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What literary techniques did Giambattista Marino use to create surprise in his poetry?
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Italian literature
Portrait of Italian poet Dante Alighieri.
To create surprise and startle his readers, the 17th-century Italian poet Giambattista Marino employed a variety of stylistic techniques that defined the movement known as Marinism. These techniques included:
- Extravagant Metaphors and Conceits: Marino utilized elaborate and often complex comparisons to challenge conventional poetic expression.12
- Hyperbole: He frequently employed extreme exaggeration to heighten the emotional or sensory impact of his work.12
- Fantastic Word Play: His poetry was characterized by intricate linguistic maneuvers and clever manipulation of language.12
- Original Myths: He often incorporated inventive mythological themes to provide fresh, surprising narratives.1
These devices were typically delivered with great sonority and sensuality. While Marino’s own work was highly praised for its masterly execution, his imitators often carried these stylistic conceits to such extremes that the term "Marinism" eventually took on a pejorative meaning by the end of the 17th century.12