A figure of speech is a change from the ordinary manner of expression, using words in other than their literal sense to enhance the way a thought is expressed. (Refer to English Grammar p. 70 75)
Learn your figures of speech like you would learn your maths tables! Memorise them! You will NEVER be able to understand poetry or even literature if you do not know your figures of speech off by heart.
Figures of speech can be grouped into different types: Comparisons Sound devices Contradictions/Opposites Exaggeration
COMPARISONS A specific IMAGE is created by comparing one thing to another. Simile Metaphor Personification Apostrophe Metonymy Synecdoche
Simile A direct comparison using like or as. The things that are compared usually have ONE thing in common. You look like a monkey.
Metaphor An indirect or implied comparison. You are such a dog.
Personificatio n Human qualities are applied to something that is not human. The sun is smiling on you today.
Apostrophe A sudden turning away from what you are saying to address or appeal to someone or something which is often not present. DO NOT CONFUSE WITH THE PUNCTUATION MARK!!! Oh Fate, why do you despise me so? My late wife oh Alice I miss you was a kind woman.
Metonymy A word that is associated with something, represents it. It was a decision made by the crown. (the queen made the decision) = The kettle is boiling. (the water inside the kettle is actually boiling) =
Synecdoche Using a part for the whole or the whole for a part. My car had a flat. (part of the car, its tire, had a flat) South Africa won the cup. (the team, not the country, won) =
SOUND DEVICES Sounds are used to create a specific effect. Alliteration Assonance Onomatopoeia Pun Malapropism
Alliteration The repetition of sounds (usually consonant sounds) at the beginning of words. It often highlights the expression of movement, reinforces the meaning of the line, or imitates the sound being described. The slithering snake sailed away. (movement + imitates sound) It seemed as soft as smoke. (reinforces the meaning of the line) S S S S S
Assonance The repetition of vowel sounds within two or more words that are close enough to create an effect. Short vowel sounds may create a mood of speed, vitality joy or suspense. Clap your hands and stamp your feet. Long vowels sounds slow down the pace and lighten/calms the mood. He slowly mowed the overgrown lawn.
Onomatopoeia Words that imitate and reproduce the sounds that they are describing. The sound effect heightens the visual effect.
Pun A clever play on words that are alike in sound but different in meaning. The double meaning is used to convey humour.
Malapropism The unintentional use of incorrect, similar sounding words. The speaker often uses language above his or her understanding in order to impress. A deliberate Malapropism is a pun. The cannonballs ate the people. (cannibals)
CONTRADICTIONS/OPPOSITES Antithesis Oxymoron Paradox Irony Sarcasm
Antithesis Deliberately compares and contradicts two ideas in ONE sentence to force home the contrast. He is a mouse in stature but a lion in strength. By looking for glory, he found only death. That soldier is a real softy.
Oxymoron Placing two seemingly contradictory words next to each other to bring out a conflict of interest. His silence speaks a thousand words. The litter is a pretty ugly sight.
Paradox A statement containing an obvious contradiction but which after thought, can be seen to express a truth. (expanded oxymoron) You will kill him with your kindness. (your kind deeds are doing more harm than good) More haste, less speed.
Irony Implies the opposite of what is said. The opposite is to be understood, as the tone usually conveys the meaning. e.g. I can t wait for my detention on Friday. In dramatic irony, the audience has knowledge of something of which the actors are unaware. In situational irony, the opposite of what is expected occurs.
Sarcasm A cruel form of irony, specifically intended to hurt, insult or humiliate.
EXAGGERATION Hyperbole Litotes Euphemism Innuendo
Hyperbole The use of exaggeration for emphasis or to create humour. I have been waiting ages for you! This tension is killing me!
Litotes A deliberate understatement that uses a negative and an opposite. He is no Einstein. That fight was far from pretty.
Euphemism Deliberately pleasant way of referring to something unpleasant. He passed away. She is a full-figured woman.
Innuendo A disapproving remark which hints at something, without stating it directly. Can you afford soap? You know what, I have a friend who is a really good dentist. Maybe I can introduce you to him.