Figure of Speech

Figures of Speech

by John Mark Pajarillo

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A simile is a figure of speech in which two essentially dissimilar objects or concepts are expressly compared with one another through the use of “like” or “as.” Simile is used as a literary device to assert similarity with the help of like or as, which are language constructs that establish equivalency. A proper simile creates an explicit comparison between two things that are different enough from each other such that their comparability appears unlikely.

​SIMILE

• Nutty as a fruitcake

• Slept like a log

• Sly as a fox

• Fits like a glove

• Cool as a cucumber

• Blind as a bat

​Examples:

It is an informal or implied simile in which the words “like’ ‘as’ are avoided. For example, “He is like a Giant. (Simile) “and “He is a Giant. (metaphor)”. 

METHAPOR

• You are an apple of my eye.

• Ocean’s sound is music to my ear.

Examples:

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APOSTROPHE

​ In this figure of speech, the writer mentions the absent or inanimate objects as alive and writes about them.

​METONYMY

​Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one object or idea takes the place of another with which it has a close association. In fact, metonymy means “change of name.” As a literary device, it is a way of replacing an object or idea with something related to it instead of stating what is actually meant. Metonymy enables writers to express a word or thought in a different way by using a closely related word or thought. Therefore, this is a method for writers to vary their expression and produce an effect for the reader.

​Examples:

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I need to decide if I will go Greek in college next year. (Greek is metonymy for sorority or fraternity membership)

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I met him at the reception when he took me for a spin during a slow song. (Spin is metonymy for dance)

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​IRONY

​Irony is a literary device in which contradictory statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true. There are many forms of irony featured in literature. The effectiveness of irony as a literary device depends on the reader’s expectations and understanding of the disparity between what “should” happen and what “actually” happens in a literary work. This can be in the form of an unforeseen outcome of an event, a character’s unanticipated behavior, or something incongruous that is said.

​Telling a quiet group, “don’t everybody speak all at once”

Coming home to a big mess and saying, “it’s great to be back”

Telling a rude customer to “have a nice day”

Walking into an empty theater and asking, “it’s too crowded”

Stating during a thunderstorm, “beautiful weather we’re having”

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​Examples:

​OXYMORON

​Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader.

Examples:

• My sister and I had a friendly fight over the lipstick.

• ​I think the professor stated his unbiased opinion regarding the student response.

• ​Sarah ate the whole piece of pie.

• ​You look awfully pretty in that coat.

​ALLITERATION

Alliteration is a literary device that reflects repetition in two or more nearby words of initial consonant sounds. Alliteration does not refer to the repetition of consonant letters that begin words, but rather the repetition of the consonant sound at the beginning of words. For example, the phrase “kids’ coats” is alliterative; though the words begin with different consonant letters, they produce the same consonant sounds. Similarly, the phrase “phony people” is not alliterative; though both words begin with the same consonant, the initial consonant sounds are different. In addition, for alliteration to be effective, alliterative words should flow in quick succession. If there are too many non-alliterative words in between, then the literary device is not purposeful.

​Examples:

​Many artists and writers also utilize alliteration for fictional character names. This literary device allows for the creation of memorable as well as fun-sounding names, particularly in terms of children’s entertainment or literature. Here are some examples of alliteration in fictional character names:

• Lois Lane

• Peter Parker

• Wonder Woman

• Miss Muffet

• Bob the Builder

• Wicked Witch of the West

• Mickey Mouse

• Minnie Mouse

• Bugs Bunny

• Daffy Duck