science

Non sequitur (literary device)

Non sequitur (literary device) is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Non sequitur (literary device) rather than just read about it. In short: A non sequitur (English: non SEK-wit-ər, Classical Latin: [noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr]; "[it] does not follow") is a conversational literary device, often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it, seems absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing.

Key takeaways

Non sequitur (literary device) belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Non sequitur (literary device) to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Non sequitur (literary device) from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

A non sequitur (English: non SEK-wit-ər, Classical Latin: [noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr]; "[it] does not follow") is a conversational literary device, often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it, seems absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing. This use of the term is distinct from the non sequitur in logic, where it is a fallacy.

Etymology The expression is Latin for "[it] does not follow". It comes from the words non meaning "not" and the verb sequi meaning "to follow".

Usage A non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, or unexpected turn in plot or dialogue by including a relatively inappropriate change in manner. A non sequitur joke sincerely has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic persona. Comic artist Gary Larson's The Far Side cartoons are known for what Larson calls "absurd, almost non sequitur animal" characters, such as talking cows, to create a bizarre effect. He gives the example of a strip where "two cows in a field gaze toward burning Chicago, saying 'It seems that agent 6373 had accomplished her mission.'"

See also Anacoluthon Anti-humor Cow tools – 1982 The Far Side cartoon Dada Derailment (thought disorder) "Good day, fellow!" "Axe handle!" – Scandinavian folktale and non-sequitur Gibberish Roger Irrelevant Surreal humour

References

Further reading Heine, Steven; Wright, Dale S., eds. (2000). The Koan: Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Shabo, Magedah (2010). Rhetoric, Logic, and Argumentation: A Guide for Student Writers. United States: Prestwick House.

External links

Getting It: Human Event-Related Brain Response to Jokes in Good and Poor Comprehenders - "When asked to pick the punch-line of a joke from an array of choices, including straightforward endings, non sequitur endings, and the correct punch-line, RHD patients erred by picking non sequitur endings, indicating that they know surprise is necessary"

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Non sequitur (literary device)

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Non sequitur (literary device) claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Non sequitur (literary device) before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Non sequitur (literary device) ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Non sequitur (literary device)

In research: Non sequitur (literary device) appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Non sequitur (literary device) in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Non sequitur (literary device) is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Humour, Jokes, Latin literary phrases, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Non sequitur (literary device) outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Non sequitur (literary device) in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Non sequitur (literary device) means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Non sequitur (literary device) out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Non sequitur (literary device) in simple terms?

Why does Non sequitur (literary device) matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Non sequitur (literary device)?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Non sequitur (literary device).