Literary Device

Figures of Speech

Subject: Literature-in-English

Theme: Literary Device

Topic: Figurative Language

Sub Topic: Figures of Speech

Date: dd/mm/yyyy

Class: S.S 1

Average Age: 14 years and above

Duration: 35 Minutes

No of Learners: 40



Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson learners should be able to:

DEFINE Figures of Speech:

Figurative language is the language that suggests special meanings or effects such as metaphors or similes; not literal language. Example, she stands like a tree, solid and rooted. Writers use figures of speech to make their books, plays and poems more colourful, spiceful and interesting.

Classify Figures of Speech:

Figures of speech are classified into four viz: devices expressing comparison, figures of speech expressing contrast, figurative language expressing sound effects and figurative devices overstating and understating idea as explained below.

1. Figurative Devices for Comparison: the devices expressing comparison include simile, metaphor and personification. e.t.c.

2. Figures of Speech Expressing Contrast: Include Oxymoron, Antithesis, Irony, Sarcasm, Epigram, Paradox. e.t.c.

3. Figures of Speech expressing Sounds effects/Sound Devices: Sound devices are special words or phrases used in poems and other forms of writing to add beauty to the write up or for aesthetic purpose. Below are the sound devices prevalent in English and Literature. E.g Assonance, Alliteration, Rhyme, Onomatopoeia. e.t.c.

4. Figurative Devices Overstating and Understating Ideas. E.g, Hyperbole, Litotes, Euphemism. e.t.c.

5. Figurative Devices using Parts for whole or attributes/things to replace Names. E.g, Synecdoche, Metonymy. e.t.c.


List and explain figures of speech under each class with example:

A. Figurative Devices for Comparison:

1. Simile: "Simile" actually means likeness (almost saying "similar"). It shows similarity between two people/objects that are different in nature but have a common feature. The markers for such comparison are “as” or “like”. It is the conscious and imaginative comparison made between two things so that the reader can understand the characteristic or attribute of the thing being described.
E.g Ali is as gentle as a dove

2. Metaphor: This is direct comparison (without the use of “as” or “like”) for the sake of emphasis.
E.g 1. Abba is a dove
2. Muhammad is lionhearted.

3. Personification: Object is made to sound like a „person‟ or given human characteristics. Conversely, When an animal is given human characteristics, the techniques used is not personification but anthropomorphism.
E.g 1.The sun is smiling.
2.The bench screamed when Anita sat on it.
3.The roof complained bitterly when it rained.


B. Figures of Speech Expressing Contrast:

1. Oxymoron: Two opposite words are juxtaposed together for an intended effect.
E.g 1. Sweet sour.
2. Open secret.
3. Young old man.
4. Living dead.
5. Dark light.

2. Antithesis: This refers to the juxtaposition of two opposite expressions. Antithesis, unlike an oxymoron, has a longer expression.
E.g 1. Many are called; few are chosen.
2. Man proposes; God disposes.
3. To err is human; to forgive is divine.

3. Irony: This refers to an expression or a situation where the writer is saying the opposite of what is going on.
E.g 1. Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink
2. The cat was chased by the rat.
3.Your sister would be happy that you broke her plate.

4. Sarcasm: Is a remark that expresses the opposite of what has been stated. It is meant to criticize or hurt the person to whom it is directed
E.g Your English teacher looks at your scant and badly written essay and says: “You have obviously given a lot of time to this".

5. Epigram: This is a short witty saying expressing an idea in a clever and musing way.
E.g 1. Attack is the best form of defense.
2. The more you look, the less you see.

6. Paradox: A statement that appears to contradict itself, but upon further rumination, either reveals a deeper meaning or actually makes sense. Two contradictory ideas are juxtaposed in a way that is insightful.
E.g 1.All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
2. I must be cruel to be kind


C. Figures of Speech expressing Sounds effects/Sound Devices:

1. Assonance: Similarity in the vowel sounds of words that are close together, i.e The repetition of initial vowel sounds in sequence.
It can also be defined as the repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds with changes in the intervening consonants.
E.g 1. Joan rows the old boat.
2. These three thieves.
3. 'Born' and 'warm'

2. Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in sequence.
E.g 1. On the bald streets break the blank day.
2. Harry has a house in the hill.
3. Friday of french fries and fish.

