The Power of Progressio in Writing and Rhetoric

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The use of progressio, a literary device involving a series of contrasts or progressions, such as seen in Katy Perry's lyrics, Charles Dickens' Tale of Two Cities, and Ecclesiastes in the Bible, is a powerful tool in writing and rhetoric. By creating memorable and impactful phrases through antitheses, progressio helps make the content stick in the reader's mind, guiding the reader's attention and emphasizing important points. This rhetorical tactic acts as a signal to the reader to pay attention, adding depth and beauty to the text, and ultimately engaging readers in a meaningful way.

What do Katy Perry, Charles Dickens, and the Bible all have in common? They’re responsible for some of the most famous lines in history. And in this episode, you’ll find out why.

Mark, an author and mad scientist of language, reveals the secret sauce to memorable writing: rhetorical devices. Chiasmus. Anaphora. Antithesis. Synecdoche.

Writing today (i.e. texting and Tweeting) is concise and hyper-minimal — which is fine, if you’re writing the instruction manual for a new dishwasher. But the most memorable works of writing lean into the beauty of words. It’s not about using overly purple prose. It’s about using rhetorical formulas to create unforgettable lines, to shape ideas that stick in your reader’s brain.

If you want to write something that sticks in your reader’s brain — a book, a poem, a speech — then this episode is for you.

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