Literary devices/Figurative speech
Literary devices/Figurative speech:
What are literary devices?
Literary devices are tools used by writers & poets to enhance their writing. They include a variety of techniques and structures that make their work more meaningful, complex, and interesting.
Here is the list of Literary Devices
Similes
Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole
Understatement
Alliteration
Assonance
Onomatopoeia
Oxymoron
Irony
Metonymy
Litotes
Euphemism
Consonance
Imagery
Apostrophe
Refrain
Enjambment
Rhyme
Repetition
Anaphora
Epistrophe
Paradox
Meter
Black Verse
Free Verse
Symbolism
Pun
Idiom
1. Similes:
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as" to highlight a similarity between them. It is a direct comparison that helps to create vivid imagery, emphasize a point, or evoke a particular emotional response. Here are some examples of similes with explanations and usage in sentences: Examples of Similes
Examples of Simile in Poetry
From William Wordsworth's poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”: "I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o'er vales and hills.": Wordsworth compares himself to a cloud using the simile "lonely as a cloud," emphasizing his solitary state and the free-floating nature of his wandering.
From Robert Burns's poem A Red, Red Rose: "O my Luve is like a red, red rose / That's newly sprung in June.": Burns compares his love to a red rose using the simile "like a red, red rose," emphasizing its beauty, freshness, and deep affection.
Examples of Simile in literature
"Her smile was as bright as the morning sun.": This simile compares the brightness of her smile to the brightness of the morning sun, emphasizing its warmth and radiance.
"He fought like a lion defending his cubs.": This simile likens his fighting style to that of a lion protecting its young, highlighting his bravery and fierce determination.
"She slept like a log after the long hike.": This simile compares her deep sleep to the stillness and solidness of a log, indicating how exhausted she was from the hike.
Explanation and Usage
Similes serve several purposes in writing and speech:
Vivid Imagery: They create clear mental images by comparing familiar things to less familiar things.
Emphasis: Similes highlight specific qualities or characteristics of the subjects being compared.
Enhanced Description: They enrich descriptions by making them more colorful and evocative.
Emotional Effect: Similes can evoke emotions by associating feelings or experiences with concrete images or experiences.
Overall, similes are effective literary devices that help writers, and poets to engage readers, create memorable descriptions, and convey complex ideas or emotions through simple and relatable comparisons.
2. Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another for rhetorical effect. It asserts that two things are alike in some way, often without using the words "like" or "as," which are used in similes. Metaphors can be straightforward or more complex, and they are used to convey deeper meanings, create imagery, and provoke thought. Here are some examples of metaphors with explanations and usage in sentences:
Examples of Metaphors in Literature
"Life is a journey": This metaphor suggests that life is similar to a journey, with its various paths, obstacles, and destinations, implying that life is full of experiences and adventures.
Sentence: "Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns."
"The world’s a stage" from William Shakespeare's play “ As You Like It”: Shakespeare compares the world to a stage and people to actors, suggesting that life is like a theatrical performance where everyone plays different roles.
Sentence:"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts”,"Time is a thief": This metaphor suggests that time steals moments and opportunities from us, emphasizing its fleeting nature.
Sentence: "She lamented how quickly her children had grown up, feeling as if time had been a thief."
"Her eyes were sparkling diamonds": This metaphor compares her eyes to diamonds, suggesting they are bright, beautiful, and captivating.
Sentence: "When she smiled, her eyes were sparkling diamonds, lighting up the room."
"The classroom was a zoo": This metaphor compares the classroom to a zoo, implying it was noisy and chaotic.
Sentence: "During the last period on a Friday, the classroom was a zoo."
"The stormy sea was a raging beast": This metaphor compares the sea during a storm to a wild/furious, uncontrollable beast, emphasizing its power and danger.
Sentence: "The stormy sea was a raging beast, tossing the small boat mercilessly."
7. "His heart is a cold iron": This metaphor compares his heart to cold iron, suggesting he is unemotional and unfeeling.
Sentence: "After the betrayal, his heart became a cold iron, impervious (not allowing) to love."
8. "The snow was a white blanket covering the earth": This metaphor compares the snow to a blanket, suggesting it gently and completely covered the ground.
Sentence: "The snow was a white blanket covering the earth, muffling all sounds." ( muffle: enfold, envelop, cloak, cover up, wrap)
9. "She has a heart of gold": This metaphor suggests that she is very kind and generous.
