1. English Literature _TP 2021 Page 1
Figure ofSpeech
Figure ofSpeech is also called the style oflanguage. The good style oflanguage should have three
elements, such as honesty, politeness, and attractiveness.
There are many ways to divide Figure ofSpeech, so differentauthor / expertwill classified into different
category. There is no limitation so a type ofit will include in more than category.
But, for this occasion I’ll just want to make you familiar with some ofthem.
Basically Figure ofSpeech can be divided into four types, namely:
1. Comparison (perbandingan)
2. Uniting ( pertautan)
3. Contradiction ( pertentangan)
4. Repetition ( pengulangan)
I. Comparison (perbandingan :
1.1. Simile : It functions to compare something explisitely. It usually uses: like, as, etc.
Example : The lady is like a real princess.
1.2. Metaphor: It functions to compare two things directly, butin a shortway.
Example : Spring is a lovely lady
Lion is the king of the jungle.
1.3. Personification: It functions to compare inanimate thing with human being character.
Example : The coconutleaves wave me.
1.4. Dispersonification: It functions to compare human being with inanimate thing.
Example : If you are the sky, my dear. I’ll be the earth.
1.5. Alegore : It is the improvementofmetaphor. It wants to show morality and spirituality
implisitely.
Example : The moral value of folk tales.
1.6. Parabole : It uses to compare aboutmorality with fiction stories. (in Holy Bible)
Example : The story of5 wise and 5unwise women
Moral teaching: we must be ready to celebrate the groom
1.7. Fable : A kind ofmetaphor which tells about animal kingdom.
Example : The stories aboutmouse deer. Each has moral teaching.
II. Uniting ( pertautan)
2.1. Climax : To explain something using words that have deeper meaning to stress it.
Example : You must know, understand, and master this subject.
The meeting will be attended by the villagers, the local government, even the
Central government.
2.2. Anti Climax : To give more explanation by arranging from important words to the least ones.
Example : The national ceremony will be celebrated by the university, college, high -school,
junior - school and elementary students.
2. English Literature _TP 2021 Page 2
2.3. Metonym : To unite certain thing with certain name which has already been familiar with.
Example : Is Tiger more expensive than Ninja? (both are the trademarks ofmotorcycle)
2.4. Synecdoche: To change a partof thing with the whole thing or in the contrary.
Example : I’m really satisfied with the performance of Italy and The Netherland. (the foot
ball teams from both countries).
III. Contradiction ( pertentangan)
3.1. Irony : It functions to ridicule someone by expressing the contradiction.
Example : How clean this class is!You see the floor is so dirty.
3.2. Sarcasm : It functions to mock someone by using the rude words.
Example : Your mouth is your tiger!
3.3. Synism : It is more rude than irony
Examples : Yes, you are the right person who can destroy this company.
You’re beautiful enough to trick the men.
3.4. Satire : It functions to make fun/ rejectsomething or some one.
Example : Hi, you want to be high? Now, climb the coconuttree, then you’ll be the highest
among us.
3.5. Euphimism: It functions not to irritate some one by using polite words.
Examples : I think you’re son is rather difficult to follow this lesson, sir. (= stupid)
His father doesn’t live with him anymore.(= pass away)
3.6. Antitheses : To express contradiction words directly
Examples : old – young, rich – poor, majority – minority, all have to supportour nation
stability.
IV. Repetition ( pengulangan)
4.1. Anaphor : To repeatthe first word in every line.
Example : Rose is a beautiful flower
Rose smells good
Rose…..
4.1. Epistrophe : Repetition of the same word or group ofwords at the end ofsuccessive clauses.
The counterpart of anaphora (also known as antistrophe)
Example : Fill your life today
Because life is today
Everything is for today
4.2. Alliteration : To repeatthe same consonant
Example : Don’t doubt, Dear
4.3. Assonance : Repetition of vowel sounds, mostcommonly within a short passage ofverse
Example : Come, come, come here my love
