.
C. Metonymy is rarely used in scientific writing
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