Sentence: "Everyone loved her because she has a heart of gold."
10. "The city is a jungle": This metaphor compares the city to a jungle, suggesting it is wild, chaotic, and full of danger.
Sentence: "Navigating through the bustling streets, he felt like the city was a jungle.
Examples in Poetry
"Hope is the thing with feathers" from Emily Dickinson's poem: This metaphor compares hope to a bird, suggesting it is light, uplifting, and resilient.
Sentence: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches (rest, sit, settle) in the soul."
"The sun was a golden coin": This metaphor compares the sun to a golden coin, emphasizing its brightness and value.
Sentence: "As it set, the sun was a golden coin, slipping beneath the horizon."
Explanation and Usage
Metaphors serve several purposes in writing and speech:
Vivid Imagery: They create striking and memorable images by comparing two unlike things directly.
Emphasis: Metaphors highlight specific qualities or characteristics of the subjects being compared.
Enhanced Description: They enrich descriptions by adding layers of meaning and making them more engaging.
Emotional Impact: Metaphors can evoke strong emotions by connecting familiar experiences or objects with deeper meanings.
Overall, metaphors are powerful literary devices that enhance the richness and depth of language, making writing more impactful and expressive.
3. Personification
Personification is a literary device where human traits, emotions, or actions are attributed to non-human entities, objects, or abstract concepts. This helps create vivid imagery and can evoke emotional responses from readers. Here are some examples of personification with explanations and usage in sentences:
Example from poetry:
In William Wordsworth's poem Daffodils: "Ten thousand saw I at a glance, / Tossing their heads in sprightly dance."
Explanation: Wordsworth personifies the daffodils by attributing them with the human action of "tossing their heads," which emphasizes their lively and joyful movement.
In the poem "The Rain" by W. H. Davies, states “I hear leaves drinking rain;” personifies leaves by describing them as "drinking" the rain, which gives them a sense of vitality, liveliness.
The poem “ Mowing” by Robert Frost also personifies the scythe. The scythe is given human qualities by being described as whispering.
From Emily Dickinson's poem Because I could not stop for Death: "He kindly stopped for me – / The Carriage held but just Ourselves – / And Immortality."
Explanation: Dickinson personifies Death as a courteous and patient carriage driver, transforming the abstract concept of death into a tangible figure.
From Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference."
Explanation: Frost personifies the two roads by suggesting they diverge and present choices, as if they are sentient (alive, person) paths guiding the speaker's decision-making.
Example from Literature:
In Shakespeare's play Macbeth: "Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires."
Explanation: Shakespeare personifies the stars by suggesting that they can hide or conceal themselves, as if they have awareness, and consciousness.
Examples in Sentences
Sentence Example:
"The old house groaned/cried as the wind rattled/shaked its windows."
Explanation: The house is personified with the human action of "groaning," which makes it seem as if the house is expressing discomfort or distress.
Sentence Example:
"The sun smiled down on the children playing in the park."
Explanation: The sun is personified with the human action of "smiling," attributing it with a cheerful and benevolent demeanor(attitude, manner).
Sentence Example:
"Time flies when you're having fun."
Explanation: Time is personified as if it has wings and the ability to "fly," which makes the concept of time passing quickly more tangible and relatable.
"The wind whispered through the trees."
Explanation: The wind is given the human ability to whisper, suggesting a gentle and quiet movement through the trees.
Sentence: "As night fell, the wind whispered through the trees, creating a soothing lullaby."
"The sun smiled down on the village."
Explanation: The sun is personified by being given the human action of smiling, indicating warmth and brightness.
Sentence: "On the summer morning, the sun smiled down on the village, promising a beautiful day."
Explanation and Usage
Personification serves several purposes in literature and everyday language:
Vivid Description: It helps create vivid and imaginative descriptions by making abstract concepts or inanimate objects more relatable and understandable.
Emotional Impact: It can evoke emotional responses from readers by attributing human emotions or behaviors to non-human entities.
Enhanced Narrative: It enriches storytelling by giving life and personality to characters, settings, or ideas that might otherwise seem ordinary or abstract.
Overall, personification is a powerful literary device that allows writers to bring their writing to life, making it more engaging and meaningful for readers by humanizing the non-human aspects of their narratives.
Examples in Literature
"The wind whispered through the trees."
