Figurative Language and the Types of Figure of Speech

Figurative Language:

This refers to the use of figures of speech to make a written piece more impactful and effective.

A figure of Speech – It is a literary device/technique that follows expressive language. Words are used in other ways than their literal meaning or typical manner of application to create an effect or vivid picture in the mind of readers.

Types of Figures of Speech

• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Hyperbole
• Onomatopoeia

Simile:

It is used as a literary device to explicitly compare two essentially dissimilar objects or concepts. It uses the words – ‘like’ or ‘as’ for comparison.

Example

• I slept like a log.
• His tone is as flat as a pancake.
• He is cool as a cucumber.
• This dress fits me like a glove in my hand.
•  She is as strong as an ox.
• My mouth was as dry as a bone.
• They fought like cats and dogs.
• The tall boy stood out like a sore thumb in the queue.
• He is as brave as a lion.
• The house is as clean as a whistle.
• She swims like a fish.

Simile Example in Literature

O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,

That’s newly sprung in June;

O my Luve’s like the melodie

That’s sweetly played in tune

(In this stanza of the poem, the poet compares the person he loves with a red rose and melody (song))

A library is like an island in the middle of a vast sea of ignorance, particularly if the library is very tall and the surrounding area has been flooded.

(In these lines, the library is compared to an island. Readers understand that the library is a safe and protective place against ignorance)

Metaphor:

It is used as a literary device to implicitly compare two non-similar objects or concepts, without the use of words ‘like’ or ‘as’. It asserts that two things are identical in comparison.

 Example

Metaphor Example in Literature

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And that would suffice.

In this stanza, the poet refers to two destructive forces, which are not in the literal sense – Fire and Ice. Fire metaphorically means destructive forces related to desire like power and wealth. Ice metaphorically means destructive forces related to hate like prejudice and hostility.

Personification:

It is used as a literary device to give human attributes and/or feelings to an idea or a thing. Writers bring life to inanimate objects, animals, or even ideas. They display emotions and human behavior like any other human.

Personification Example in Sentences

• The alarm clock screamed at me.
• Can you see that star winking at you?
• The strong wind howled so loudly.
• Sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds this morning.
• The camera loves her, as she pouts.
• Flowers in the garden were begging for some rain.
• My pen is drop-dead tired. Can’t move an inch!

Personification Example In Literature

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

The night was creeping on the ground;

She crept and did not make a sound

Hyperbole:

It is used as a literary device to create a heightened effect through deliberate exaggeration. Overstated statement to grab readers’ attention.

Hyperbole Example in Sentences

• I‘m so hungry that I could eat a horse.
• This briefcase weighs a ton.
• It was so cold; even the polar bear wore a jacket
• The bike went faster than the speed of light
• I would move a mountain for a cup of coffee right now

Onomatopoeia:

It is defined as a word that imitates the natural sounds of a thing. It creates a sound effect that makes description appealing to readers.

Onomatopoeia Example In Sentences

• The buzzing bee is annoying me.
• The suitcase fell into the river with a splash.
• He smashed the door in anger.
• The fluttering leaves kept me awake.

Onomatopoeia Example In Literature

“He saw nothing and heard nothing but he could feel his heart pounding and then he heard the clack on stone and the leaping, dropping clicks of a small rock falling.”