Figurative Language A figurative language is the use of a word that diverges from its normal meaning, or a phrase with

a specialized meaning not based on the literal meaning of the words in it. Kinds of Figures of Speech: 1. Simile a stated comparison between two unlike objects or persons that have something in common. It is using like or as. Her smile is mysterious as Mona Lisas. Jean's words were as dull as dirt. 2. Metaphor an implied comparison between two persons or things that are unlike. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 3. Personification giving human quality to inanimate objects or abstract things. "Earth felt the wound; and nature from her seat, Sighing, through all her works, gave signs of woe." 4. Onomatopoeia using words to imitate the sounds they represent., The moan of doves in immemorial elms, And murmuring of innumerable bees. 5. Hyperbole an exaggeration used for artistic effects. I could eat a horse. I was so poor I couldn't afford to breathe. If I've told you once I've told you a thousand times. 6. Apostrophe an address to a (a) dead person as though he were alive: (b) an absent person as though he were present; inanimate object as though it were animate; (d) an abstract idea as though it were concrete. Ninoy, you are not alone! Oh Death! Where is thy sting? "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 7. Metonymy consists in the naming of a thing by one of its attributes. "He writes a fine hand" meaning good handwriting "The pen is mightier than the sword," meaning literary power is superior to military force. "The House was called to order," meaning the members in the House. 8. Synecdoche a part is exchanged for the whole, an individual for an entire class or people, vice-versa (whole for part). And we were in all 276 souls. (Acts 27:37) Joe ranched nearly five hundred head. All hands on deck. 9. Irony the use of a word to signify the opposite of its literal. You are so beautiful: You look like a Christmas tree. Well, that is delightfully clear as a mud. 10. Oxymoron putting together in one statement two contradictory terms. The sound of silence is deafening. The boy was told to act naturally. It was the only original copy. 11. Paradox a contradictory statement but true. The worlds weakest overcomes the worlds hardest. 12. Allusion reference to any literary, biblical, socio-political, scientific, mythological and other event or character. She ended up as Sisa, after losing her only child. He drove like a Kamikaze. Meeting Joe was unreal; I think my Prince Charming has arrived.

13. Alliteration The repetition of the same sounds or of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables, as in "on scrolls of silver snowy sentences" . Those tidal thoroughbreds that tango through the turquoise tide. Their taut tails thrashing they twist in tribute to the titans. They twirl through the trek tumbling towards the tide. 14. Consonance is the repetition of a consonant across words, particularly at the word ending. Take the book back. Run for fun and everyone. Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here

Supplementary Notes: Introduction to Philippine Literature Two Divisions in Literature: Prose Poetry Poetry can be defined as follows: 1. Poetry is an expression of a feeling, an insight, a discovery; it is about LIFE. 2. Poetry is the language of the imagination, almost entirely figurative, and also a musical literary language. 3. Poetry expresses an intense emotion and emphasizes on the presentation of an idea, concept or point of view. According to purpose and structure, there are three groups of poetry: I. Narrative Poetry is a story-telling verse. It is non-dramatic poem which presents a story, whether simple or complex, long or short. This includes poems that tell stories like: A. Ballads It is the narration of a story in poetry form. It is also a simple folk story in simple verse form. It was originally meant to be sung. B. Metrical romance - is a poem of moderate length relating the amorous adventure of knight and ladies, often in a metrical poem. C. Epics - are long poems upon a great national theme, involving heroic characters in momentous actions, concerned and narrated in an elevated style. D. Dramatic Monologue is a poem that tells a story revealed by the speech of a single character. II. Lyric Poetry is primarily concerned with the expression of feelings or emotions. Kinds of Lyric Poems: A. Ode is a lyric poem which is elaborate and has a lofty theme. B. Sonnet is a lyric poem of fourteen lines iambic pentameter. C. Idyll is a lyric poem that deals with the simple life in pastoral tradition. D. Elegy is lamentation for the dead. E. Lullabies are soothing refrains specifically a song to quiet down or to lull children to sleep. III. Dramatic Poetry is a kind of poetry which employs dramatic form and includes plays which are written in verse. Kinds of Dramatic Poems: A. Tragedy involves a hero struggling mightily against dynamic forces. B. Comedy is light and written with the purpose of amusing, and usually has a happy ending. B. Dramatic Monologue is a literary work in which a character reveals himself in a dramatic sketch performed by himself alone. C. Soliloquy it is the act of talking to oneself. D. Farce is an exaggerated comedy. The situations are too ridiculous to be true and the characters seem to be caricatures and the motives undignified and absurd. Supplementary Notes: The Overview of Philippine Historical Background in Literature The Pre-Spanish Period This shows our customs and traditions in everyday life as traced in our folk stories, old plays and short stories. Literary Forms: 1. Riddles (Bugtong or Palaisipan) These are made up of one or more measured lines with rhyme and may consist of four to twelve syllables. 2. Epigrams (Salawikain) These have been customarily used and served as laws or rules on good behavior by our ancestors. 3. Folksongs are one of the oldest forms of Philippine Literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish period. 4. Folktales are made up stories about life, adventure, love, horror and humour where one can derive lessons about life. 5. Chant (Bulong) is used in witchcraft or enchantment.

 Spanish Period Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature 1. The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet. 2. The Spanish language which became the literary language lent many of its words to our language. 3. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone. The Beginning of Philippine Literature in English (The American Period) The Period of Rapid Literary Development The Contemporary Period of Philippine Literature