Figurative Language III

1. Figurative Language III

2. An allusion is a short, informal reference to a famous person or event. These are usually drawn from history, Greek and Roman mythology, Shakespeare, the Bible and literature. Allusion

3. Cultural Literacy • This is being aware of the allusions that have been set up within our society. • It is know the allusions and references even without having read all of the literature. • In writing today we have to be more careful with allusions because our cultural literacy can no longer be assumed

4. Eponym • This is a specific type of allusion. The person that is being alluded to is substituted for the attribute itself. • Examples • I would need to be Hercules to lift this box of books off of the floor and on to the shelf. • All of my students are young Einsteins.

5. Apostrophe • An apostrophe is a direct address to someone, whether present or absent, and whether real, imaginary or personified. • The next opportunity for a snow day---sorry to tell you this—is not until January.

6. epithet • An epithet is an adjective or adjective phrase that describes key characteristics of the noun. • Examples: • Brightening dawn • Cruel murder • Laughing happiness • Sneering contempt • Untroubled sleep

7. Metaphorical epithets • These are epithets that usually contain personification • Examples Joyous night Jocund day Lazy road Sleeping night Smirking billboards Tired landscape Wandering river

8. Transferred Epithet • This is an adjective modifying a noun that it usually would not modify even though it makes figurative sense. • The ragged breathing of the old man came from beyond the curtain.