Editing Digression (section)

'''Digression''' (''parékbasis'' in [[Greek Language|Greek]], ''egressio'', ''digressio'' and ''excursion'' in [[Latin]]) is a section of a composition or speech that marks a temporary shift of subject; the digression ends when the writer or speaker returns to the main topic. Digressions can be used intentionally as a [[stylistic device|stylistic]] or [[rhetorical device]].

In classical [[rhetoric]] since [[Corax of Syracuse]], especially in ''[[Institutio Oratoria]]'' of [[Quintilian]], the digression was a regular part of any oration or composition. After setting out the topic of a work and establishing the need for attention to be given, the speaker or author would digress to a seemingly disconnected subject before returning to a development of the composition's theme, a proof of its validity, and a conclusion.  A ''schizothemia'' is a digression by means of a long reminiscence.

[[Cicero]] was a master of digression, particularly in his ability to shift from the specific question or issue at hand (the ''hypothesis'') to the more general issue or question that it depended upon (the ''thesis'').  As was the case with most ancient orators, Cicero's apparent digression always turned out to bear directly upon the issue at hand.  During the [[Second Sophistic]] (in Imperial Rome), the ability to guide a speech away from a stated theme and then back again with grace and skill came to be a mark of true eloquence.