Introduction
- Definition: A figurative device of association is a literary device used to establish connections or relationships between different elements to create shapes, meanings, and emotions in the readers. These literary devices attribute qualities, emotions, or symbolism to entities or actions, forging associations between them.
- Function: Figurative device of association enriches the language by adding layers of meaning, emotions, and images, often making the text more engaging and expressive. They provide depth and context to the subject matter, allowing readers to connect on a more profound level.
- Examples: Some prominent examples of figurative devices are personification, hyperbole, symbolism, synecdoche, metonymy, irony, allusion, oxymoron, euphemism, litotes, and onomatopoeia.
Can One Figurative Device Perform Both Functions?
- While a figurative device of association and comparison has distinct functions, some literary devices blur the lines. It is because they serve both purposes simultaneously.
- For example, a metaphor can be used not only to compare two dissimilar things but also to associate them with shared characteristics. This adds depth to the comparison, making it more than just a surface-level similarity. Therefore, it is a figurative device of comparison.
- Similarly, certain forms of symbolism involve comparisons between concrete and abstract elements, both associating and comparing the two. The symbolic representation often draws parallels between the concrete object and the abstract concept it represents.
- However, in general, these literary devices tend to lean more towards either association or comparison, even if they exhibit elements of the other function. Authors use a combination of these devices strategically to create powerful and evocative writing.
| Type | Short Definition | How it Associates Things |
| Personification | This figurative device of association attributes human qualities to non-human entities This figurative device of association. | Humanizes objects by giving them human traits and emotions, forging a connection between the reader and objects. |
| Hyperbole | It is a deliberate exaggeration for emphasis. | Amplifies and intensifies situations or feelings, creating a vivid and memorable impact on the reader. |
| Symbolism | The use of objects, characters, or actions to represent abstract ideas is a figurative device of association, symbolism. | Links concrete elements with abstract concepts, providing deeper layers of meaning and enriching allegorical messages. |
| Synecdoche | This figurative device of association means referring to a part of something to represent the whole or vice versa. | Connects a specific part to the entire entity or vice versa, emphasizing a particular aspect of the entity as a whole. |
| Metonymy | This figurative device of association means substituting one word with another closely associated with it. | Establishes a close relationship between related terms, using one term to evoke the other and enhancing contextual meaning. |
| Irony | A figure of speech where the intended meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words. | Associates a statement with a hidden or contradictory meaning, creating an unexpected twist or humorous effect. |
| Allusion | This figurative device of association is a reference to a person, place, event, or work of literature/history. | Draws upon cultural or literary references to enrich the text, connecting it with shared knowledge and emotions. |
| Oxymoron | This figurative device of association is a combination of contradictory or opposing words for effect. | Combines contrasting elements to create an intriguing association, highlighting complexity and provoking thought. |
| Euphemism | It means substituting a mild or less direct word or phrase for a harsh one. | Softens the impact of sensitive topics, creating a gentler association and showing tact and politeness in communication. |
| Litotes | This figurative device of association is a form of understatement where the negative of the opposite is used. | Associates a concept by negating its opposite, conveying subtlety or emphasizing a point indirectly. |
| Onomatopoeia | It means words that imitate the sound associated with the object or action. | Associates sound with meaning, enhancing the reader’s sensory experience and linking the word with the described sound. |
Functions of Figurative Devices of Association
- Personification: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, personification associates here the wind with the human quality of “whispering.” By giving the wind a human-like action, the sentence creates an association between the non-human entity (wind) and a human characteristic (whispering). This association humanizes the wind and establishes a deeper connection between the reader and nature, evoking a sense of intimacy and emotional impact.
- Hyperbole: “I’ve told you a million times.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, hyperbole involves deliberate exaggeration for emphasis. By using the phrase “a million times,” the speaker exaggerates the number of times they have spoken, forming an association between the actual number of times and an exaggerated, overwhelming amount. This association intensifies the speaker’s frustration or emphasis on the importance of the message they are trying to convey.
- Symbolism: “The dove represents peace.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, symbolism forms an association between concrete elements and abstract ideas. In this example, the dove is associated with the abstract concept of “peace.” This association makes the dove a symbolic representation of peace, allowing the reader to understand the deeper meaning without explicitly stating it. The use of symbolism enriches the text and adds depth to the idea being conveyed.
- Synecdoche: “All hands on deck.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, synecdoche, associates a part with the whole or vice versa. In this phrase, “hands” represent the whole crew on the deck of a ship. This association emphasizes the collective action of the entire crew, using a part (hands) to symbolize the whole group. The phrase creates a sense of unity and urgency, as everyone is needed for the task at hand.
- Metonymy: “The White House issued a statement.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, metonymy forms an association between closely related terms. In this example, “The White House” is used as a metonym to refer to the U.S. government or the President’s administration. This association connects the physical building (White House) with the authority and actions of the government. It allows for a more concise expression and adds a layer of meaning to the statement.
- Irony: “What a beautiful day!” said during a thunderstorm.
Explanation: The figurative device of association, irony creates an association between the literal meaning and the intended meaning of the words. In this sentence, the speaker’s statement of a “beautiful day” during a thunderstorm forms an ironic association. The contrast between the speaker’s words and the actual weather creates an unexpected and humorous effect, provoking thought and engaging the reader.
- Allusion: “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, allusion, associates a person, place, or work of literature/history with a specific characteristic or behavior. In this case, the phrase alludes to Shakespeare’s character Romeo, known for his passionate love. By comparing the person to Romeo, the association suggests that the individual is a passionate lover. The allusion adds depth and meaning to the description by connecting it to a well-known literary character.
- Oxymoron: “Deafening silence.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, oxymoron, associates contradictory or opposing words for effect. In this example, “deafening” and “silence” are combined to create an association. The oxymoron emphasizes the silence’s intensity and power by juxtaposing it with the loud and overwhelming quality of “deafening.” This association adds complexity and vividness to the description.
- Euphemism: “Passed away” instead of “died.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, euphemism forms an association by substituting a mild or less direct word or phrase for a harsh or blunt one. In this case, “passed away” is used as a euphemism for “died.” This association softens the impact of the harsher word and shows sensitivity and respect when discussing the subject of death.
- Litotes: “Not bad” to mean “good” or “impressive.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, litotes forms an association by using the negative of the opposite to express a positive idea indirectly. In this example, “not bad” is used to mean “good” or “impressive.” The association of “not bad” with a positive meaning emphasizes the praise or approval in a modest and understated way.
- Onomatopoeia: “Buzz” or “sizzle.”
Explanation: The figurative device of association, onomatopoeia, forms an association by imitating the sound associated with the object or action they refer to. In this case, “buzz” and “sizzle” associate the sound of buzzing and sizzling with the objects or actions they describe. This association enhances the sensory experience, allowing the reader to connect the word with the actual sound, adding vividness to the description.
Suggested Readings
- Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Wadsworth Publishing, 2004.
- Baldick, Chris. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford University Press, 2004.
- Cuddon, J. A. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. Penguin Books, 2013.
- Kennedy, X. J., and Dana Gioia. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Pearson, 2019.
- Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. University of California Press, 1991.
- Leech, Geoffrey N., and Jan Svartvik. A Communicative Grammar of English. Routledge, 2002.
- Meyer, Michael. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
- Perrine, Laurence, and Thomas R. Arp. Sound and Sense: An Introduction to Poetry. Harcourt Brace, 2001.
- Roberts, Edgar V., and Henry E. Jacobs. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Pearson, 2019.