Identify the figure of speech used in the following sentences.
1. The righteous shall flourish as the palm tree.
A simile is usually introduced by such words as like, as or so.
2. Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale.
A simile is usually introduced by such words as like, as or so.
3. The camel is the ship of the desert.
A metaphor is an implied simile. It does not state that one thing is like another. Rather it takes that as granted and proceeds as if the two were one.
4. Variety is the spice of life.
A metaphor is an implied simile. It does not state that one thing is like another. Rather it takes that as granted and proceeds as if the two were one.
5. Pride goeth forth on horseback, grand and gay.
In personification, inanimate objects and ideas are spoken of as having life and intelligence.
6. O Solitude! Where are the charms that sages have seen in thy face?
An apostrophe is a direct address to a personified object or idea.
7. Death lays his icy hands on kings.
In personification, inanimate objects and ideas are spoken of as having life and intelligence.
8. Why, man, if the river were dry, I am able to fill it with tears.
A hyperbole is statement made emphatic by overstatement.
9. O Hamlet! Thou hast cleft my heart in twain.
A hyperbole is statement made emphatic by overstatement.
10. Man proposes, God disposes.
In antithesis a striking contrast of words or ideas are expressed in the same sentence.
11. Many are called, but few are chosen.
In antithesis a striking contrast of words or ideas are expressed in the same sentence.
12. Here is the smell of blood still; all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.
A hyperbole is statement made emphatic by overstatement.
Answers
1. The righteous shall flourish as the palm tree. (Simile)
2. Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale. (Simile)
3. The camel is the ship of the desert. (Metaphor)
4. Variety is the spice of life. (Metaphor)
5. Pride goeth forth on horseback, grand and gay. (Personification)
6. O Solitude! Where are the charms that sages have seen in thy face? (Apostrophe)
7. Death lays his icy hands on kings. (Personification)
8. Why, man, if the river were dry, I am able to fill it with tears. (Hyperbole)
9. O Hamlet! Thou hast cleft my heart in twain. (Hyperbole)
10. Man proposes, God disposes. (Antithesis)
11. Many are called, but few are chosen. (Antithesis)
12. Here is the smell of blood still; all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. (Hyperbole)
