Building directly on the linguistic elements and the language theory discussed in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 deals with the second level of lexis by focusing on the ἀρχὴ τῆς λέξεως (the foundation of lexis), i.e. Aristotle’s remarks regarding individuals’ use of linguistic elements as determined by sociolinguistic factors. The chapter has three sections, each of which examines Aristotle’s claims within lexis in a different social context.

Chapter 4, together with Chapter 5, focuses on the third level of lexis and the ἀρετὴ τῆς λέξεως (the excellence of lexis). Since Aristotle devotes much attention to this characteristic of lexis, the discussion of this third level of lexis has been divided into two chapters: Chapter 4 deals with the intra-textual aspect of Aristotle’s remarks on lexis as a means for the creation of different kinds of poetry and rhetoric, i.e. lexis as technē; in Chapter 5 extra-textual factors are considered and are followed by a discussion of the purpose and function of lexis on its third level.

Chapter 6 concludes the discussion of lexis by focusing on metaphor, the linguistic and stylistic element par excellence treated under the notion of lexis. Unlike other linguistic phenomena, metaphor is not tied to a single form or genre but is listed in every enumeration of linguistic means available to the author of a poetic or rhetorical composition. This final chapter highlights the reason for the special place Aristotle assigns to metaphor by looking at it from the point of view of lexis and by examining it in the light of the excellence of lexis, as well as of mimēsis and energeia. Not only does this allow for a new approach to metaphor, but it also highlights the benefits of a three-level approach to Aristotle’s concept of lexis.

Chapter 5 is a direct continuation of the stylistic features discussed in Chapter 4. Rather than focusing on intra-textual aspects, though, this chapter looks at the extra-textual factors medium, hypokrisis (delivery) and audience, all of which further influence lexis on its third level. The chapter finishes with an examination of the purpose and function of lexis on its third level.