I was wondering if there is a literary technique in the following quote:
"Let us be sacrificers but not butchers"
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this communityI was wondering if there is a literary technique in the following quote:
"Let us be sacrificers but not butchers"
Under classic rhetoric I think this would be called correctio (L. “correction, amendment”)
correctio
The amending of a term or phrase just employed; or, a futher specifying of meaning, especially by indicating what something is not (which may occur either before or after the term or phrase used). A kind of redefinition, often employed as a parenthesis (an interruption) or as a climax.
example:
I desire not your love, but your submissive obedience.
It might also be called restrictio (from L. restringere “to restrain”)
restrictio
Making an exception to a previously made statement. Restricting or limiting what has already been said.
example:
She's the most beautiful woman in the world—present company excepted.