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Mwami: No problem, you’re a good friend of mine. I will be lending them to
you whenever you need them. Did you find any more terms? There
are so many of them; my head is aching.
Mori: Euphemism is one of the figures of speech we all use frequently. It is
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
the use of polite expressions to replace words and phrases considered
harsh or impolite and unpleasant. For example, ‘pass away’ for
‘die’ or ‘going to the washroom’ for ‘going to urinate.’ Symbolism
involves using a word or a phrase to represent or stand for something
larger than itself. For example, a ‘dove’ symbolises ‘peace’ and a
heart symbolises ‘love’.

Mwami: Enough, my friend. Let me work on these first, and then we can learn
some more later.
Mori: You are right. Let’s take a break.

Questions

1. What are different kinds of figures of speech?
2. Give two examples for each of the following:
(i) Simile
(ii) Metaphor
(iii) Euphemism
3. What descriptive images can you use to create a sense of sound for a reader
to ‘hear’ whatever is happening in a story?

Did you
know

Literary language is rich in aesthetic elements such as figures of speech and
other literary devices. Figures of speech are words, sentences or phrases that
mean beyond their literal meaning. They are used in a literary work to create
an emotional or mental effect on the audience. Examples of figures of speech
are metaphors, similes, imageries and euphemisms. Authors of literary works
use figurative language to evoke emotional feelings and mental pictures in the
audience.

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