Figure Of Speech

Figure Of Speech

Definition of Figure of Speech

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that is used in a non-literal way to create an effect. This effect may be rhetorical as in the deliberate arrangement of words to achieve something poetic, or imagery as in the use of language to suggest a visual picture or make an idea more vivid. Overall, figures of speech function as literary devices because of their expressive use of language. Words are used in other ways than their literal meanings or typical manner of application.

For example, Margaret Atwood utilizes figures of speech in her poem “you fit into me” as a means of achieving poetic meaning and creating a vivid picture for the reader.

you fit into me

like a hook into an eye

a fish hook

an open eye

The simile in the first two lines sets forth a comparison between the way “you” fits into the poet like a hook and eye closure for perhaps a garment. This is an example of rhetorical effect in that the wording carefully achieves the idea of two things meant to connect to each other. In the second two lines, the wording is clarified by adding “fish” to “hook” and “open” to “eye,” which calls forth an unpleasant and even violent image. The poet’s descriptions of hooks and eyes are not meant literally in the poem. Yet the use of figurative language allows the poet to express two very different meanings and images that enhance the interpretation of the poem through contrast.










Types of Figures of Speech


Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the beginning sounds of neighboring words.

Examples include:
She sells seashells.
Walter wondered where Winnie was.
Blue baby bonnets bobbed through the bayou.

Anaphora

Anaphora is a technique where several phrases or verses begin with the same word or words.

Examples include:
I came, I saw, I conquered. - Julius Caesar
Mad world! Mad kings! Mad composition! - King John II, William Shakespeare
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. - A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens

Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds (not just letters) in words that are close together. The sounds don't have to be at the beginning of the word.

Examples include:
A - For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore. (Poe)
E - Therefore, all seasons shall be sweet to thee. (Coleridge)
I - From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire. (Frost)
O - Oh hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn. (Wordsworth)
U - Uncertain rustling of each purple curtain (Poe


Euphemism

Euphemism is a mild, indirect, or vague term that often substitutes a harsh, blunt, or offensive term.

Examples include:
'A little thin on top' instead of 'going bald.'
'Fell of the back of a truck' instead of 'stolen.'
'Letting you go' instead of 'firing you.'
'Passed away' instead of 'died.'
'Economical with the truth' instead of 'liar.'

Hyperbole

Hyperbole uses exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Examples include:
I've told you to stop a thousand times.
That must have cost a billion dollars.
I could do this forever.

Irony

Irony occurs when there's a marked contrast between what is said and what is meant, or between appearance and reality.

Examples include:
"How nice!" she said, when I told her I had to work all weekend. (Verbal irony)
A traffic cop gets suspended for not paying his parking tickets. (Situational irony)
The Titanic was said to be unsinkable but sank on its first voyage. (Situational irony)
Naming a tiny Chihuahua Brutus. (Verbal irony)
When the audience knows the killer is hiding in a closet in a scary movie, but the actors do not. (Dramatic irony)

Metaphor

A metaphor makes a comparison between two unlike things or ideas.

Examples include:
Heart of stone
Time is money
He's an ogre

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is the term for a word that sounds like what it is describing.

Examples include:
Whoosh
Splat
Buzz
Click
Oink


Oxymoron

An oxymoron is two contradictory terms used together.

Examples include:
Peace force
Kosher ham
Jumbo shrimp
Sweet sorrow
Free market

Personification

Personification gives human qualities to non-living things or ideas.

Examples include:
The snowflakes danced.
The thunder grumbled.
The wind howled.

Simile

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as."

Examples include:
As slippery as an eel
Like peas in a pod
As blind as a bat
Eats like a pig
As wise as an owl

Synecdoche

Synecdoche occurs when a part is represented by the whole or, conversely, the whole is represented by the part.

Examples include:
Wheels - a car
The police - one policeman
Plastic - credit cards
Coke - any cola drink
Hired hands - workers

Understatement

An understatement occurs when something is said to make something appear less important or less serious.

Examples include:
It's just a scratch - referring to a large dent.
It was interesting - referring to a bad or difficult experience.
It stings a bit - referring to a serious wound or injury.