figurative language Eng 9

pun

(adj.) causing a sharp sensation; stinging, biting. is a play on words that have similar sounds but more than one possible spelling or meaning. For example, Romeo says Mercutio has "nimble soles," but he himself has "a soul of lead."

metaphor

A comparison of two unlike things without using the word like or as.

simile

A comparison using like or as.

oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase. "Lead feather, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health! / Ever-wakeful sleep, that is not what it is!"

hyperbole

A figure of speech that uses obvious exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor; is exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. Lord Montague, describing his son's lovesickness, claims that Romeo locks himself up in his room "and makes himself an artificial night."

allusion

A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art.