FIGURES OF SPEECH - 9 - LITOTES | EXCLAMATION

A figure of speech is an ornamental use of words.

A figure of speech may be defined as a change from the plain and ordinary mode of expression for the sake of emphasis or to beautify the language.

Figure of speech is a technique or a tool of expression, by means of which one deviates from the ordinary expression in order to produce a better or a more emphatic linguistic effect.

Figures of speech are commonly used in poetry to enhance the beauty, imagery, poetic effect and rhyme scheme of the poem.

LITOTES

The use of a negative before some other word to indicate a strong affirmative in the opposite direction.

Examples:

1. This is a statement of no small importance.

Here, the expression 'of no small' suggests 'of great' importance.

EXCLAMATION

It is the emotional expression of ideas or feelings in words.

When strong feelings are expressed in the nature of an exclamation, the figure of speech is exclamation.

In this figure of speech, the exclamatory form is used to draw greater attention to a point. It is used to express an idea more effectively.

Examples:

1. Oh! how wonderful is the painting.

The idea of the painting being wonderful is conveyed explicitly.

2. How like a knife her words are!

3. What a piece of work is man!

4. How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!

5. Oh Life! Oh God! What have I done to deserve this?