Explanation: The wind is given the human ability to whisper, suggesting a gentle and quiet movement through the trees.
Sentence: "As night fell, the wind whispered through the trees, creating a soothing lullaby."
"The sun smiled down on the village."
Explanation: The sun is personified by being given the human action of smiling, indicating warmth and brightness.
Sentence: "On the summer morning, the sun smiled down on the village, promising a beautiful day."
"Time marches on."
Explanation: Time is given the human ability to march, suggesting its relentless and steady progress.
Sentence: "Despite their efforts to hold onto the past, time marches on."
"The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky."
Explanation: The stars are given the human action of dancing, suggesting their twinkling and movement in the sky.
Sentence: "On the clear night, the stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky."
"The last piece of cake was calling my name."
Explanation: The piece of cake is personified by being given the human ability to call out, indicating its tempting allure.
Sentence: "Even after dinner, the last piece of cake was calling my name, urging me to indulge."
Examples in Sentences
"The old house groaned under the weight of the heavy snow."
Explanation: The house is given the human action of groaning, suggesting the strain it feels under the weight of the snow.
Sentence: "During the blizzard, the old house groaned under the weight of the heavy snow."
"The flowers nodded their heads as the breeze passed by."
Explanation: The flowers are given the human action of nodding, suggesting their movement in the wind.
Sentence: "In the garden, the flowers nodded their heads as the breeze passed by."
"The car engine coughed and sputtered before finally starting."
Explanation: The car engine is personified by being given the human actions of coughing and sputtering, suggesting its difficulty in starting.
Sentence: "On the cold morning, the car engine coughed and sputtered before finally starting."
"The river swallowed the fallen leaves without a trace."
Explanation: The river is given the human ability to swallow, suggesting its capacity to absorb and carry away the leaves.
Sentence: "As autumn progressed, the river swallowed the fallen leaves without a trace."
"The city never sleeps."
Explanation: The city is given the human ability to sleep, indicating its constant activity and liveliness.
Sentence: "Known for its bustling nightlife and 24-hour culture, New York is a city that never sleeps."
Examples in Poetry
"Death is the mother of beauty" - Wallace Stevens
Explanation: Death is personified as a nurturing figure, suggesting that it creates and enhances beauty.
Sentence: "In the cycle of life, death is the mother of beauty, giving birth to new beginnings."
"The moon gazed down at the sleeping village":
Explanation: The moon is given the human action of gazing, suggesting its silent observation over the village.
Sentence: "As the night deepened, the moon gazed down at the sleeping village, casting a silver glow."
Explanation and Usage
Personification serves several purposes in writing:
Vivid Imagery: It creates vivid and relatable images by attributing human characteristics to non-human elements.
Emotional Impact: It can evoke emotions and empathy by making abstract or inanimate things seem more familiar and alive.
Enhanced Description: It enriches descriptions, making them more engaging and imaginative.
Symbolism: It can symbolize broader themes and ideas, making the writing more layered and meaningful.
Overall, personification is a powerful tool in both poetry and prose, enhancing the depth and expressiveness of the language.
4. Hyperbole
Exaggeration for emphasis or effect. Hyperbole is a common and powerful tool in language, often used to create vivid images or convey strong emotions.
"I've told you a million times to clean your room." (Here, the speaker hasn't actually said it a million times, but they want to stress that they've mentioned it often).
Hyperbole is a rhetorical device that involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. It's used to create emphasis or effect. Here are some examples of hyperbole in various contexts:
Literature:
In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: "A thousand times good night." (Juliet exaggerates to express how much she wants to keep saying goodnight to Romeo.)
In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: "People moved slowly then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of the stores around it, took their time about everything." (This exaggeration conveys the slow, relaxed pace of life in the town.
Everyday Conversation:
"I'm so hungry I could eat a cow." (This exaggeration emphasizes extreme hunger.)
"I've told you a million times to clean your room." (Here, the speaker hasn't actually said it a million times, but they want to stress that they've mentioned it often.)
"The best coffee in the world." (Companies often use hyperbole to claim their products are the best.)
"This car can save you thousands." (While savings are possible, the amount is likely exaggerated.)
"That player is unstoppable!" (No player is truly unstoppable, but the commentator is emphasizing the player's exceptional skill.)
"The crowd went wild." (While the crowd may be excited, they are not literally going wild.)
