LANGUAGE
FIGURES OF SPEECH:
We use Figures of Speech to create images or mind-pictures in order to express ourselves virtually,
imaginatively, and powerfully.
Simile: A direct comparison that always contains the words “as” or “like”.
Metaphor: A comparison without the use of “as” or “like”. It refers to one person or object
being like another, and the comparison is implied rather than stated directly.
Extended metaphors: These are recurring metaphors or analogies. They are extended
over a passage or throughout a poem.
Mixed metaphors: These are incongruous and incompatible terms used to describe the
same object or event. Mixed metaphors should be avoided as they contradict one
another.
Personification: Gives human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Personification
and metaphors are similar as they are both indirect comparisons.
Apostrophe: An abstract idea, an inanimate, or a person who is no longer living is addressed or
spoken to as if it were human.
Allusion: This is either a direct or an indirect referral to a particular aspect. Many poets allude to
Bible stories in their poems.
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. It often highlights
the expression of movement.
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds. Short vowel sounds may create a mood of speed,
vitality, joy, or suspense. Long vowel sounds slow down the pace and temper the mood.
Onomatopoeia: Uses words that imitate and reproduce real-life sounds and actions. This sound
effect heightens the visual effect.
Rhyme: Rhyme depends on sound, rather than on the written word. It is used for effect.
Antithesis: Compares and contradicts ideas or statements within a sentence.
Example: Don’t underestimate him; he’s a mouse in stature, a lion in strength.
Oxymoron: Places two seemingly contradictory words next to each other. On analysis, these
words evoke a powerful image.
Example: The mother waved her son off to war with painful pride.
Paradox: A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement which, when analyzed, is found to be
true.
Example: “You will kill him with your kindness”.
Sarcasm: Like irony, sarcasm occurs when one thing is said, but something else is intended or
understood. However, sarcasm is used with the express purpose of hurting, insulting, or
humiliating.
FIGURES OF SPEECH:
We use Figures of Speech to create images or mind-pictures in order to express ourselves virtually,
imaginatively, and powerfully.
Simile: A direct comparison that always contains the words “as” or “like”.
Metaphor: A comparison without the use of “as” or “like”. It refers to one person or object
being like another, and the comparison is implied rather than stated directly.
Extended metaphors: These are recurring metaphors or analogies. They are extended
over a passage or throughout a poem.
Mixed metaphors: These are incongruous and incompatible terms used to describe the
same object or event. Mixed metaphors should be avoided as they contradict one
another.
Personification: Gives human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Personification
and metaphors are similar as they are both indirect comparisons.
Apostrophe: An abstract idea, an inanimate, or a person who is no longer living is addressed or
spoken to as if it were human.
Allusion: This is either a direct or an indirect referral to a particular aspect. Many poets allude to
Bible stories in their poems.
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. It often highlights
the expression of movement.
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds. Short vowel sounds may create a mood of speed,
vitality, joy, or suspense. Long vowel sounds slow down the pace and temper the mood.
Onomatopoeia: Uses words that imitate and reproduce real-life sounds and actions. This sound
effect heightens the visual effect.
Rhyme: Rhyme depends on sound, rather than on the written word. It is used for effect.
Antithesis: Compares and contradicts ideas or statements within a sentence.
Example: Don’t underestimate him; he’s a mouse in stature, a lion in strength.
Oxymoron: Places two seemingly contradictory words next to each other. On analysis, these
words evoke a powerful image.
Example: The mother waved her son off to war with painful pride.
Paradox: A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement which, when analyzed, is found to be
true.
Example: “You will kill him with your kindness”.
Sarcasm: Like irony, sarcasm occurs when one thing is said, but something else is intended or
understood. However, sarcasm is used with the express purpose of hurting, insulting, or
humiliating.