3. Rhyme: This occurs when similar sound patterns are found at the end of the lines.
E.g A train in the rain.

4. Onomatopoeia: The use or creation of a word that imitate, resembles, or suggests the sound that it describes.
E.g 1. meow
2. buzz of a bee


D. Figurative Devices Overstating and Understating Ideas:

1. Hyperbole: hyper refers to over- exaggerated expression made for effect. Writers use it to shock or amuse the readers.
E.g Jamil responded with a thousand thanks.

2. Litotes: This is an understatement, and the reversed form of hyperbole. An affirmative proposition is stated by negating its opposite.
E.g 1. This food is not bad.
2. I am not ungrateful.

3. Euphemism: This expression is used to replace one that is too harsh or unpleasant in order to reduce the impact of some information.
E.g 1. Comfort station (public toilet).
2. Physically substantial (fat)

E. Figurative Devices using Parts for whole or attributes/things to replace Names:

1. Synecdoche: It is the figurative term used when a part is meant to represent a whole.
E.g 1. We have the best brains in this class.
2. My father has eight hungry mouths to feed.

2. Metonymy: Things are not called by their true names but by the names of tings or attributes closely associated with them.
E.g 1. The pen is mightier than the sword.
2. The pupil has greater power


Rationale:

In the main, figures devices are ways of achieving entertainment effects in writing, to engage the attention of the readers with the sound appeal derived from the expression and the writer uses them to create an impression. They also show the skills of the writer or the poet.

Prerequisite/ Previous knowledge:

Storyings, songs, history etc.

Learning Resources:

Flash cards showing types of figures of speech, an audio video youtube examples, Figures of speech with examples written on a cardboard sheet. Available useful objects.

Reference Materials:

J.O.J. Nwachukwu et al: Exam Focus: Literature-in-English 2021-2025
Tony Duru: Standard Literature-in-English
Internet.


Lesson Development:

STAGE

TEACHER'S ACTIVITY

LEARNER'S ACTIVITY

LEARNING POINTS

STEP 1:
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
full class session (3 mins)
The teacher Introduces the lesson by asking questions based on previous knowledge;
What Is a Literary Device?.
The students respond to the questions based on previous knowledge.
A literary device is a tool used by writers to hint at larger themes, ideas, and meaning in a story or piece of writing. There are many styles of literary devices, each serving a different purpose. Some operate at the sentence level, while others serve the piece of writing as a whole. Writers often use multiple literary devices in tandem.
Learner’s entry points.
STEP 2:
INTRODUCTION
full class session (3 mins)
The teacher review/introduce what they are going to study today; what Figures of Speech is; the Classification of Figures of Speech and The most common figures of speech. The students listen attentively to the teacher. Introducing the topic for discussion.
STEP 3: DEVELOPMENT
Group Work (2 mins)
The teacher guides the learners to form four groups and asks them to choose their leaders and secretaries. Learners choose their group leaders and secretaries. Inculcating leadership skills, competitive spirit, cooperation, teamwork and a sense of responsibility among learners.
STEP 4: EXPLORATION
3 mins
Mode: Individual
The teacher writes some figures of speech on the board for the students to read.

1. Alliteration:  the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

2. Hyperbole:  an expression of exaggeration.
"I nearly died laughing."

3. Idioms:  expressions that have a meaning apart from the meanings of the individual words.
"It's raining cats and dogs."