"He’s running faster than the speed of light." (it describes someone running very fast.)
"She’s got a ton of homework." (The amount of homework isn't literally a ton, but it’s a lot.)
Hyperbole is a common and powerful tool in language, often used to create vivid images or convey strong emotions.
5.Understatement:
Understatement is a literary device used to downplay the significance or intensity of something, often for ironic or comedic effect. It involves presenting something as less important, less serious, than it actually is. Here are some examples of understatement with explanations and usage in sentences.
Examples:
"I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain."
Explanation: Here, the speaker uses understatement to minimize the seriousness of their medical condition, perhaps to alleviate worry or to downplay the reality of their situation.
2. "The weather's a bit inclement (cold) today."
Explanation: This understatement could refer to a stormy or severe weather condition, playing down its impact.
3. "It rained a bit more than usual."
Explanation: This understatement might refer to a severe flood, downplaying the extent of the rainfall.
Sentence: "After the week-long storm that flooded the streets, she said, 'It rained a bit more than usual.'"
4. "It's just a scratch."
Explanation: This understatement might be used when referring to a more . serious injury, downplaying its severity.
Sentence: "Even though his arm was bleeding profusely, he insisted, 'It's just a scratch.'
5. "He's not the worst cook."
Explanation: This understatement implies that someone is actually a very poor cook, without stating it directly.
Sentence: "After tasting the burnt and undercooked meal, she diplomatically said, 'He's not the worst cook.'"
Literary Example:
In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Mr. Bennet comments on his wife's excessive nerves: "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends."
Explanation: Mr. Bennet uses understatement to humorously downplay . Mrs. Bennet's constant anxiety and exaggeration.
Another example from the same novel: Quote: "I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it himself without disguise."
Explanation: Elizabeth Bennet ironically understates Mr. Darcy's pride by saying he "has no defect," highlighting his arrogance.
Sentence: "After hearing Mr. Darcy's self-assured confession, Elizabeth dryly commented, 'I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect.'"
Quote: "It's just a little water, more or less."
Explanation: From Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn:
Huck is referring to the Mississippi River, downplaying its vastness and power by calling it "just a little water."
Sentence: "As they floated down the mighty river, Huck remarked, 'It's just a little water, more or less.'"
Purpose and Effect
Understatement serves several purposes in writing and conversation:
Irony and Humor: It can create irony by emphasizing the difference between what is said and what is actually meant, leading to a humorous effect.
Emotional Restraint: It can be used to maintain composure or to avoid overstating emotions or situations that might be sensitive or difficult.
Cultural Norms: In some cultures, understatement is a stylistic choice that reflects modesty or humility.
Overall, understatement is a versatile literary device that adds nuance and complexity to language, allowing speakers and writers to subtly convey meaning while inviting interpretation and reflection from the audience.
6. Alliteration
The repetition of the initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore".
Alliteration is a literary device where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of closely connected words. It is used to create rhythm, mood, and emphasis in both poetry and prose. Here are some examples of alliteration with explanations and usage in sentences:
Examples in Literature
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge:
Example: "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, / The furrow followed free."
Explanation: The repetition of the "f" and "b" sounds creates a rhythmic and musical quality, emphasizing the movement and freedom of the ship.
"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare:
Example: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair: / Hover through the fog and filthy air."
Explanation: The repetition of the "f" sound emphasizes the theme of deception and the unsettling atmosphere.
Examples in Sentences
"The silent sea softly shimmered under the silver moon."
Explanation: The repetition of the "s" sound creates a soothing and tranquil mood, enhancing the imagery of the sea.
"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
Explanation: The repetition of the "p" sound makes the sentence playful and memorable, typical of a tongue twister.
"Bright birds bathed in the bubbling brook."
Explanation: The repetition of the "b" sound creates a cheerful and lively image of birds enjoying the water.
Examples in Poetry
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe:
Example: "And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain."
Explanation: The repetition of the "s" sound adds to the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the poem.
Explanation and Usage
Alliteration serves several key purposes in writing:
Rhythm and Musicality: It adds a musical quality to the text, making it more enjoyable to read and listen to.
Mood and Atmosphere: The repeated sounds can help set the mood or tone of a piece. For example, soft consonants like "s" can create a soothing or mysterious mood, while harsh consonants like "t" or "k" can create a tense or energetic atmosphere.
