Ornamentation and beautification are the essential aspects of art. Speaking is an art and naturally ornamentation as well as beautification has something to do in this field. A speech can not be decorated by flowers or colour. Some figures are used for this purpose and these are called 'figure of speech'.
If we take notice intently, we would find that every human being applies his/her own style in expressing himself/herself.To express oneself effectively, impressively and beautifully is an inherent quality of a man/woman. So a bit of rhetoric is latent in human beings. Literally,rhetoric means the art of orator.(The term rhetoric comes from the Greek word 'rhetor' that means a public speaker.)
The persuasive public speaking needs some 'figures of speech' which appeal in the mind of the listeners. These 'figures of speech' can easily enhance the effect of one's language. Quite interestingly, the term 'figure' comes from the Latin term 'figura' meaning the 'external form or shape of a thing'. It is like the rich external ornamental dress but not embellished externally in the speech ,it mingles in the language. However, 'figures of speech' makes a language remarkable and different from the other. To quote Prof. Bain," A figure of speech is a deviation from the plain and ordinary way of speaking for the sake of greater effect"
👉Types of 'figures of speech' :
In English literature we find a great many varieties of 'figures of speech' which are based on different levels and elements - some are based on Similarity, some on Contrast, some on Association, Imagination, Indirectness, sound and so on. :
(1) Figures based on Similarity : * Simile * Metaphor * Allegory * Parable * Fable
(2) Figures based on Association : * Metonymy * Synecdoche * Hypallage * Allusion
(3) Figures based on Difference : * Antithesis * Epigram * Climax * Anti-climax
(4) Figures based on Imagination : * Personification * Apostrophe * Hyperbole
(5) Figures based on Indirectness : * Innuendo * Irony * Periphrasis * Euphemism
(6) Figures based on Sound : * Pun * Onomatopoeia * Alliteration * Assonance
(7) Figures based on Construction : * Interrogation * Exclamation * Chiasmus * Zeugma
👉 Simile (Figure based on Similarity )
" The child looks like a flower "
This is an example of Simile.
Simile is the explicit statement of similarity existing between two different things.
In the given example the two different things are the 'child' and the 'flower'. Beauty is the point of similarity which is clearly stated here. So this is an example of Simile.
👉 Metaphor (Figure based on Similarity)
"The camel is the ship of desert."
This is an example of Metaphor.
Metaphor is a figure of speech in which an implicit comparison existing between two different things is hinted only, not clearly stated.
In the given example the two different things are the 'camel' and the 'ship'. The point of comparison is that the camel is the main means of transportation in desert, as the ship in the sea. The comparison is implied/hinted only, not clearly stated. So this is an example of Metaphor.
👉 Antithesis ( Figure based on Difference )
" United we stand, divided we fall "
This is an example of Antithesis.
Antithesis is a figure of speech in which two contrasted words or ideas are placed together in a balanced form for the sake of emphasis.
In the given example the two contrasted ideas, the effect of 'union' and that of 'division' are placed together in a balanced form to secure more emphasis. So, this is an example of Antithesis.
👉 Epigram ( Figure based on Difference )
"Failure is the pillar of success"
This is an example of Epigram.
Epigram is a figure of speech in which we find a contradiction in the apparent meaning that causes a temporary shock but an underlying significance is revealed if we think deeply.
In the given example the apparent meaning is contradictory and shocking. It is right that a failure person finds his/her faults, corrects them, tries hard and ultimately bigger success comes. This is the deeper meaning underneath. So, this an example of Epigram.
👉 Oxymoron (Figure based on Difference)
"Life is bitter sweet."
This is an example of Oxymoron.
Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory words or ideas are placed side by side to enhance the effect of speech.
In the given example the contradictory words are 'bitter' and 'sweet'. The words are juxtaposed (paced side by side) and it makes the meaning of life more effective. So, this an example of Oxymoron. So, this an example of Oxymoron.
👉 Climax (Figure based on Difference)
" We will hear him, we will follow him, we will die with him."
This is an example of Climax.
