Kinds of Figure of Speech, Starting from the Definition, Types, and 10 Examples of Each

Figure of speech is a form of language used to express meaning indirectly. In literature, figure of speech is used to give beauty to literary works, so that they can have an aesthetic effect on readers or listeners. In this article, we will discuss the meaning, types, and examples of various figures of speech.

Definition of Majas

Figure of speech is a form of language used to convey meaning indirectly. Figure of speech can be used in various forms of language such as poetry, prose, speeches, and songs. The purpose of using figure of speech is to give an aesthetic impression and give a deeper nuance to language.

Types of Figure of Speech

Here are some types of figure of speech that are often used in Indonesian:

1. Simile

Simile is a figure of speech that compares two things that are different but have similar characteristics or characteristics. Example: “He is as healthy as a horse.”

2. Figure of Metaphor

Metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something with something different but has the same meaning. Example: “Life is like a journey”.

3. Figure of Personification

Personification figure of speech is a figure of speech that gives human characteristics to objects or other living things. Example: “The wind whispers in my ear.”

4. Figure of Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that exaggerates something. Example: “I cried uncontrollably”.

5. Figure of Ellipsis

Ellipsis is a figure of speech that removes words that should be in a sentence. Example: “Last year I bought shoes, this year too.”

6. Figure of speech allegory

Allegory is a figure of speech that describes a situation with a different story. Example: “A battle between two cats competing to catch a mouse.”

7. Metaphor of Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech that replaces words with other words that are closely related. Example: “I like to read Shakespeare” (Shakespeare is used here in place of Shakespeare’s works).

Examples of Figure of speech in Literary Works

Here are some examples of the use of figure of speech in literary works:

1. Simile in Poetry

Example:

1. 1. “She is like a flower withering in the desert”
   2. “Her skin is white as the snow that falls in the night”
   3. “My longing is like the waves breaking on the shore”
   4. “Her face is as bright as the morning sun that has just risen”
   5. “His tears are like the pouring rain that falls at night”
   6. “Her smile is like a flower blooming in a lush garden”
   7. “Her heart is cold as ice on a mountaintop”
   8. “Her body is flexible like a bamboo tree blown by the wind”
   9. “His behavior is like a butterfly flying freely in the garden”
   10. “His love is like a fire that burns everything around him”

2. Metaphor in Prose

Example:

1. 1. “Earth is the base from which we venture into outer space.”
   2. “He is a wolf stalking prey in the dark forest of life.”
   3. “His hard and cold demeanor made him like a rock on the seashore being hit by the waves.”
   4. “His mind is a farm of ideas that always generate new ideas.”
   5. “That woman is a rose beautifully engraved in the middle of the garden of life.”
   6. “He was a leader who became a strong pillar for the company.”
   7. “A dirty and unhealthy environment is a hotbed of disease that will attack the human body.”
   8. “My love for him is a river that flows unstoppable.”
   9. “Darkness is like a black veil that covers the human heart.”
   10. “Her smile is the sunshine that illuminates our gray days.”

3. Figure of Personification in Speech

Example:

1. 1. “Justice is the sun that illuminates the world, giving everyone a ray of hope.”
   2. “Education is the mother that gives life to every generation.”
   3. “Corruption is the devil that eats away at our country and undermines the social order.”
   4. “Poverty is an enemy that we must defeat together.”
   5. “Peace is a beautiful flower, which can only grow with tears and struggle.”
   6. “Cities are living people, who have soul, character and civilization.”
   7. “Progress is a big ship that carries us to a bright future.”
   8. “Socialism is a system that liberates humans from all forms of oppression and exploitation.”
   9. “The government is a mother who protects her children, provides a sense of security and justice for the people.”
   10. “Hard work is the bull that drives the wheels of life, bringing prosperity to the country and nation.”

4. Figure of Hyperbole in Song

Example:

1. 1. “I can no longer, live without you, really you really me.” (Peterpan – No Time Limit)
   2. “Millions of people cried when you left the world.” (Chrisye – A School Love Story)
   3. “It breaks my heart to see you hurt, the pain is incomparable.” (Deity 19 – Love Will Bring You Back)
   4. “Until whenever I will always be faithful, even though you are far away, you are still close to my heart.” (Repvblik – I’m Afraid)
   5. “You can make me smile in tears, wipe my tears with your sweet smile.” (Kangen Band – About Me, You, and Him)
   6. “I can make you fly to the sky, reach the high stars above.” (Raisa – Falling in Heart)
   7. “I want to be like you, could be mine.” (Sincerely – Shoes)
   8. “You are the only one who can fill my heart, my love for you will never fade.” (Teeth – January 11)
   9. “The stars in the sky are not as far as I miss you.” (Rossa – Verses of Love)
   10. “Nothing is more beautiful than you, you are the last flower that blooms in my heart.” (Nidji – Delete Me)

