Day: July 31, 2023

Introduction

A figurative device of comparison is a literary device used to convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of words through comparisons between things/ideas/places/figures. Such a device involves using language in a non-literal way to create imagery, evoke emotions, and add depth to the writing. There are several types of figurative devices. For example, metaphor and similes are two important ones. They are, in fact, powerful tools that show a comparison to building an image in the minds of the readers.

Figurative Devices of Comparison

Figurative devices of comparison are literary devices. They use comparison to create clear imagery and convey deep meanings. For example, metaphor, a figurative device of comparison, makes direct comparisons between unrelated things, while simile, another device, uses “like” or “as” to draw similarities. Analogy, on the other hand, explains one thing by showing its similarity to another. Also, it extends metaphors to represent abstract ideas through narratives. Parables, however, are simple stories illustrating moral lessons. This is another type of figurative device of comparison used to add depth, emotion, and creativity to literary works. Thus, they engage readers and convey complex ideas in imaginative ways.

As far as the role of a figurative device of comparison is concerned, they play a vital role in English studies. They enrich language and enhance literary analysis. Students explore various figurative devices to understand their impact on communication. Analyzing figurative devices of comparison improves critical thinking skills. English studies benefit from the creative and expressive aspects of figurative devices.

 Here is a full list of figurative devices of comparisons with examples and functions.

Type	Short Definition	Example
Metaphor	This figurative device of comparison shows a comparison between two unrelated things, stating that one thing is another.	“Time is a thief.”
Simile	This device of comparison shows a comparison between two unrelated things using “like” or “as” to draw similarities.	“Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
Analogy	This device of comparison shows a comparison between two things or situations to explain one by showing their similarity.	“Understanding this concept is like solving a complex puzzle.”
Allegory	This figurative device of comparison is an extended metaphor that represents abstract ideas or moral principles through a narrative.	“Animal Farm” by George Orwell, where animals represent different social and political groups.
Parable	This device of comparison is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.	“The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”
Metonymy	This figurative device of comparison is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is substituted with something closely associated with it.	“The White House issued a statement” (referring to the U.S. government).
Synecdoche	This device shows a part of something is used to represent the whole or vice versa.	“All hands on deck” (referring to all crew members on a ship).
Conceit	This figurative device is an extended and elaborate metaphor that draws a clever and surprising comparison between two dissimilar things.	“Love is an ever-fixed mark” (from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116).
Homeric Simile	This device of comparison  is an extended and elaborate simile often found in epic poetry, like those in Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.”	–
Anthropomorphism	This figurative device of comparison means attributing human characteristics to animals or non-human entities.	“The trees whispered secrets to one another.”
Zoomorphism	This device of comparison means attributing animal characteristics to humans or inanimate objects.	“The fierce determination of a lion.”
Personification	This figurative device of comparison means attributing human qualities to non-human entities.	“The stars danced in the sky.”

Figurative Devices and Comparison

1. Metaphor: This figurative device of comparison shows direct comparison.
2. Simile: This device of comparison also directly compares two unrelated things using “like” or “as” to draw similarities.
3. Analogy: This device shows two things or situations to explain one by showing how they are similar.
4. Allegory: This figurative device of comparison represents abstract ideas or moral principles or it is an extended comparison.
5. Parable: This device shows a narrative comparison.
6. Metonymy: This figurative device of comparison substitutes a word or phrase with something closely associated with it, showing associative comparison.
7. Synecdoche: This device shows a whole-part comparison.
8. Conceit: This figurative device of comparison draws a clever and surprising comparison that is an elaborate one.
9. Homeric Simile: This device presents an extended and elaborate simile comparison.
10. Anthropomorphism: This figurative device of comparison shows humanization comparison.
11. Zoomorphism: This device shows animalization comparison.
12. Personification: This figurative device of comparison also shows humanization Comparison but with non-human entities.