Emphasis: By repeating certain sounds, writers can draw attention to specific words or themes, making them more memorable.
Unity and Cohesion: Alliteration can tie together different parts of a sentence or stanza, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
Alliteration is a versatile literary device that enhances the texture and auditory appeal of language, enriching both poetry and prose with its rhythmic and resonant qualities.
7. Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds in the nearby words.
Example: The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.
Assonance is a literary device characterized by the repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity in a sentence or phrase. Here are some examples of assonance with explanations and usage in sentences:
Examples in Sentences
In a Sentence:
"The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain."
Explanation: The repetition of the "ai" sound in "rain," "Spain," "mainly," and "plain" creates a musical and memorable phrase.
In a Sentence:
"He seems to beam rays of sunshine with his eyes of green."
Explanation: The repetition of the long "e" sound in "seems," "beam," "rays," "green," and "eyes" creates a lyrical effect.
Examples in Literature
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe:
Example: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary."
Explanation: The repetition of the long "e" sound in "dreary," "weary," and "weak" creates a somber/dull and rhythmic quality. Dreary means colourless/dull, weary means exhausted.
"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas:
Example: "Old age should burn and rave at close of day; / Rage, rage, against the dying of the light."
Explanation: The repetition of the long "a" sound in "rage" and "day" emphasizes the passionate plea of the poem.
"Early Moon" by Carl Sandburg:
Example: "Poetry is old, ancient, goes back far. It is among the oldest living things."
Explanation: The repetition of the long "o" sound in "old," "goes," and "oldest" gives the sentence a rhythmic and enduring quality.
Examples in Poetry
"The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe:
Example: "Hear the mellow wedding bells, Golden bells! What a world of happiness their harmony foretells!"
Explanation: The repetition of the "e" sound in "bells," "Golden," "happiness," and "harmony" enhances the musical quality of the poem.
"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth:
Example: "A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."
Explanation: The repetition of the "o" sound in "host" and "golden" and the "e" sound in "beneath," "trees," and "breeze" creates a harmonious and serene imagery.
Explanation and Usage
Assonance serves several purposes in writing:
Musicality: It adds a musical quality to poetry and prose, making the language more engaging and enjoyable to read.
Mood and Atmosphere: By repeating specific vowel sounds, writers can enhance the mood or atmosphere of a piece. For example, long vowel sounds can create a somber or contemplative mood, while short vowel sounds can add a sense of urgency or brightness.
Emphasis: Repetition of vowel sounds can draw attention to particular words or themes, emphasizing their importance in the text.
Unity and Cohesion: Assonance can help to tie together different parts of a sentence or stanza, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
Assonance is a subtle yet powerful literary device that enhances the texture and auditory appeal of language, enriching both poetry and prose with its rhythmic and resonant qualities.
8. Onomatopoeia:
Words that imitate natural sounds.
Onomatopoeia is a literary device where words mimic the natural sounds associated with objects or actions they refer to. These words sound like what they represent, adding a layer of vividness and sensory experience to the language. Here are some examples of onomatopoeia in different contexts:
Animal Sounds:
"Moo": The sound a cow makes.
"Quack": The sound a duck makes.
"Bark": The sound a dog makes.
"Meow": The sound a cat makes.
"Chirp": The sound a bird makes.
Nature Sounds:
"Splash": The sound of something hitting water.
"Rustle": The sound of leaves moving in the wind. Make a soft crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper
"Buzz": The sound a bee makes.
"Crackle": The sound of a fire burning.
"Boom": The sound of thunder.
Human Sounds:
"Giggle": The sound of laughter.
"Whisper": The sound of someone speaking softly.
"Cough": The sound of someone coughing.
"Sneeze": The sound of someone sneezing.
"Hiccup": The sound of a hiccup.
Machine and Object Sounds:
"Clang": The sound of metal striking metal.
"Beep": The sound of a car horn or electronic device.
"Whirr": The sound of a machine operating.
"Clatter": The sound of objects falling and hitting each other.
"Thud": The sound of something heavy hitting the ground.
Action Sounds:
"Sizzle": The sound of something frying.
"Pop": The sound of a balloon bursting or popcorn popping.
"Crunch": The sound of biting into something crisp.
"Snap": The sound of breaking a twig.
"Slurp": The sound of drinking something noisily.