Climax is a figure of speech in which the words or ideas are arranged in an ascending order of importance or impressiveness.
In the given example the idea or action of 'hearing', 'following' and 'dying' are arranged in an ascending order of importance or impressiveness. So this an example of Climax.
👉Anti-climax / Bathos (Figure based on Difference)
" She lost her husband, her children and her handkerchief."
This is an example of Anti-climax.
Anti-climax is a figure of speech in which we find a sudden fall from the lofty to the mean idea or thought in order to excite laughter.
In the given example the sudden fall is from the words of intimate relationship 'husband' and 'children' to the unimportant word 'handkerchief. So, this an example of Anti-climax.
👉 Metonymy ( Figure based on Association)
"I have read Milton."
This is an example of Metonymy.
Metonymy is a figure of speech in which the name of one thing is substituted for that of another and these two things remain loosely associated.
In the given example Milton means the writings of Milton. One thing (Milton) is substituted for that of another (work of Milton) and the association between these two things is loose. So, this is an example of Metonymy.
👉 Synecdoche ( Figure based on Association)
" Five hundred hands work in this factory."
This is an example of Synecdoche
Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which the name of one thing is substituted for that of another and these two things remain closely associated.
In the given example the word 'hands' is used for 'workers'. One thing (hands) is substituted for that of another (workers) and the association between these two things is very close. So, this is an example of Synecdoche.
👉Hypallage / Transferred Epithet ( Figure based on Association)
"The bellman's drowsy charm."
This is an example of Hypallage / Transferred Epithet.
Hypallage / Transferred Epithet is a figure of speech in which an adjective of epithet is transferred or shifted from the proper subject to another word with which the subject is associated in any way.
In the given example the adjective 'drowsy' is transferred from the proper subject 'bellman' to another word 'charm' with which the subject is associated.
👉 Allusion ( Figure based on Association)
" Now we clap / Our hands, and cry, 'Eureka', it is clear.
This is an example of Allusion
Allusion is a figure of speech in which we find some word or expression that recalls some well-known or notable saying, writing, event or character of the past.
In the given example the word 'Eureka' reminds us the name of the great scientist and philosopher Archimedes who exclaimed with the word 'Eureka'. So, this is an example of Allusion.
👉 Personification (Figure based on Imagination)
" Proud be the rose, with rains and dews."
This is an example of Personification.
Personification is a figure of speech in which nature or an inanimate object or an abstract idea is invested with the attribute of a living being.
In the given example the rose, an object of nature, is invested with the attribute of a living being with the help of the word 'proud'. The rose is made to behave like a human being. So, this is an example of Personification.
👉 Apostrophe (Figure based on Imagination)
" Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll."
This is an example of Apostrophe.
Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a short impassioned address is made to an absent or dead person or to an element of nature or to an inanimate object or to an abstract idea.
In the given example an impassioned address is made to the ocean which is a part of nature. So, this is an example of Apostrophe .
👉 Pathetic Fallacy (Figure based on Imagination)
" The river sighed at the sorrow of the girl."
This is an example of Pathetic Fallacy.
Pathetic Fallacy is a figure of speech in which nature is represented as showing interest in the human matter or action, by sympathy or antipathy.
In the given example the river, a part of nature, is sighing for the sorrow of the girl. Nature shows interest in the human matter. So, this is an example of Pathetic Fallacy.
👉 Hyperbole (Figure based on Imagination)
" I saw their chief tall as a rock of ice ; "
This is an example of Hyperbole.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which an exaggerated statement is made to present thing/s more or less than the real state.
In the given example the 'chief' is compared with the tall rock of ice. It is really the over-colouring the matter or an exaggeration. So, this is an example of Hyperbole.
👉 Irony (Figure based on Indirectness)
" He is delighted in the friendly act of insulting me."
This is an example of Irony.
Irony is a figure of speech in which the meaning of the sentence is very opposite or contrary of what is intended to be expressed and the purpose is to hurt someone.
In the given example the word 'friendly' is used to mean rudeness and enmity, the very opposite of its literal meaning. So,this is an example of Irony.
