Analyse the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone
Key Notes :
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in an unusual way. Figures of speech often show important things about a text’s characters, setting, events or tone (general sound or feeling).
Hyperbole is using very extreme or unrealistic descriptions to talk about something. These descriptions are usually not possible in real life. Hyperbole can show strong emotions or create humour.
She flashed me a smile brighter than sunshine when I opened the door. —Laura Bowers, Beauty Shop for Rent: . . . fully equipped, inquire within
Personification is describing non-human things as if they were people. Personification can make animals, objects or ideas seem more human.
The wind was singing everywhere in the trees. —Lucy Maud Montgomery, Pat of Silver Bush
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile helps readers use their senses to understand a text.
A tear on Mrs Bump’s cheek shone like a diamond in the starlight. —C. R. Bryan, Bump’s Circus
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike, without using like or as. A metaphor also helps readers use their senses to understand a text.
They were all there, silent, husky and dry, with eyes of steel. —Rudyard Kipling, The Second Jungle Book
Learn with an example
➡️ Read the text. The figure of speech is shown in bold.
‘My name is Jaris Spain. I wanted you to know that we just had the best English class in ages because of you. Most times it’s a zoo in there. Some of those guys really harass Mr. Pippin, but you set a good tone right away and it changed everything. I just wanted to thank you,’ Jaris said.
From Anne Schraff, A Boy Called Twister. Copyright 2010 by Saddleback Educational Publishing
What does this metaphor tell you?
- It shows that the classroom smells bad.
- It shows that the classroom is loud and unruly.
Zoos are known as loud and unruly places because they have many wild animals. So, this metaphor shows that the classroom is loud and unruly.
➡️ Read the text. The figure of speech is shown in bold.
At once, a bright beam of green light sprayed from the dial. It lit up the room and their young faces, giving them a sickly look. With eyes as wide and round as plates, brother and sister stared at each other through the light.
From Tim O’Rourke, The Queen of Doorways (The Doorways Saga) Book 3. Copyright 2015 by Tim O’Rourke
What does this simile tell you?
- It shows that the characters are hungry.
- It shows that the characters are amazed.
People’s eyes often get larger and rounder when they are shocked or amazed. So, this simile shows that the characters are amazed.
➡️ Read the text. The figure of speech is shown in bold.
In the little wooded strip, they saw a strange new kind of vegetation. The forest seemed to dance. Pines they thought rooted in the bank now seemed to have no roots at all but were bobbing up and down with the rush of the current.
From Marie McSwigan, Snow Treasure. Copyright 1942 by Penguin Group
What does this example of personification tell you?
- It shows that there is music in the forest.
- It shows that the forest is moving.
When people dance, they move around. So, this example of personification shows that the forest is moving.
let’s practice!
Read the text. The figure of speech is shown in bold.
And Violet Beauregarde, before tasting her blade of grass, took the piece of world-record-breaking chewing-gum out of her mouth and stuck it carefully behind her ear.
‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ whispered Charlie. ‘Hasn’t it got a wonderful taste, Grandpa?’
‘I could eat the whole field,’ said Grandpa Joe, grinning with delight.
From Roald Dahl, The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr Willy Wonka. Copyright 1978 by Roald Dahl Nominee Ltd