修辞格

Figures of Speech in English

英语修辞法

I. Simile

A simile is a figure of speech in which two quite different things are compared because they appear to be similar at least one characteristic. Types:

Open simile—

―The man over there is like a pig.‖ In this sentence, the secondary term ―pig‖ has many characteristics such as fat, lazy, dirty, greedy and gross. In which respect or respects is that man like a pig? It does not say. So, it is called an open simile(it does not give any definite information).

Closed simile—

We not only compare that man with a pig, but also specify the respect in which they compared, i.e., the man is ―as fat as a pig‖. 不用like, as 等连词，而采取其他对比形式。

1. 形容词比较级 ( no more than, not any more than)

He had no more idea of money than a cow.（他对金钱像牛对金钱一样，一无所知。）

The ruby shall be redder than a red rose, and the sapphire shall be as blue as the [pgreat sea. （红宝石可以比红玫瑰还要红，蓝宝石可以同大海一样蓝.） 2. 介词短语 (of + …)

A doctor must have the heart of a lion and the hand of a lady. (狮子般的胆量和仕女般的巧手.)

3. 连词and连接的两个同等成分

Love and cough cannot be hid.(爱情跟咳嗽一样是掩盖不了的.‖

A word and stone let go cannot be recalled. (proverb) 说出的话收不回. II Metaphor

Metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is described in terms of another. In a metaphor, a comparison is usually implicit; whereas in a simile it is explicit.

-Because of his wealth, he was a fountain of generosity to his relatives and friends. -In foreign policy, flying solo can be risky business.

-Some books are to be tasted, others swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. -He was such a marvelous teacher that whenever he recognized a spark of genius, you should be sure he would water it. III. Analogy

Analogy is a figure of speech which draws a parallel between two different types of things, and uses one (usually familiar to the reader) to explain the other (usually unfamiliar to the reader). The function of an analogy is to deepen the reader’s understanding of the writer’s point. Ex. Unit1，Unit 3 的TextA. IV. Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure in which the name of one thing is used to stand for another thing. The two things involved in a metonymy are not of the same kind but are closely related.

-She was to be sure, a girl who excited the emotion, but I was not to let my heart rule my head.

-The kettle is boiling. -Please drink a cup or two. - Have you ever read Shakespeare?

- Moscow and Washington will hold talks on this question. - He was a big noise behind the economic scenes.

- The whole city went out to see the victorious general. V. Antithesis

Antithesis means contrasting ideas sharpened by the use of opposite or noticeably different meanings. It can result in linguistic brevity and rhythmic harmony.

-American imperialism is he strongest in history and also the weakest in history. The skyscraper is highest but the foundation is shakiest. – Anna. L. Strong

- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom. It was the age of foolishness. – Charles Dickens

– Any man or state who fight on again Nazidom will have our aid. Any man or state who marches with Hitler is our foe. – Winston Churchill

-And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. – J. Kennedy

-Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind.

~John F. Kennedy

VI. Oxymoron

It is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms are combined to produce an epigrammatic effect. When contradictory terms are used together, they can reveal the relationship between two things which are opposite or quasi-opposite to each other in meaning.

-Cruel kindness (opposite in meaning) -Cold fire (quasi-opposite in meaning) -His air was one of friendly hostility.

-I don’t mean to imply that we are suddenly threatened in the United Nations with harmony. - His honor rooted in dishonor stood. And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true VII Pun

It is a figure of speech depending upon a similarity of sound and a disparity of meaning. Pun is usually employed for jocular and humorous effect.

-An ambassador is an honest man who lies abroad for good of his country. -Seven days without water make one weak. (= week)

-Ask for me tomorrow and you will find me a grave man. – Shakespeare -A professor tapped on his desk and shouted: ―Gentlemen – order!‖ The entire class yelled: ―Beer!‖ VIII. Paradox

Paradox is a statement which is contrary to expectation, apparently absurd or self-contradictory. But in fact, it is reasonable and logical. A paradox often implies profound meaning, hence thought-provoking.

- The child is father of man. –W. Wordsworth -Most haste, less speed. - Those who have eyes apparently see little. – Helen Keller IX. Alliteration

Alliteration refers to the repetition usually of an initial sound that is usually a consonant in two or more neighboring words or syllables. The use of it goes back to ancient times. As one of the phonetic rhetorical devices, it remains a preferable means in literary creation.

-Next to health, heart, home, happiness for mobile Americans depends upon the automobile. - And sings a solitary song,

That whistles in the wind. – W. Wordsworth

- China’s cities, after decades of bolted doors and barred windows, are suddenly being opened to sweeping changes. – News Weekly X. Irony

Irony is a figure of speech in which the meaning literally expressed is the opposite of the meaning intended and which aims at ridicule, humor or sarcasm. Sometimes irony is used to show people’s intimate feeling, but in most cases, it is used to criticize or expose bad and ugly things.

Two types of irony:

1. Anti phrase (words used obviously with meanings opposite to their literal one) - This hard-working boy seldom reads more than an hour per week. - Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.

2. Situations irony (Words used with implied meanings which can not be taken literally but from the context.)

- ―It’s no use going to see little Hans in winter,‖ the Miller used to say to his wife, ―When people are in trouble we must leave them alone and not bother them. That is my idea of friendship, and I am sure I am right. – Oscar Wilde, The Devoted Friend

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