Synesthesia

DEFINITION
The production of a sense impression relating to one sense or part of the body by stimulation of another sense or part of the body

EXAMPLE FROM MACBETH

“I have almost forgot the taste of fears…”

-Macbeth, Act V Scene V

FUNCTION

In this example, Macbeth has just discovered that Lady Macbeth is dead. Shakespeare describes Macbeth’s fear as both something that can be felt and something that can be tasted because it is so strong. This adds a deeper meaning and feeling to what Macbeth is experiencing. Writers generally employ synesthesia to add an element of appeal and creativity. Synesthesia makes ideas stand out more sharply by creating multiple levels of meaning, which allows readers’ minds to become more engaged in the story and give them a more sensory experience.  

ANOTHER EXAMPLE

“With blue, uncertain, stumbling buzz,

Between the light and me;

And then the windows failed, and then

could not see to see.”
-Emily Dickinson, Dying

NON-ORIGINAL MNEMONIC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7sto6sOWL8

ORIGINAL MNEMONIC
Sound of hope Your heated words Noises of thought
Eyes filled with cold fear
Smell the colors
Taste the music
Hear the warmth
Echoes of feeling
Sound of purple
Iciness of her smile
Anger of the cold