Figures of Speech

 Figures of speech

(also known as rhetorical devices) are expressions or words that have a special meaning or effect beyond their literal meaning. Figures of speech often add colour, depth, and emphasis to writing. There are many different types of figures of speech, but they can generally be divided into three categories:

 a. Similes and metaphors: These are comparisons between two things, using the words "like" or "as." For example, "My love for you is as strong as a rock."

"Her thoughts in the morning are as tangled at her lain"

"He burst out of the door like an explosion."

A metaphor however compares two unlikely things or ideas without using "like" or "as"

 b. Hyperbole: This is an extreme exaggeration, used for emphasis or to make a point

Figures of speech make writing more interesting and can help to get a message across more clearly. They are often colourful expressions or comparisons that are not meant to be taken literally. Figures of speech can be divided into three categories:

 Similes are comparisons of two unlike things, using the words "like" or "as." For example, "My love is like a red, red rose."

 Metaphors are comparisons of two unlike things, without the use of the words "like" or "as." For example, 

"My love is a rose."

"A shirt walking."

"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."

-Bacon.

 NB: Many slang expressions are metaphors.

Metaphors are more effective than similes e.g.

Simile would put it this way; “It’s laugh was shrill and high, like the sound of a cock crowing”

While a metaphor would put it this way.

“He had a shrill, high cock-crow of a laugh.”

c. An analogy is a comparison of two things that are alike in some way. Analogies can be used to help explain things or to make a point. They can be fun to use in writing and speaking, and they can help you to better understand complex concepts.

There are many different types of analogies. Some common ones include:

metaphor and similies.

d. Personification.

Personification is a kind of metaphor and it consists giving human (personal) attributes to inanimate objects (non human things) or abstract ideas.

For example, pregnant clouds, smiling shoes, laughing toes.

“The wind whistled, waited, sobbed, and whispered.”

e.  Deification.

Deification is a sister to personification; it is the giving of spiritual or godly attributes to non godly or spiritual beings. For example, Calling your beloved or referring to them as, ‘My angel.’

f. Hyperbole (figurative contrasts)

Hyperbole is an over statement. This is a deliberate exaggeration not intended to deceive. Some humorists like Mark Twain, for example uses hyperbole freely as a device for making people laugh.

Examples of hyperbole are;-

- His hands dangled a mile out of his sleeves.

- When he told me the joke, I almost died laughing.

- The movie bored me to death.

- His voice could be heard a mile away.

- Sea of porridge

- He was so tall that you could see the whole town through his legs.

 

g. Litotes: (figurative contrasts)

Litotes are under statements (under stating something) for example; The fruit was so small that it remained in my teeth.

 h. Irony; (figurative contrasts) 

In speech or writing, it is saying the opposite of what is meant in a tone or manner that shows what the speaker thinks. In other words, it’s the opposite meaning (contrary).

There are several types irony. That is,

- Situational irony:- This is when an event is contrary to what is expected or appropriate.

- Dramatical irony;- Occurs when the reader or spectator knows more about the true state of affairs then a character does.

- Verbal irony;- This is when what is said or written is the opposite of the intended meaning.

- Non-verbal irony;-

- Socratic irony;- a person pretends to be ignorant. Example of irony;

i) To cry like a baby – that is a fine way for a man to act.

ii) It was very kind of you to remind me of my humiliation.

iii) After Norman had wasted his evening in nonsense his father remarked, “Don’t you think you have studied too hard this evening?”

 

i.  Juxtaposition.

Juxtapositioning is putting two things or ideas side by side for the purpose of comparing.

 

 k.  Contrast:

Constrast is striking difference between objects or ideas. For example, “As communism calls for the collective co-operation of individuals for the greater good of the productive society, capitalism will call for individual independence of persons or firms in productive society. Its therefore a Laissez-fair type of government system.
                                                                                                             Opolot Simon.

h) Imagery;

Imagery is a figure of speech that develops from similes and metaphors appealing to the sense. Its formulation of pictures out of words or sensuous element of poetry. Mental images are formed which include one’s interests, values tastes, temperaments, and visions. It is important to classify these metal images according to the sense they stimulate; look at the following task. Does it help you in identifying the senses you are responsive to? Are they just five as commonly known or more? What are they?

 

Task 

Since “we interact with our environments so effectively and so effortlessly, it is difficult to appreciate the extensive computations that underlie even the simplest sensory experience”. In regard to this, let’s try to appreciate.

