The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #38316   Message #541763
Posted By: Mary in Kentucky
04-Sep-01 - 03:23 PM
Thread Name: Litotes in song
Subject: RE: Litotes in song
Sorry about that repeat on the Dylan lyrics, Suffet. I guess I just subconciously had it in my head. I'm still a little confused by the definitions.

If we follow the strict definition by Suffet, the second word (the one which is negated) has to be a negation of a positive word itself. (an "un" or "mis" word)

If we use Murray's definition, it is a bit more subjective...denying the opposite or contrary of the word which otherwise would be used.

For example, in Dixie, "Old times there are not forgotten" (think of forgotten as the opposite of remembered...forgotten being a negative and remembered being a positive)

Or in The Yellow Rose of Texas, "We never more shall part" (think of the word "part" as the opposite of "stay together"..."part" being a negative and "stay together being a positive)