👉 Euphemism (Figure based on Indirectness)
" Alas ! he breathed his last on Sunday."
This is an example of Euphemism.
Euphemism is a figure of speech in which a harsh and disagreeable statement is softened and expressed in a pleasing and polite manner.
In the given example "he breathed his last" means ' he died'. Naturally, a harsh and disagreeable statement is softened and expressed in a polite manner. So, this is an example of Euphemism.
👉 Periphrasis / Circumlocution (Figure based on Indirectness)
"Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines."
This is an example of Periphrasis / Circumlocution.
Periphrasis / Circumlocution is a figure of speech in which a thing or idea is expressed in a roundabout way in stead of saying it directly.
In the given example "eye of heaven' means the 'Sun'. It is expressed in a roundabout way in stead of saying it directly. So this is an example of Periphrasis / Circumlocution.
👉 Pun / Paronomasia (Figure based on Sound )
"When a woman loses her husband, she pines for a second."
This is an example of Pun / Paronomasia.
Pun / Paronomasia is a figure of speech in which we find a duplicity of sense under the unity of sound and it provokes laughter.
In the given example the expression ' a second' bears two meaning :one is 'for a brief time' and the other meaning is 'for a second husband'. We fine the duplicity of sense under the unity of sound. So,this is an example of Pun / Paronomasia.
👉 Onomatopoeia (Figure based on Sound )
" The gathering swallows witter in the skies".
This is an example of Onomatopoeia.
Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which the sound of words is made to reflect their sense or echos the sense.
In the given example the sound of the word 'twitter' echoes its sense, the chirping of the birds. So, this is an example of Onomatopoeia.
👉 Alliteration (Figure based on Sound )
"He bravely broached his boiling bloody breast."
This is an example of Alliteration .
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same letter, sound or syllable is repeated at the beginning of successive or nearly successive words.
In the given example the same letter 'b' is repeated at the beginning of successive and nearly successive words 'bravely', 'broached', 'boiling', 'bloody' and 'breast.' So,this is an example of Alliteration .
👉 Interrogation ( Figure based on Construction)
" Who is here so base that would be a bondman."
This is an example of Interrogation .
Interrogation is a figure of speech in which a question is asked and a strong affirmation, often that of contrary, is implied in the very form of the question.
In the given example a question is asked, but the very form of the question implies a negative answer that nobody likes to be a bondman. The answer is given in the question. So this is an example of Interrogation.
👉 Hyperbaton / Inversion (Figure based on Construction)
"Much have I travelled in the realms of gold."
This is an example of Hyperbaton / Inversion .
Hyperbaton / Inversion is a figure of speech in which the grammatical order of the words in a sentence is inverted to secure emphasis.
In the given example the grammatical order of the words is inverted.The original order should have been 'I have travelled much in the realms of gold. So, This is an example of Hyperbaton / Inversion .
👉 Exclamation ( Figure based on Construction)
" But Alas ! Caesar must bleed for it."
This is an example of Exclamation.
Exclamation is a figure of speech in which an expression of emotion, desire or contemplation is made generally introducing an interjection or the words such as how, what, etc.
In the given example the speaker's emotion, a deep concern, is expressed with the help of the interjection 'alas'. So, This is an example of Exclamation.
👉 Chiasmus ( Figure based on Construction)
" Beauty is Truth, Truth is Beauty "
This is an example of Chiasmus.
Chiasmus is a figure of speech which consists in an inversion of the order of words or phrases when repeated in a sentence with a view to capturing emphasis or impressiveness.
In the given example the words 'beauty' and 'truth' are artistically inversed and the meaning of the sentence become more impressive. So, This is an example of Chiasmus.
👉 Zeugma ( Figure based on Construction)
" The moment and the vessel passed "
This is an example of Zeugma .
Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a single word (verb) stands in the same grammatical relationship to two or more other words but with an obvious shift in its meaning.
In the given example the verb'passed' is related to two words 'moment' and 'vessel'. Separate verb should be supplied for these two words. So, This is an example of Zeugma.