Picture yourself cycling along a quiet country road. As you pedal, sensors in your legs enable you to apply just the right pressure to maintain your speed. Your organs of balance keep you upright; your nostrils smell the aromas; your eyes absorb the panorama; your ears are attuned to the chirping of birds. Thirsty you grab your drink bottle, aided by touch receptors in your fingers. Your taste buds and hot and cold sensors reveal the flavor of the liquid and it is temperature. Sensors in your skin and those attached to your body hair tell how strong the breeze is and, in cooperation with your eyes, how fast you are going. Your skin also informs you of the ambient temperature and humidity, while your awareness of time tells you approximately how long you have been on the road.

Eventually, internal senses will compel you to rest and to eat. Yes, life truly is a superb symphony of the senses!

Extracted from Watch Towers publications

 

Where they just fine senses?

During such a bicycle ride, how many senses come into play-just the traditional five - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch? If not what others have you registered in play interaction in you.

1) .Visual imagery;

This appeal to the sense of sight and yet stimulated by cloudily, brightness, colour and motion.

2) Audile/Auditory imagery;

Audile or Auditory imagery; appeals to the sense of hearing and are stimulated by sound.

3) Olfactory imagery;

Olfactory imagery appeals to the sense of smell.

4) Gustatory imagery;

Gustatory imagery appeals to the sense of taste. That is, sweetness, bitterness and sour.

5) Tactile imagery

Tactile imagery appeals to sense of touch. This has to do with the temperature and texture.

6) Thermol imagery

Thermol imagery specifically deals with temperature that is, how cold or hot.

7) Motile imagery; (appeals kinesthetic sense)

Motile appeals to the sense of movements and are concerned with muscle movement, action and tension.

8) Organic imagery;

Organic imagery appeals to the sense of organs (internal organs) figurative Associations(This is under imagery to)

9) Synecdoche;

Synecdoche is the calling of an object by a part of it, For example. Calling men, beards and women, breasts, or a skirt.

10) Metonym.

a figure of speech in which the name of one object or concept is used for that of another closely associated or suggested by it to which it is related:

Four common relations that give rise to metonym are;

i) Container and thing contained. e.g. please address the chair (chairman)

“A bottle is a metonym for alcoholism”

ii) Sign and thing signified e.g. The pen is mightier than the sword. In this example, the pen metonyms; books, news papers, magazines or in general education, where as the sword metonyms armies or navies.

“The crown” is a metonym for “royalty.”

iii) An Author and his books e.g. We are reading or acting out Richard Bolt. Here, Richard Bolt refers to his works of art e.g. His play; A man for all seasons.

iv) The part for the whole e.g. a) She has seen sixteen summers.

a) All hands to the deck!

The former takes ‘summers’ to refer to years while the latter uses ‘hands’ to refer to men.

k. Symbolism;

Symbolism is a presentation of one thing by another. In other words, it’s a representation of one object/idea by another. Symbolism builds images which have a fixed and universal profound significance and power. However, actual ‘meaning’ will vary in accordance with the context and the understanding of the reader. For instance, others may take a lion for symbols of courage and royalty yet others, for cruelty and terror depending on the context.

 

l.  Time symbol;

i. Morning:

The setting of a poem in morning in literature represents a new beginning. The sun is usually just rising, mild and even comfortable.

The subject matter usually tallies with physical conditions. Activities are usually at a beginning or in usual (normal) stages.

i. Midday afternoon.

As the day grows and the sun’s heat grows ups activity increases. There is an improvement or change of the subject matter. When the sun heat is at a peak, a subject matter also reaches a peak in either negative or positive.

 

ii. Evening/Night or Dusk; With the sun setting, activity could be coming to an end. A change in the opposite direction. If negative initially, by night, would have reached to an end. If position, then the situation gets back to normal. If, however, the subject matter begins at night, by the middle of the night, it is at the peak and, by dawn or morning, there is a definite change.

 

iii. Colour symbols.

a) White: White colour symbolize purity, innocence,

b) Black: Red Symbolize; evil, sorrow, death sadness.

c) Red: symbolize, love; danger, brotherhood.

d) Yellow: This symbolizes hope, jealousy

e) Green: Green symbolize; peace, nativity (childless, immaturity, and joy)

f) Blue: symbolizes romantic love.

g) Pink: Symbolizes love

Purple: This symbolizes royalty.

Introduction to Poetry

Poetry can be one of the most powerful forms of expression. It can be used to convey an idea, a feeling, or just to make people think. Some of the most famous and well-known poems were written in response to major events in history, such as wars or natural disasters. Others are just meant to make people feel good or to show them a new perspective on life. No matter what the reason, poetry is a medium that should not be ignored.

Poetry is often seen as a complex and inaccessible form of writing, but it doesn't have to be. By starting with some basic terminology and getting a sense of the different forms poetry can take, anyone can begin to enjoy this type of writing. Once you understand the basics, read some poems that appeal to you and try composing your own. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

 Why is it important to study poetry?

