CHAPTER IV

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Figures of Speech--Definitions and Examples--Use of Figures


In _Figurative Language_ we employ words in such a way that they differ
somewhat from their ordinary signification in commonplace speech and
convey our meaning in a more vivid and impressive manner than when we use
them in their every-day sense. Figures make speech more effective, they
beautify and emphasize it and give to it a relish and piquancy as salt
does to food; besides they add energy and force to expression so that it
irresistibly compels attention and interest. There are four kinds of
figures, viz.: (1) Figures of Orthography which change the spelling of a
word; (2) Figures of Etymology which change the form of words; (3) Figures
of Syntax which change the construction of sentences; (4) Figures of
Rhetoric or the art of speaking and writing effectively which change the
mode of thought.

We shall only consider the last mentioned here as they are the most
important, really giving to language the construction and style which
make it a fitting medium for the intercommunication of ideas.

Figures of Rhetoric have been variously classified, some authorities
extending the list to a useless length. The fact is that any form of