Figurative Language and Figurative Devices

	Figurative Devices	Figurative Language	Common Points
Definition	Figurative devices are specific literary devices used to create vivid imagery, convey complex ideas, and add emotional depth to writing.	Broader concept encompassing various linguistic tools to convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation.	Both involve the use of non-literal or non-straightforward language.
Examples	Metaphor, simile, personification, allegory, etc.	Metaphor, simile, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, repetition, etc.	Both aim to create vivid imagery and make the writing more engaging.
Purpose	Figurative devices make comparisons, evoke emotions, and add layers of meaning.	To add depth, complexity, and creativity to writing.	Both enhance the quality of the writing.
Application	Used at specific instances in the text.	Found throughout the entire text.	Both showcase the writer’s creativity and artistic expression.
Function	Figurative devices create powerful imagery, establish thematic connections, and engage the reader’s imagination.	Enhance the reader’s experience, evoke emotions, and encourage critical thinking.	Both make the literature more expressive and memorable.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Wadsworth Publishing, 2004.
2. Baldick, Chris. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford University Press, 2004.
3. Cuddon, J. A. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. Penguin Books, 2013.
4. Kennedy, X. J., and Dana Gioia. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Pearson, 2019.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. University of California Press, 1991.
6. Leech, Geoffrey N., and Jan Svartvik. A Communicative Grammar of English. Routledge, 2002.
7. Meyer, Michael. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
8. Perrine, Laurence, and Thomas R. Arp. Sound and Sense: An Introduction to Poetry. Harcourt Brace, 2001.
9. Roberts, Edgar V., and Henry E. Jacobs. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Pearson, 2019.

Introduction

Literary devices can be categorized into figurative devices/language (e.g., metaphors, similes), sound devices (e.g., alliteration, rhyme), imagery (e.g., sensory descriptions), rhetorical devices (e.g., anaphora, parallelism), narrative techniques (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks), wordplay (e.g., puns, double entendre), characterization, plot devices (e.g., deus ex machina), literary forms and genres, and specific techniques use in poetry, drama, and prose. Familiarity with these categories of literary devices/types enhances the appreciation and analysis of artistic intricacies and aesthetic pleasure of literature.

Purposes of Categories of Literary Devices

Categories of literary devices serve several important purposes in the study and analysis of literature: Some of these are as given below.

1. Understanding and Organization: Literature is rich and diverse. Writers convey meanings through countless ways. Categories of literary devices help scholars, students, and enthusiasts understand and organize the different techniques authors use, making it easier to identify and discuss specific elements in a text.
2. Analysis and Interpretation: Categories of literary devices help readers dig deeper into the nuances and meanings behind a piece of writing. Analyzing how authors use particular devices allows readers to gain insights into the themes, emotions, and intentions conveyed through the text.
3. Identifying Patterns and Styles: Categories of literary devices allow researchers to identify patterns and recurring techniques in an author’s work or within a specific literary movement or era. This understanding helps them in tracing literary influences and studying an author’s evolving style over time.
4. Teaching and Learning: For educators, categories of literary devices provide a structured approach to teaching literature. By introducing students to different categories of devices, teachers help students recognize and appreciate the various ways authors use language to create meaning and impact.
5. Enhancing Writing Skills: Writers benefit from understanding categories of literary devices. Knowing how to effectively use literary devices improve their writing by adding depth, imagery, and emotional association to their work.
6. Critical Analysis and Literary Criticism: Literary critics use categorize literary devices to analyze and evaluate works of literature. By examining how authors use specific devices and the effects they create, critics provide valuable insights into the literary quality and significance of a text.
7. Comparative Studies: Categories of literary devices enable comparative studies between different works, authors, and literary periods. Such comparisons shed light on similarities, differences, and the evolution of literary techniques over time.
8. Appreciation of Artistry: Understanding the various categories of literary devices empowers readers to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of authors. It helps readers recognize the thought and creativity that goes into crafting compelling and meaningful narratives.

In essence, categories of literary devices provide a structured framework for analysis, interpretation, and appreciation. This act aids students in deepening their understanding of the written word, making meaningful discussions, and uncovering the intricate layers of meanings and emotions that make literature a powerful and enduring form of expression.