People often think of poetry as something difficult to understand, or that is only meant for people who are “artsy” or “sensitive.” While it is true that poetry can be complex and challenging, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth exploring. Poetry can be one of the most powerful forms of expression. It can be used to convey an idea, a feeling, or just to make people think. Some of the most famous and well-known poems were written in response to injustice, love feelings, moral degeneration and more so controversial topics the community could be going through at a given time.

What is Poetry?

Poetry is a form of writing that creatively expresses feelings and ideas usually rhythmic in an imaginative way. It's The spontaneous outflow of powerful feelings recollected in tranquility. It can be about anything, from love and happiness to anger and sadness. Poems can be short or long, and they can be written in any style, including free verse and sonnets.

 People have been writing poetry for thousands of years, and it is still one of the most popular forms of writing today. Many famous authors, including William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe, are considered to be masters of the art form.

 Poetry typically uses rhythm, imagery, and emotion to communicate ideas. Poems don't have to rhyme. The best way to learn about poetry is to read a lot of it. Try to identify the elements that make a poem successful. Then, try writing your poems. Be sure to share them with others to get feedback.

 Poetry is the art that uses words as both speech and song to reveal the relatives that the senses record, the feelings salute, the minds perceive and the shaping imagination orders it.

Poetry is variety in uniformity. Tailor says, ‘prose is the words in their best order while poetry is the best words in the best order.’

It is the act or art of doing through words what the painter does using colour.

Poetry is like a mini skirt

Long enough to cover the subject.

Short enough to rouse the interest.

 

Poetry is a study of poems, which is a piece of writing, arranged in a pattern of lines and sounds, expressing some thought, feeling or human experience in an imaginative way or language.

 From the dawn of time, man has made poetry and listened to it. It’s therefore as old as man. It is one of the most important things he can do, for it is through his poetic power that man advances and evolves within his world. D.H. Lawrence puts it very well.

“The essential quality of poetry is that it makes a new effort of attention and “discovers” a new world within the known world. Man, the animals, and the flowers, all live within strange and forever surging chaos.

 The chaos which we have got used to, we call cosmos. The unspeakable inner chaos of which we are composed, we call consciousness, mind, and even civilization. But it is ultimately chaos lit up by visions, or not lit up by visions. Just as the rainbow may or may not light up the storm.”

The critic and poet, Archibald MacLeish also says;-

 The poet’s labour is to struggle with the meaninglessness and silence of the world until he can force it to mean; until he can make the silence answer and the non-being BE. It is labour that undertakes to “know” the world not by exegesis or demonstration or proof but directly as man knows an apple in the mouth.

To know the apple, you must eat it. To know a poem, you read it, hear it, and allow it to come to life in your mind.

 As the poet, therefore, struggles with non-being to force it to yield being; knocking upon silence for answering music, we the readers or reciters or critics listen and appreciate what they have discovered or brought to light from the dark and silent worlds.

Since poems are written by man and for men, they are very much like people. It’s very much like you having a thought of the people you know, especially your friends. How did you feel about them when you first met them?

 Sometimes, you did not like someone immediately; other people, you take long to get to know- maybe, you don’t even like them much at the first meeting. Then gradually as you get to know them, you begin to appreciate qualities in them that you could not see when you first met. Sometimes, our best friends come from friendship that grows slowly.

Poetry is a bit like that, it’s about the way you feel. Sometimes a poem is immediately enjoyable. It makes you smile or laugh out loud. Sometimes, it reminds you of something you have experienced; you think,

“How true-that is exactly how I feel but I did not think of putting it like that.’

At times, a poem may be hard to understand at first and even second reading, but after you have become so familiar with it, you can begin to understand.

Occasionally, poems like that become your favourites. So, you see, poems are like people you meet.

Terms used in Poem.

When reading and analyzing poetry, it is important to understand the various terms that are used to discuss the written word. By understanding these terms, it becomes easier to understand the speaker's point of view, the persona they have adopted, as well as the structure of the poem. In this blog post, we will define and provide examples of each of the following terms: poet, speaker, line, stanza, and persona.

To help make sense of it all, let's start with some basics. A poet is the creator of a poem, while the speaker is the persona within the poem. They are the voice of the poem - it can be the poet themselves or a character they've created.. Lines are what make up poems, they are a group of words that make a unit of sense A line is a unit of measurement in poetry - it's typically defined as one row of text on a page. Stanzas are simply multiple lines grouped to make a unit of sense and create a certain effect or mood. . Finally, a persona is a character within a poem, a person spoken to or about in the poem. A poet speaks through their (Persona’s) work. Once you have a basic understanding of these terms, it will be easier to read and appreciate poetry.