A figure of speech is a word or phrase using figurative language—language that has
other meaning than its normal definition. In other words, figures of speeches rely on
implied or suggested meaning, rather than a dictionary definition. We express and
develop them through hundreds of different rhetorical techniques, from specific
types like metaphors and similes, to more general forms like sarcasm and slang.
Figures of speech make up a huge portion of the English language, making it more
creative, more expressive, and just more interesting! Many have been around for
hundreds of years—some even thousands—and more are added to our language
essentially every day. This article will focus on a few key forms of figures of speech,
but remember, the types are nearly endless!
Figure of speech is not only used to embellish the language, but also cause a
moment of excitement when reading. It is used equally in writing as well as in
speech. It, in fact, provides emphasis, clarity or freshness to expression. Clarity,
however, may sometimes suffer because a figure of speech introduces double
meanings such as connotative and denotative meanings. It also strengthens the
creative expression and description along with making the language more graphic,
pointed and vivid.
Objectives:
Students will review figurative language and discuss its effect in particular selections.
Students will:
identify the use of figurative language, including simile, metaphor, metonymy,
personification, hyperbole, paradox, oxymoron, and allusion
analyze the effects of figurative language in particular selections.
begin a collection of individually chosen examples of the use of figurative
language, each example identified by type and its effectiveness briefly
analyzed.
Tasks:
1. Read and understand the figures of speech below.
2. Answer the given activities on a sheet of paper.
Discussion:
The Art of Language
Language is truly an art form. There are so many variations and intricacies available
that can convey several different meanings, all of which come together to serve one
main purpose: to communicate. Communication is crucial to the function of our
society, and we use many different methods to express meaning. One of the most
common methods involves figures of speech. Figures of speech are so common, you
most likely use them on a daily basis and don't even notice.
Figures of Speech
Figures of speech are plainly defined as saying one thing in terms of something else.
What does that mean? Well, it's simple, actually. Whenever you say something, but
you don't mean it literally, you are using a figure of speech. Let's say you are about
to head out to the store and your mother says, 'Ya better take a jacket; it's raining
cats and dogs out there.'
Does your mom literally mean animals are falling from the sky? Of course not. Her
meaning is that it is raining hard outside. So why doesn't she just say, 'Take a
jacket. It's raining!' Because figures of speech are meant to clarify and describe in
more detail. Rain itself has many different forms. It could be drizzling, sprinkling,
misting or even downpouring. Your mother used a figure of speech to clarify that the
rain is hard and would probably soak anyone caught in it. Figures of speech are very
useful in giving a more detailed and accurate description.
Types of Figures of Speech
1. A simile is a comparison of two persons or things which are unlike in most
respects. The simile uses like or as to signal the comparison.
Examples:
Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
Her cheeks are red like a rose
2. A metaphor is an implied comparison between two persons or things which are
unlike in most respects. It does not use like or as.
Example:
My brother was boiling mad
Her voice is music to his ears
3. Metonymy is the use of one word for another which suggests it.
Example:
The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen refers to written words and
sword to military force.)
Let me give you a hand. (Hand means help.)
4. Personification is the transfer of human characteristics to inanimate objects or
abstract qualities.
Example:
Look at my car. She is a beauty, isn’t it so?
The flowers danced in the gentle breeze.
5. Hyperbole is a statement greatly exaggerated for an aesthetic purpose.
Example:
My grandmother is as old as the hills
She is as heavy as an elephant!
6. A paradox is a statement that appears to be contradictory. It pairs two direct
opposites as if both could be true.
Example:
Your enemy’s friend is your enemy
Wise fool
7. Oxymoron is a specific kind of paradox. Most often the term is applied to
successive words, usually an adjective and a noun, that are contradictory.
Example:
Open secret
Seriously funny
Liquid gas
8. In allusion, a passing reference is made to an important historical or literary
figure or event.
Example:
“Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.” – “Romeo” is a reference
to Shakespeare’s Romeo, a passionate lover of Juliet, in “Romeo and
Juliet”
“This place is like a Garden of Eden.” – This is a biblical allusion to the
“garden of God” in the Book of Genesis.
All these figures of speech are important, but of course merely identifying
them is not enough. One must able to recognize them and feel the force of the
images they convey.
::Activity 1::
Tell what two things are compared in each of the following metaphors and
similes. Is the image effective? Why?
1. Friendship is the cementing of two minds.
- E. Chapman
2. Love is like flower: Friendship is a sheltering tree
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
3. Eternal smiles his emptiness
betray as shallow streams run
dimpling all the way.
- Edgar Allan Poe
4. He is as funny as a monkey.
5. Life is a string of many-colored beads.
::Activity 2::
I. Give what is asked for in the following items, pertaining to figures of speech used
in the given poems. (2 pts. each)
_________1. Identify the figure of speech used in the poem below.
One is amazed
By a water lily
Unfolding
With each passing day,
Taking on a richer color
And new dimensions.
One is not amazed,
At first glance;
By a poem
Which is as tight-closed
As a tiny bud..
_________2. What figure of speech is used in the poem below?
The trees are undressing, and fling
In many places-
On the gray road, the roof, the window
Sill-
II. Using full sentences, describe the following things as if they are people. (2 pts.
each)
Example: tuna fish sandwich
The soggy tuna fish sandwich drooled on the plate.
1. Morning sun
2. old chair
3. chiffon cake
III. Using the subjects below, create similes and metaphors to describe them. Use
different images for each. (2 pts. each).
Example: A falling leaf
Simile: A falling leaf is like a twirling ballerina.
Metaphor: A falling leaf is a spinning top.
1. a good basketball player
-Simile:
-Metaphor:
2. school
-Simile:
-Metaphor:
3. church
-Simile:
-Metaphor:
::Activity 3::
Group yourselves into three and collaborate to construct a 5-stanza poem using
what you have learned in our lesson, figures of speech.
Your poems will be performed in front of the class in chorus with your groupmates.
Criteria
