Literary figures of speech are similar to the common ways that we speak, but they are much more subtle and conscious. Figures of speech add color, interest, and suggest deeper meaning. You can find examples of these techniques in pop music and television commercials. They require a person to use their imagination.
The first type of figure of speech is called an oxymoron. The term oxymoron is a play on opposite ideas. It creates an interesting effect by connecting two opposite ideas. In order to create an oxymoron, you tie a noun to an adjective that does not normally describe it. A mishapen chaos of two seemingly opposite ideas, oxymorons are not what they seem. And they’re a great way to make your reader think!
Analogies are more complex than metaphors or similes. Analogies are logical comparisons of two things. They prove the similarity between two things and draw the conclusion that the two things are similar. In geometry, analogies remind us of the remaining components theorem,’ which says that similar things are most likely similar. The most common examples of figures of speech are in poetry and literature, but they’re also found in everyday language.
Using a literary figure in a sentence adds a different kind of intensity to the message. The real meaning of the phrase differs from its literal meaning. Native English speakers use figures of speech to describe things that are similar or unrelated to each other or to offer advice. It also provides the reader with more personality and impact. In short, figures of speech are an important part of English. And, if you want to impress your audience, you’ll need to learn how to use them.
There are many literary devices that writers use to enhance the meaning of their texts.
Synecdoche: A literary device that refers to a part of something or an entire thing. Literary devices, as well as figures of speech, have their uses and limitations. If you want to make a literary statement, you can use figures to tell the story or make it more interesting. There are hundreds of examples of literary devices to choose from, so you can find the one that fits best.
Cataphora: Another figure of speech is the phrase “flesh and bone.” The word cataphora refers to a forward or backward reference. Similarly, cataphora is a reference to an inanimate object or an absent person. As the name suggests, cataphoras are reversals of anaphoras. So, remember to practice your English with these strategies.
Alliteration: A common literary technique, alliteration uses the same consonant sound to create a poem. Francine found France quite lovely, using alliteration. Francine found, and France are all examples of alliteration. In other words, the words Francine, found, and France repeat in the poem. Also, an apostrophe refers to an inanimate object, an abstract concept, or an imaginary person. John Donne used it in his poem, “Holy Sonnet – Death, be not proud!”
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