Categories of Literary Devices

Below are some important categories of literary devices along with their short definitions and examples:

Type	Devices
Figurative Devices	Metaphor, Simile, Personification, Hyperbole, Symbolism, Allegory, Allusion, Metonymy, Synecdoche, Oxymoron, Irony, Paradox, Euphemism
Sound Devices	Alliteration, Assonance, Consonance, Onomatopoeia, Rhyme, Rhythm, Repetition, Cadence
Imagery	Visual Imagery, Auditory Imagery, Tactile Imagery, Olfactory Imagery, Gustatory Imagery
Rhetorical Devices	Anaphora, Epistrophe, Parallelism, Antithesis, Chiasmus, Climax, Antimetabole, Apostrophe, Epanalepsis, Litotes, Polysyndeton, Asyndeton
Narrative Devices	Foreshadowing, Flashback, Stream of Consciousness, Unreliable Narrator, In Medias Res, Deus ex Machina
Wordplay	Pun, Double Entendre, Malapropism
Structure	Juxtaposition, Parallel Structure, Enjambment, Caesura, Epiphany
Characterization	Foil, Round Characters, Flat Characters, Dynamic Characters, Static Characters
Plot Devices	MacGuffin, Chekhov’s Gun, Deus ex Machina
Literary Forms and Genres	Sonnet, Haiku, Villanelle, Epic, Satire, Tragedy, Comedy, Farce, Parody, Elegy
Literary Devices in Poetry	Imagery, Meter, Stanza, Blank Verse, Free Verse, Sonnet Form (e.g., Shakespearean, Petrarchan), Rhyme Scheme (e.g., AABB, ABAB)
Literary Devices in Drama	Soliloquy, Monologue, Aside, Dramatic Irony, Tragic Flaw, Chorus
Literary Techniques in Prose	Stream of Consciousness, Epistolary Form, Epigraph
Literary Devices in Non-Fiction	Anecdote, Analogy, Argumentation, Exposition, Persuasion
Literary Devices in Speeches and Oratory	Repetition, Call to Action, Rhetorical Questions

This table includes a variety of literary devices across different types of literature, providing an overview of the techniques authors use to enhance their writing and create meaningful and impactful works.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. and Geoffrey Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Cengage Learning, 2014.
2. DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.
3. Drury, John. The Poetry Dictionary. Writer’s Digest Books, 2011.
4. Hirsch, E. D. Jr. A Poet’s Choice. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.
5. Kennedy, X. J., and Dana Gioia. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Pearson, 2021.
6. Murfin, Ross C., and Supryia M. Ray. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2014.
7. Roberts, Edgar V., and Henry E. Jacobs. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Pearson, 2020.
8. Scholes, Robert, Carl H. Klaus, and Nancy R. Comley. Elements of Literature: Essay, Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Film. Oxford University Press, 2016.

More from Literary Devices:

• Narrative Techniques
• Rhetorical Devices
• Heroic Couplet: How to Write It

Figurative devices, also known as figures of speech, are types of literary devices used to add depth and creativity to language. Unlike literal expressions that convey straightforward meanings, figurative devices use imaginative and non-literal elements to evoke emotions, imagery, and clear comparisons.

Figurative devices include metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism, among others. Language full of figurative devices is called figurative language. It shows clarity and configuration of description brought with figurative devices. There are several other types of figurative devices.

Types of Figurative Devices

Figurative devices can be further categorized into three main types based on their functions and characteristics:

