What does the term "synecdoche" refer to in literature?

The term "synecdoche" refers specifically to a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole or vice versa. This literary device allows writers to create vivid imagery and convey meaning more efficiently. For example, saying "all hands on deck" uses "hands" (a part of a person) to refer to the sailors (the whole). This technique enriches the text by enabling figurative language that can evoke deeper connections between the part and the whole, adding layers to the reader's understanding.

The other choices refer to different literary concepts. The second choice describes a genre of literature related to growth and development, which does not relate to the specific function of synecdoche. The third choice speaks about a narrative technique known as stream of consciousness, which focuses on the flow of thoughts rather than the representation of parts and wholes. The fourth option addresses clichés, which are phrases that have lost originality through overuse, again differing from the succinct representation inherent in synecdoche.