figures of speech

figures of speech

The Power of Figures of Speech

1. Introduction

This essay explores the use of figures of speech as a means of expressing and elucidating meanings in great or small works. The “figures of speech” are tools used by writers to express something beyond the literal meaning of their words. In this respect, figures of speech are almost like an inside code, providing a means of communication that is not easily understood by people outside of the particular group. These “inside” or implicit meanings allow for a compact form of communication, saving time and space. But more importantly, for the people who understand the inside meanings, figures of speech often convey more meaning than explicit speech can provide. This “extra” meaning, while hard to define or describe abstractly, is always bound to “what it’s like”, coming to life in metaphor and simile. The effects and use of such tools are many and varied and will be discussed in the following pages.

2. Types of Figures of Speech

This has set the trend and many different kinds of divisions and classifications were made in later times. A practical type of classification for the schoolroom is suggested by Professor H. W. Boynton in his School Rhetoric. He says, “All figures of speech may be divided into two great classes: that of comparison and that of combination.” Under comparison, he introduces simile, transferred epithet, and metaphor. This indeed is a species of classification that is found in rhetorics of all ages. Quintilian said, “There are some figures that transfer or change a word from its literal meaning to a signification which is not proper to it; and some which add a grace to a word, or more often to the whole sentence, by a deviation not so great from the simple and proper mode of speech.” This is, in modern terms, comparison and combination. In all classifications, what is meant by comparison is metaphor and simile, and what is meant by combination includes the remaining figures of speech.

It was with Aristotle that taxonomies of figures of speech began. He divided them into three types: 1. Successive words which are in relation to one another. 2. A transference of words from one thing to another. 3. Words used in a special way to produce a particular effect.

3. Benefits of Using Figures of Speech

The idea of artificial intelligence itself is expressed in metaphorical terms, and having reassured themselves that the literal interpretation is indeed possible, some AI workers will speak of AI as if it were a fait accompli. A speech filled with metaphor, allegory, and personification is difficult if not impossible when translated directly into another language. This suggests that a language-independent machine would benefit from having information formulated as figures.

By rephrasing a literal statement in a metaphorical frame, its truth can be made more apparent. Such a transformation can also bring wholly new insights. The concepts of computers and programming offer excellent examples of the benefits of using figures. The possibility of combining mathematical and logical precision with natural language has always attracted AI workers.

The utilization of figures of speech by a speaker may be classified as suitable or unsuitable. When used in a constructive way, it enriches speech and makes it absorbing. It develops and conveys meanings more effectively, and the traditional association of the figure with different cultures enables the user to reach different peoples. Many of the world’s wisdom and knowledge are contained in its traditional sayings and proverbs, and these are generally in metaphorical form.

4. Examples of Figures of Speech in Literature

This twelfth chapter of the book illustrates a downward spiral for Trotter. His lack of understanding becomes more and more apparent throughout the situation, tainting his good intentions with poor results. This climaxes with Trotter’s realization of the truth surrounding the Rider and his failure to overcome this knowledge with real action. This insight proves too much for the situation and results in Trotter, in loss, becoming a different and more cynical man. This state of mind is solidified in the last paragraph, the anagnorisis image of a distant and happier time is strong contrast to the dull and painful present. This deep plunge in spirits presents a crucial turning point in the overall tone of the story.

Anagnorisis – an insight or change from ignorance to knowledge. “The horror, coming to him, was a great blade to his soul.” Anagnorisis has been created in the use of the word ‘coming’, which symbolizes movement from one state to another. A sacrifice of innocence, to the knowledge of real meaning.

Similes and metaphors are not the only figures of speech in existence. There are many methods that an author can use to create a vivid word picture. Any word that is used to create a particular mental picture is employing a figure of speech. The Power of Figures of Speech gives a comprehensive listing and explanation of each figure, but here are a few examples listed from the book. Included are images that the author has painted with words, and how it affects the overall mood or tone of the passage.

5. Conclusion

Figuring the power of figures of speech – sounds pretty cool, right? Well, this has been the point of the paper all along. The play on words, the manipulation of language can have as much of an effect – if not more, than the surface grammar or syntax. This is familiar territory in pedagogical studies of first languages, where it is widely believed that once understanding takes place, it can be shown in a variety of ways. If understanding is taken to be a form of knowledge, figures of speech transform this knowledge and display it in a different ‘light’, as it were. They are tools to help express information in a more vivid and imaginative way. Hopefully, after having read different examples and their various effects, the point will have been made that understanding a figure of speech is more than just knowing a dictionary definition. Consider the example at the start of the essay with the definition of metaphor. That definition was easy enough to comprehend, but there was no real understanding until an example was given, to ‘light the idea up’, so to speak. Reading a dictionary definition can be likened to seeing in black and white. You know what the word means, but it is devoid of life. Understanding the nature of a figure of speech allows a person to add colour to the language he uses. It sculpts the contours and tints the shades of an otherwise bland piece of information. It serves to speak to the reader or listener at different levels. At its most concrete, the figure of speech will be designed as a manner of clarification or simplification. This is seen a great deal with personification, commonly used in children’s literature to help them understand the world around them. At the other end of the spectrum, figures of speech can add a cryptic air to a piece of text – leaving the listener to ponder over its possible meanings. Take the simile ‘the sting operation was like a bad episode of comedy’. The listener would have to know the full details of the operation and the episode in question to appreciate the comparison. Any gaps in his knowledge will lead to an understanding on a different metaphorical level. Coming back to the start of the essay again, this is exactly the situation that might occur between this student and his supervisor when he uses a figure of speech. A misunderstanding of the still water comment might lead the supervisor to be pleasantly surprised at the student’s improved progress! All this considered, figures of speech have a significant place in communication of all forms and their effects should not be underestimated. Given their vast importance, it would not be unworthy to spend a little time to ponder over this essay and let the understanding sink in. Who knows, it might even change the way you use your own mother tongue…