• Comparison Devices
• Associative Devices
• Substitution Devices

Category/Type	Literary Device with Definition	Example	Function in Writing
Comparison Devices	Metaphor: A comparison between two unrelated things, stating that one thing is another.	“Time is a thief.”	This figurative device enriches descriptions, evoke emotions, and provide a fresh perspective on familiar subjects.
	Simile: A comparison between two unrelated things using “like” or “as” to draw similarities.	“Her smile was as bright as the sun.”	This figurative device adds clarity, facilitates understanding, and creates memorable imagery.
Associative Devices	Personification: Attributing human qualities to non-human entities.	“The wind whispered through the trees.”	It humanizes objects, establishes a connection between reader and non-human entities, and enhances emotional impact.
	Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis.	“I’ve told you a million times.”	This figurative device creates emphasis, humor, and heightens emotional expression.
	Symbolism: The use of objects, characters, or actions to represent abstract ideas.	The dove represents peace.”	It deepens thematic exploration, conveys complex concepts, and enriches allegorical meaning.
Substitution Devices	Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.	“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”	This figurative device creates rhythm, adds musicality, and emphasizes specific words or phrases.
	Onomatopoeia: The use of words that imitate the sounds they represent.	“The buzzing bee flew by.”	This figurative device heightens sensory experience, enhances imagery, and engages the reader’s auditory sense.
	Irony: A literary technique where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning.	“Isn’t it ironic that a fire station burned down?”	It adds depth, creates surprises, and offers critical insights.
	Allegory: A narrative with a hidden or symbolic meaning that extends beyond the surface story.	“Animal Farm” by George Orwell	It rovides social and political commentary, explores universal themes, and encourages reflection.
	Foreshadowing: Hinting at future events or outcomes in the narrative.	“Dark clouds loomed on the horizon.”	This figurative device builds suspense, prepares the reader for upcoming events, and adds intrigue.
	Allusion: A reference to another work of literature, historical event, or cultural element.	“He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”	It adds depth to character portrayal, establishes cultural context, and enriches thematic connections.

This table includes the functions of each figurative device, providing a comprehensive overview of how these devices contribute to the effectiveness of writing in presentation and meaning making.

Functions of Figurative Literary Devices

1. Enhanced Understanding: By grouping figurative devices into types, readers are able to identify the type of device and understand the specific meanings authors intend to convey. This understanding leads to a deeper appreciation of the text’s nuances and complexities.
2. Analytical Tool: Classification helps students and analysts develop a structured approach to analyzing literary works. It also allows them to identify patterns, themes, and stylistic choices within a text to help them write and understand better.
3. Effective Communication: When discussing literature, using common categories of these figurative devices facilitates effective communication. Readers and writers quickly refer to specific devices, ensuring that the discussion is clear and concise.
4. Wider Repertoire for Writers: For writers, understanding different types of figurative devices expands their knowledge about expression and writing. It encourages experimentation and can lead to more engaging and innovative storytelling.
5. Aids Literary Criticism: Literary critics often use categorization to compare and contrast different works, authors, or literary movements. This classification allows them to identify trends, influences, and the evolution of these literary techniques, figurative devices
6. Enriches Writing Skills: Aspiring writers can benefit from studying different types of literary devices as it helps them develop a more nuanced writing style. It encourages them to think critically about how to use language effectively.
7. Engagement and Enjoyment: Recognizing figurative devices can enhance the reading experience by immersing readers in the author’s craft. It allows readers to engage more deeply with the text and appreciate the artistry behind it.
8. Educational Tool: For educators, categorizing figurative devices provides an organized curriculum for teaching literature and creative writing. It enables teachers to guide students through various techniques and their applications.
9. Cultural Understanding: Different figurative devices are often associated with specific cultures or periods. By studying the types of literary devices used in various works, readers gain insights into the cultural context and societal norms of different periods and regions.
10. Creativity and Expression: Understanding the types of figurative devices allows writers to experiment and innovate. By knowing the traditional techniques, they can find ways to bend or break the rules, leading to fresh and original literary creations.

Suggested Readings

1. Fahnestock, Jeanne. Rhetorical Figures in Science. Oxford University Press, 2016.
2. Forsyth, Mark. The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase. Berkley Books, 2014.
3. Glucksberg, Sam, and Matthew S. McGlone. Understanding Figurative Language: From Metaphor to Idioms. No. 36. Oxford University Press, 2001.
4. Hope, Jonathan, and Laura Wright. Stylistics: A Practical Coursebook. Routledge, 2010.
5. Lakoff, George, and Mark Johnson. Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press, 2003.
6. Quinn, Arthur. Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase. Routledge, 2018.
7. Peterson, David J. The Art of Language Invention: From Horse-Lords to Dark Elves to Sand ELves, the Words Behind World-Building. Penguin Books, 2016.
8. Spencer, Sara. Figuratively Speaking: Rhetoric and Culture from Quintilian to the Twin Towers. Bloomsbury, 2012.