“Bang”: A sudden loud noise
Clap: strike the palms together repeatedly
Bump: collide with something
Smash: to break into pieces
Tap: to hit something gently or often repeatedly
Onomatopoeia enhances the sensory experience of language by imitating real-world sounds, making descriptions more vivid and engaging for the reader or listener.
Written Example in the sentences:
Animal Sounds:
The cow's "moo" echoed across the quiet farm.
The ducks quacked loudly as they waddled (walk with short steps) towards the pond.
The dog barked furiously at the mailman.
I heard the cat's soft "meow" as it rubbed against my leg.
The morning was filled with the cheerful chirping of birds.
The bees buzzed in the garden.
Nature Sounds:
She loved the soothing sound of the waves splashing against the shore.
The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze.
The bees buzzed busily around the garden.
The campfire crackled as we toasted marshmallows.
Human Sounds:
The children giggled as they played hide and seek.
She whispered a secret into his ear.
He couldn't stop coughing during the movie.
She hiccupped repeatedly after drinking the fizzy soda.
Machine and Object Sounds:
The blacksmith's hammer clanged against the anvil(heavy steel).
The alarm clock beeped incessantly (without interruption,constantly) until she turned it off.
The fan whirred softly in the background.
The dishes clattered noisily in the sink.
The heavy box hit the floor with a loud thud.
Action Sounds:
The chicken leg sizzled in the pan, filling the kitchen with a delicious aroma.
The balloon popped with a sharp bang.
He enjoyed the satisfying crunch of the fresh apple.
She snapped the pencil in frustration.
He slurped his soup loudly, much to his mother's annoyance.
These examples show how onomatopoeic words can bring scenes to life by mimicking the sounds associated with the actions, objects, or animals described.
9. Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposing ideas or terms to create a paradoxical effect. Despite appearing contradictory, an oxymoron is often used to convey a deeper truth, complexity, or ambiguity.
Examples of oxymorons include:
"Living dead": This oxymoron combines "living" and "dead," two opposite states.
"Bittersweet": This term blends "bitter" and "sweet," two opposing tastes. It describes a situation or feeling that has both positive and negative aspects.
"Jumbo shrimp": This oxymoron pairs "jumbo" (large) with "shrimp" (a term often used to describe something small). It highlights the paradox of a large item being described with a term that usually means small.
"Act naturally"
"Clearly confused"
"Seriously funny"
"Pretty ugly"
"Original copy"
"Only choice"
"Same difference"
"Virtual reality"
"Old news"
"Minor crisis"
10. Irony
Irony is a literary or rhetorical device in which there is a contrast or incongruity/inappropriateness between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs or is said. It's often characterized by a discrepancy/difference between appearance and reality, resulting in humor, surprise, or a deeper meaning. Irony is a literary and rhetorical device where there is a discrepancy between expectation and reality. It can be used to create humor, emphasize a point, or add depth to a narrative. There are three main types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Here are explanations and examples of each:
Verbal Irony: Verbal irony occurs when someone says something but means the opposite. It's often similar to sarcasm.
Example 1: On a rainy day, someone might say, "What lovely weather we're having!"
Example 2: After failing a test, a student might say, "Oh, great, just what I needed!"
Situational Irony: Situational irony happens when there is a stark difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.
Example 1: A fire station burns down. (One would expect a fire station to be the least likely place to catch fire.)
Example 2: A professional thief’s house is burglarized while he is out stealing. (It is ironic because the thief, who steals from others, becomes a victim of theft.)
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating a sense of tension or humor.
Example 1: In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead, but Romeo does not, leading to tragic consequences.
Example 2: In a horror movie, the audience might know that the killer is hiding in the closet, but the protagonist does not, creating suspense.
Examples in Sentences:
Verbal Irony:
"Oh, fantastic," she said, looking at the spilled coffee all over her report. (She doesn't actually think it's fantastic.)
"You’ve been so helpful," he said to the person who was actually hindering the project. (He means the opposite of helpful.)
Situational Irony:
The police station was robbed last night. (One would expect a police station to be secure from crime.)
A pilot who is afraid of heights. (One would expect a pilot to be comfortable with heights.)
Dramatic Irony:
In Oedipus Rex, the audience knows that Oedipus himself is the murderer he seeks, but he remains unaware until the climax.
