"In recent decades this symbolic or metaphorical lyric has given way to one which leans toward metonymy"

Thomas Harrison's declaration indicate a shift in the poetic landscape, where the nature and style of lyricism have developed over recent decades. To unload this transformation, it's crucial to understand the underlying ideas of metaphor and metonymy, both of which are essential rhetorical devices utilized in literature and poetry.

Metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or expression is used to an item or action that it does not actually denote, suggesting a symbolic, often deeper significance. It invites readers to explore resemblances in between disparate ideas, improving the layers of interpretation and feeling within a text. Metaphorical lyricism thus tends to be rich in images and opens more comprehensive interpretative spaces by motivating readers to explore abstract connections, discovering resonance in the suggestive power of significance.

On the other hand, metonymy is a rhetorical figure in which one word or expression is replaced by another with which it is closely associated. Unlike metaphors, which hinge on suggestive resemblance, metonymy relies on actual, often concrete connections. For example, utilizing "the White House" to refer to the U.S. administration is metonymic, as it utilizes a part or aspect to represent a whole or something related.

Harrison is suggesting that contemporary lyricism has actually slowly shifted from accepting metaphorical intricacy to favoring a metonymic method. In metaphorical lyricism, the focus was on symbolic depth and abstract representation. The shift to metonymy indicates a more direct, possibly more precise, method of drawing relationships, focusing on the real or immediate connections between principles. This could show a broader cultural pattern towards literalness or a desire for clearer communicative practices.

This evolution in lyricism may mirror shifts in societal worths, where clearness, specificity, and tangible connections are favored. It may also recommend a shift in the function of poetry and literature, with contemporary works aligning more carefully with real-world problems, assisting in a more direct engagement with the reader. Overall, Harrison's observation records an interesting trend in literary styles, with ramifications for how we engage with and translate poetic texts today.