FIGURES OF SPEECH

FIGURES OF SPEECH

A figure of speech is a deviation from the ordinary use of words, so that the effect of the words is heightened. When figurative language is introduced it contributes powerfully to increase understanding.

SIMILE

A definite expression of a likeness between objects of different kind or species. It is usually introduced by words of comparison such as, ‘like’, ‘so’, and ‘as’

e.g., World is like a stage.

He is as swift as wind.

METAPHOR

A metaphor is an implied simile or comparison. It is a figure of speech in which hidden comparisons between two objects of different kinds, having at least one point in common. Here the comparison is not openly expressed or stated and it has to be inferred.

e.g., All the world is a stage -In which all men and women are merely players.

Tippu was the tiger of Mysore.

PERSONIFICATION

This is a figure of speech in which inanimate objects are spoken of as if they are alive ( having life and intelligence).

e.g., Death leaped on the beautiful deer.Love came to Flora asking for a flower.

EUPHEMISM

Harsh and unpleasant facts expressed indirectly in a mild and less unpleasant manner.

e.g, He attained the lotus feet of the Lord. ( i.e., He died.)

Find out the figure of speech employed

"As shines a moon in clouded skies, she in her poor attire was seen"
A. simile _________B. metaphor

C. personification _________D. alliteration

"Like a hurt bitch, she bared her teeth".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"He hides a smiling face".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"Tippu fought against the British like a tiger.".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"Tippu was a tiger".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"Her voice is as sweet as that of the nightingale".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"Young men are the salt of the nation".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"Death lays his icy hands on the kings".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"God rides upon the storm".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"My mother, black prolific earth mother".
A. personification _________B. metaphor

C. simile _________D. alliteration

"........ my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs"
A. simile _________B. metaphor

C. personification _________D. alliteration

"She groaned, closed her eyes, never opened them again"
A. simile _________B. metaphor

C. euphemism _________D. alliteration

"Like a hurt bitch, she bared her teeth"
A. simile _________B. metaphor

C. personification _________D. alliteration

Tippu fought against the British like a tiger. _________Simile

Tippu was a tiger. _________Metaphor

Her voice is as sweet as that of the nightingale. _________Simile

Young men are the salt of the nation. _________Metaphor

Death lays his icy hands on the kings. _________Personification

God plans his foot steps in the sea. _________Personification

God rides upon the storm. _________Personification

God hides a smiling face. _________Personification

My mother, black prolific earth mother. _________Metaphor

Like a hurt bitch, she bared her teeth. _________Simile

........ my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs. _________Simile

She groaned, closed her eyes, never opened them again. _________Euphemism

Examples from Previous Question Papers

As sweet and dry was the ground / As tobacco dust.
a. Personification _________b. Metaphor

c. Simile _________ d. Euphemism

Death leaped on the beautiful wild deer.
a. Metaphor _________b. Simile

c. Personification _________d. Irony

Till suddenly Death leaped on the beautiful deer.
a. Simile _________b. Personification

c. Metaphor _________d. Irony

I am not as strong as my Grandmother.
a. Metaphor _________b. Simile

c. Personification _________d. Hyperbole

The moon slides down the stair / To see who’s there!
a. Simile _________b. Metaphor

c. Personification _________d. Hyperbole

Like an ingrate, I left my friend.
a. Personification _________b. Simile

c. Metaphor _________ d. Metanomy

Ghost-like I paced round the haunts of my childhood.
a. Metaphor _________b. Personification _________c. Simile

Summer has spread a cool, green tent.
a. Metaphor _________b. Simile _________c. Personification

I am not as strong as my grandmother.
a. Metaphor _________b. Personification _________c. Simile

"The wind slipped through the leaves as if afraid.........."
a. Personification _________b. Metaphor _________c. Simile

"The wind slipped through the leaves as if afraid.........."
a. Metaphor _________b. Simile _________c.Personification

"I who am Death shall haunt your children.
a. Personification _________b. Metaphor _________c. Simile

Content and health can sleep without the power of wealth.
a. Simile _________b. Personification _________c. Metaphor