5. Ellipsis in Speech

Example:

1. 1. “The first time I saw you, you stopped time. The second time, you made him walk backwards. And now, you took my breath away.” (Love Speech)
   2. “The people have given their voice, and that voice is clearly saying that we must fight together for a better future.” (Election Speech)
   3. “Don’t ask what this country has done for you, but ask what you have done for this country.” (Independence Speech)
   4. “We are here to change the world, to give new meaning to our lives.” (Inspirational Speech)
   5. “You will feel scared, you will feel tired, you will feel sick. But never give up, because that is where you will find your true strength.” (Motivational Speech)
   6. “We must stand together to face this challenge, to show the world that we are indestructible.” (Speech of Solidarity)
   7. “We all know that life is full of unexpected twists and challenges, but that’s what makes life so beautiful.” (Life Inspiration Speech)
   8. “Many people say that failure is the key to success, but don’t forget that success can also be the key to failure.” (Speech on Success)
   9. “We must learn from the past, live in the present, and hope for a better future.” (Speech on the Future)
   10. “Never underestimate the power of one person standing alone, because when he is joined by people who share the same vision, it can be an unstoppable force.” (Speech on Unity)

6. Allegory in Novels

Example:

1. 1. George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”: This novel depicts an allegory of the Russian Revolution by depicting animals taking over their farms from humans, but then being trapped in an authoritarian regime similar to that of the Czars.
   2. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by CS Lewis: This novel is a Christian allegory that depicts the story of a group of children who enter a magical world and have to fight against evil with the help of Aslan, the lion who represents Christ.
   3. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding: This novel depicts an allegory of evil human nature through the story of a group of children who are stranded on an island and eventually fall into chaos and violence.
   4. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”: This novel depicts an allegory of wealthy Americans during the 1920s, but also criticizes the corruption and moral emptiness behind the luxury and pleasures they enjoyed.
   5. L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz”: This novel depicts an allegory of UnitedStates politics in the 1900s, with characters such as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion representing the farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens who were fought for by the Populist party.
   6. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan: This novel is a classic Christian allegory that describes the journey of a Christian who seeks truth and salvation through struggle and temptation.
   7. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde: This novel depicts an allegory of evil human nature through the story of a handsome man who sells his soul for beauty and pleasure, but ends up losing his happiness.
   8. CS Lewis “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe”: This novel is another Christian allegory that depicts the story of a group of children who must defeat Queen Jadis, who represents Satan, to free Narnia from darkness and restore Aslan’s rule.
   9. “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri: This novel is an epic Christian allegory that depicts Dante’s journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven to find salvation and enlightenment.
   10. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley: This novel depicts an allegory of a future society that is obsessed with pleasure, satisfaction and restraint, but also loses its freedom, truth and humanity.

7. Figure of Metonymy in Articles

Example:

1. 1. “Washington” is used in place of the United States government. Example: “Washington is pursuing a more aggressive foreign policy.”
   2. “Hollywood” is used instead of the film industry in the United States. Example:”Hollywood produces blockbuster films that generate billions of dollars every year.”
   3. “Head of state” is used instead of the state itself. Example: “The head of state delivers a state speech inviting all citizens to unite in developing the country.”
   4. “Brother” is used in place of a person related to the speaker. Example: “Ladies and gentlemen, we must work together to achieve the same goal.”
   5. “Country” is used in place of homeland or country. Example: “All citizens must participate in maintaining security and order in our country.”
   6. “Chair” is used as a substitute for office or power. Example: “He has run for the seat of regional head.”
   7. “Flag” is used in place of country or national pride. Example: “We must red-white this country with high national spirit.”
   8. “Canvas” is used instead of painting. Example: “The artist produces beautiful and meaningful canvases.”
   9. “Treasure” is used as a substitute for wealth or assets. Example: “Investors flocked to invest their assets in the property sector.”
   10. “Head of government” is used instead of the title of president or prime minister. Example: “The country’s head of government has made official visits to several Southeast Asian countries.”

The Beauty and Function of Figure of speech

Figure of speech gives beauty to literary works and makes them more attractive to readers or listeners. Figure of speech also functions to convey messages indirectly and deeper. By using figure of speech, writers can convey meaning in a more creative and artistic way. However, the use of figure of speech also requires skills and a good understanding of language and literature. If it is used incorrectly, the message conveyed can be blurred or even misinterpreted.

Conclusion

Figure of speech is a form of language used to convey meaning indirectly in literary works. There are various types of figure of speech such as simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, ellipsis, allegory, and metonymy. Figure of speech gives beauty to literary works and functions to convey messages indirectly and deeper. Therefore, its use requires skills and a good understanding of language and literature.