4. Metaphor:  a figure of speech that compares two unlike things, without the use of like  or as.
"Her hair is silk." 

5. Mood: the overall feeling the poem creates.
Mood, or tone, for example, can be playful, sad, lonely, angry or joyful.

6. Onomatopoeia: words that imitate sounds.
"Boom. Gurgle. Plink. Woof"

7. Personification: assigning human qualities to non-human things.
"The tropical storm slept for two days."

8. Puns:  words with a humorous double meaning, a "play on words."
"A dog not only has a fur coat but also pants."

9. Rhyme:  The basic definition is two words that sound alike.
Rhyme is perhaps the most recognizable convention of poetry.
Rhyme helps to unify a poem.
 Katie took a trip to the beach.
She brought two books, and a peach.

10. Rhyme Scheme:  A rhyme scheme is a regular pattern of rhyme, one that is consistent throughout the extent of the poem.
See how to show a rhyme scheme below: There once was a big brown cat a That liked to eat a lot of mice.
He got all round and fat a Because they tasted so nice.

11. Similes: figures of speech that compares two unlike things, using the words like  or as.
"His feet were as big as boats." 

 

12. Symbolism:  using an object to represent an idea. A symbol means what it is and also something more.
 Example: Lions often symbolize royalty.


The teacher thereafter asks the student to defined figure of speech.
The students read the figure of speech writen on the board, thereafter made attempt to defined figure of speech.
Figures of speech is the use of any language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words in order to create new meaning.
Identification of prior ideas.
STEP 5: DISCUSSION
5 mins.
Mode: Group
The teacher asks learners to study the figures of speech on the board:

1. Simile: when two unlike things are compared using like or as.
2. Metaphor: when one thing is compared directly to another unlike thing without the use of as or like.
3. Alliteration: the repetition of the same consonant at the beginning of several words in a line of text or poetry.
4. Assonance: the repetition of a vowel sound in several words in a line of text or poetry.
5. Onomatopoeia: when a word sounds like the noise it represents.
6. Personification: when something that is not human is given human characteristics.

and asked students to suggest classes the figures of speech could belong to
The students quickly suggest the classes the figures of speech could belong to.
1. Figurative Devices for Comparison
2. Figures of Speech Expressing Contrast
3. Figures of Speech expressing Sounds effects/Sound Devices
4. Figurative Devices Overstating and Understating Ideas
Being able to classify figures of speech.
STEP 6: APPLICATION
4 mins
Mode: Group
The Teacher guides the students to list and explain figures of speech under each class.

A. Figurative Devices for Comparison

The students expected answer.

1. Simile: "Simile" actually means likeness (almost saying "similar"). It shows similarity between two people/objects that are different in nature but have a common feature. The markers for such comparison are “as” or “like”. It is the conscious and imaginative comparison made between two things so that the reader can understand the characteristic or attribute of the thing being described.
E.g Ali is as gentle as a dove

2. Metaphor: This is direct comparison (without the use of “as” or “like”) for the sake of emphasis.
E.g 1. Abba is a dove
2. Muhammad is lionhearted.

3. Personification: Object is made to sound like a „person‟ or given human characteristics. Conversely, When an animal is given human characteristics, the techniques used is not personification but anthropomorphism.
E.g 1.The sun is smiling.
2.The bench screamed when Anita sat on it.
3.The roof complained bitterly when it rained.

Being able to list and explain figures of speech under each class.

B. Figures of Speech Expressing Contrast

1. Oxymoron: Two opposite words are juxtaposed together for an intended effect.
E.g 1. Sweet sour.
2. Open secret.
3. Young old man.
4. Living dead.
5. Dark light.

2. Antithesis: This refers to the juxtaposition of two opposite expressions. Antithesis, unlike an oxymoron, has a longer expression.
E.g 1. Many are called; few are chosen.
2. Man proposes; God disposes.
3. To err is human; to forgive is divine.

3. Irony: This refers to an expression or a situation where the writer is saying the opposite of what is going on.
E.g 1. Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink
2. The cat was chased by the rat.
3.Your sister would be happy that you broke her plate.

4. Sarcasm: Is a remark that expresses the opposite of what has been stated. It is meant to criticize or hurt the person to whom it is directed
E.g Your English teacher looks at your scant and badly written essay and says: “You have obviously given a lot of time to this".

