A figure of speech is a change from the ordinary manner of expression, using words in other than their

literal sense to enhance the way a thought is expressed.

(Refer to English Grammar p. 70 – 75)

Learn your figures of speech like you would learn your maths tables!

Memorise them!

You will NEVER be able to understand poetry or even literature if you do not

know your figures of speech off by heart.

Figures of speech can be “grouped” into different types:

Comparisons Sound devices Contradictions/Opposites Exaggeration

COMPARISONS

Simile Metaphor Personification Apostrophe Metonymy Synecdoche

A specific IMAGE is created by comparing one thing to another.

Simile

Example:

You look like a monkey.

A direct comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’. The things that are compared usually have ONE thing in common.

Metaphor

Example:

You are such a dog.

An indirect or implied comparison.

Personification

Example:

The sun is smiling on you today.

Human qualities are applied to something that is not human.

Apostrophe

Example:Oh Fate, why do you despise me so?My late wife – oh Alice I miss you – was a kind woman.

A sudden turning away from what you are saying to address or appeal to someone or something which is often not present.

DO NOT CONFUSE WITH THE PUNCTUATION MARK!!!

Metonymy

Example:It was a decision made by the crown.

(the queen made the decision) =

A word that is associated with something, represents it.

Example:The kettle is boiling.

(the water inside the kettle is actually boiling) =

Synecdoche

Example: My car had a flat.(part of the car, its tire, had a flat)

Using a part for the whole or the whole for a part.

Example: South Africa won the cup.(the team, not the country, won) =

SOUND DEVICES

Alliteration Assonance Onomatopoeia Pun Malapropism

Sounds are used to create a specific effect.

Alliteration

The repetition of sounds (usually consonant sounds) at the beginning of words. It often highlights the expression of movement, reinforcesthe meaning of the line, or imitates the sound being described.

Example: The slithering snake sailed away.(movement + imitates sound)

Example: It seemed as soft as smoke.(reinforces the meaning of the line)

S S S S S

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds within two or more words that are close enough to create an effect.

Short vowel sounds may create a mood of speed, vitality joy or suspense.Example: Clap your hands and stamp your feet.

Long vowels sounds slow down the pace and lighten/calms the mood.Example: He slowly mowed the overgrown lawn.

…

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate and reproduce the sounds that they are describing. The sound effect heightens the visual effect.

PunA clever play on words that are alike in sound but different in meaning. The double meaning is used to convey humour.

MalapropismThe unintentional use of incorrect, similar sounding words. The speaker often uses language above his or her understanding in order to impress.

A deliberate Malapropism is a pun.

Example: The cannonballs ate the people. (cannibals)

CONTRADICTIONS/OPPOSITES

Antithesis Oxymoron Paradox Irony Sarcasm

AntithesisDeliberately compares and contradicts two ideas in ONE sentence to force home the contrast.

Example: He is a mouse in stature but a lionin strength.

By looking for glory, he found only death.

That soldier is a real softy.

OxymoronPlacing two seemingly contradictory words next to each other to bring out a conflict of interest.

Example: His silence speaks a thousand words.

The litter is a pretty ugly sight.

ParadoxA statement containing an obvious contradiction but which after thought, can be seen to express a truth. (expanded oxymoron)

Example: You will kill him with your kindness.(your kind deeds are doing more harm than good)

More haste, less speed.

IronyImplies the opposite of what is said. The opposite is to be understood, as the tone usually conveys the meaning.

e.g. I can’t wait for my detention on Friday.

In situational irony, the opposite of what is expected occurs.

In dramatic irony, the audience has knowledge of something of which the actors are unaware.

SarcasmA cruel form of irony, specifically intended to hurt, insult or humiliate.

EXAGGERATION

Hyperbole Litotes Euphemism Innuendo

HyperboleThe use of exaggeration for emphasis or to create humour.

Example:

I have been waiting ages for you!

This tension is killing me!

LitotesA deliberate understatement that uses a negative and an opposite.

Example:

He is no Einstein.

That fight was far from pretty.

EuphemismDeliberately pleasant way of referring to something unpleasant.

Example:

He passed away.

She is a full-figured woman.

InnuendoA disapproving remark which hints at something, without stating it directly.

Example:

Can you afford soap?

You know what, I have a friend who is a really good dentist. Maybe I can introduce you to him.