In Titanic, the audience knows that the ship will sink, but the characters believe it is unsinkable and enjoy their journey.
Irony adds layers of meaning to a text or conversation, often highlighting the contrast between appearances and underlying truths.
Example:
a. It is ironic that a fire station burned down.
b. "What a lovely day!" during a thunderstorm.
11. Metonymy:
Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted with another that is closely associated with it. This rhetorical device allows for more poetic or evocative expressions by referring to something by one of its characteristics or attributes. Metonymy enhances language by allowing more creative and concise expressions, often adding a layer of cultural or contextual meaning that deepens the reader's or listener's understanding.
Here are some examples of metonymy along with explanations and sentences demonstrating their use:
The Crown:
Meaning: Refers to a monarchy or royal authority.
Example: The Crown imposed new taxes on the colonies.
The White House:
Meaning: Refers to the President of the United States or the executive branch of the government.
Example: The White House issued a statement on the new policy.
Hollywood:
Meaning: Refers to the American film and entertainment industry.
Example: Hollywood is known for its glamorous lifestyle and blockbuster movies.
Wall Street:
Meaning: Refers to the financial markets or the financial industry in the United States.
Example: Wall Street reacted positively to the news of the merger.
The Pen:
Meaning: Refers to writing or the act of writing (from the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword").
Example: The pen has more power to change the world than violence.
The Press:
Meaning: Refers to the news media or journalism.
Example: The press has a responsibility to report the truth.
The Stage:
Meaning: Refers to the theatrical profession or drama.
Example: She decided to pursue a career on the stage.
The Suit:
Meaning: Refers to business executives or professionals.
Example: The suits in the boardroom made the final decision.
Silicon Valley:
Meaning: Refers to the tech industry or technology companies in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Example: Silicon Valley continues to drive innovation in technology.
12. Litotes
Litotes is a figure of speech in which a statement is made by negating its opposite. It's a form of understatement, where the speaker uses a negative statement to express a positive sentiment. Litotes are often used to emphasize an idea or to add rhetorical effect by stating something indirectly.
For example:
a. "She's not bad looking" instead of "She's attractive."
b. "He's no genius" instead of "He's not very intelligent."
c. "The weather isn't too bad today" instead of "The weather is good today."
Litotes can be found in literature, everyday speech, and rhetoric. It's a subtle way of conveying meaning and can add nuance or emphasis to a statement.
Example: "That was not bad," meaning it was actually very good.
13. Euphemism
A euphemism is a figure of speech in which a milder, less direct, or less offensive word or phrase is substituted for one that might be considered harsh, blunt, or unpleasant. Euphemisms are often used to soften the impact of sensitive or taboo topics, to convey politeness, or to avoid causing offense. They can also be used to make something sound more appealing or less frightening.
For example:
a. "Passed away" instead of "died"
b. "Let go" instead of "fired"
c. "Correctional facility" instead of "prison"
d. "Economically disadvantaged" instead of "poor".
C. Senior citizen instead of old person.
Euphemisms are mild or indirect words or expressions used to replace those considered too harsh or blunt.
14. Consonance
Consonance is a literary device characterized by the repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity, especially at the end of words. It differs from alliteration, which involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds. Consonance can add rhythm, musicality, and emphasis to both poetry and prose. Here are some examples of consonance with explanations and usage in sentences:
Examples with Explanations:
"pitter-patter":
The repeated "t" and "r" sounds mimic the sound of raindrops.
Example: The pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof was soothing.
"blank and think":
The repetition of the "nk" sound ties the words together, adding a rhythmic quality.
Example: She sat there, staring blank and think, lost in her thoughts.
"strong and string":
The "ng" sound in both words creates a harmonious effect.
Example: The strong string held the kite steady in the wind.
"The lumpy, bumpy road":
The "mp" sound in both adjectives emphasizes the unevenness of the road.
Example: We drove down the lumpy, bumpy road, feeling every jolt.
"Mike likes his new bike":
The repetition of the "k" sound at the end of each word adds a playful rhythm.
Example: Mike likes his new bike so much that he rides it every day.
Examples in Sentences:
"The black sack is in the back":
The repetition of the "ck" sound creates a pleasing auditory effect.
Example: The black sack is in the back of the truck, filled with old clothes.
"He struck a streak of bad luck":
The repeated "ck" sound emphasizes the impact and suddenness of the bad luck.