5. Epigram: This is a short witty saying expressing an idea in a clever and musing way.
E.g 1. Attack is the best form of defense.
2. The more you look, the less you see.

6. Paradox: A statement that appears to contradict itself, but upon further rumination, either reveals a deeper meaning or actually makes sense. Two contradictory ideas are juxtaposed in a way that is insightful.
E.g 1.All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
2. I must be cruel to be kind

C. Figures of Speech expressing Sounds effects/Sound Devices

1. Assonance: Similarity in the vowel sounds of words that are close together, i.e The repetition of initial vowel sounds in sequence.
It can also be defined as the repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds with changes in the intervening consonants.
E.g 1 .Joan rows the old boat.
2. These three thieves.
3. 'Born' and 'warm'

2. Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in sequence.
E.g 1. On the bald streets break the blank day.
2. Harry has a house in the hill.
3. Friday of french fries and fish.

3. Rhyme: This occurs when similar sound patterns are found at the end of the lines.
E.g A train in the rain.

4. Onomatopoeia: The use or creation of a word that imitate, resembles, or suggests the sound that it describes.
E.g 1. meow
2. buzz of a bee

D. Figurative Devices Overstating and Understating Ideas

1. Hyperbole: hyper refers to over- exaggerated expression made for effect. Writers use it to shock or amuse the readers.
E.g Jamil responded with a thousand thanks.

2. Litotes: This is an understatement, and the reversed form of hyperbole. An affirmative proposition is stated by negating its opposite.
E.g 1. This food is not bad.
2. I am not ungrateful.

3. Euphemism: This expression is used to replace one that is too harsh or unpleasant in order to reduce the impact of some information.
E.g 1. Comfort station (public toilet).
2. Physically substantial (fat)

E. Figurative Devices using Parts for whole or attributes/things to replace Names:

1. Synecdoche: It is the figurative term used when a part is meant to represent a whole.
E.g 1. We have the best brains in this class.
2. My father has eight hungry mouths to feed.

2. Metonymy: Things are not called by their true names but by the names of tings or attributes closely associated with them.
E.g 1. The pen is mightier than the sword.
2. The pupil has greater power

STEP 6: EVALUATION
Mode: Entire Class
5 mins
The teacher asks the students the following questions:
(1) Define figures of speech.
(2) List the classes of figures of speech.
(3) List and explain any three figures of speech.
The students expected answers
(1) Figurative language is the language that suggests special meanings or effects such as metaphors or similes; not literal language.

(2) Figures of speech are classified into four viz: devices expressing comparison, figures of speech expressing contrast, figurative language expressing sound effects and figurative devices overstating and understating idea.

(3) (i) Similes: figures of speech that compares two unlike things, using the words like or as.
E.g "His feet were as big as boats."

(ii) Metaphor:  a figure of speech that compares two unlike things, without the use of like or as.
E.g "Her hair is silk."

(iii) Personification: Object is made to sound like a „person‟ or given human characteristics. Conversely, When an animal is given human characteristics, the techniques used is not personification but anthropomorphism.
E.g The sun is smiling.
Asking the learners questions to assess the achievement of the set objectives.
ASSIGNMENT The teacher gives learners take home
Write the following figurative devices with examples, apostrophe, innuendo, rhetorical question.
The learners copy the assignment Better understanding of Figures of Speech.
CONCLUSION
2 mins
The teachers wrap up from the learners' contribution on figures of speech.
Figurative Language are poetic devices whose literal meaning of words create new meaning. The most common figures of speech are

Some commonly used figures of speech are as follows. 1. Simile: when two unlike things are compared using like or as.
2. Metaphor: when one thing is compared directly to another unlike thing without the use of as or like.
3. Alliteration: the repetition of the same consonant at the beginning of several words in a line of text or poetry.
4. Assonance: the repetition of a vowel sound in several words in a line of text or poetry.
5. Onomatopoeia: when a word sounds like the noise it represents.
6. Personification: when something that is not human is given human characteristics.
The students listen to the teacher and copy down notes. Consolidating and harmonizing scientific concepts.




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