Song library
5 songs
Allusion
DEFINITION: An allusion is an indirect reference in conversation or in writing to a person, place, thing or idea. The reference is not described in detail, as it is assumed that the reader or the receiver of the information has some background knowledge. Allusions are often cultural, historical, or have political significance. HOW IT WORKS: One example is telling someone who lies a lot: 'Your nose will begin to grow'. This is an indirect reference to the story of 'Pinocchio'. In the story Pinocchio’s nose grew whenever he told a lie. Anyone who has read or heard this story before would understand this reference. Anyone who has not read or heard the story would have difficulty making the connection. HOW IT'S USED IN EVERYDAY LIFE Allusions are found in everyday conversation as well as in print (for example in books, magazines, newspapers, as well as in online blogs and articles).
Analogy
DEFINITION: An analogy compares one idea or thing with another idea or thing. On the surface they may seem different but after consideration they have someting in common. It is a way to explain an idea or thing by comparing it with something the reader or receiver of the information is already familiar. HOW IT WORKS: The following sentence is an example of an analogy: 'My backyard was a lake after it rained.' The back yard was not literally a lake, but, the analogy was used to show that it was a lot of rain. HOW IT'S USED IN EVERYDAY LIFE: Analogies are used in many daily conversations, on televion and in print (books, magainzes, newspapers and online).
Connotation And Dennotation
Connotation is the meaning we automatically associate with a word or phrase. 'Good for you' has a positive meaning, but it can be used sarcastically, in which case this meaning is subverted. Sarcasm has the power to flip the meaning of any word or expression, regardless of its connotation. For example, a stubborn person may be described as being either strong-willed or pig-headed; Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition."¨ For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative meanings is "A of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptile.
Figurative Language
DEFINITION: Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they are. HOW TO: One of the best ways to really understand the concept of figurative language is to see it in action such as with these examples: Alright, the sky misses the sun at night. The poorest man is the richest, and the rich are poor. Hear the mellow wedding bells. - Edgar Allen Poe Out of reach, I pull out with a screech. I move fast like a cheetah on the Serengeti. Her head was spinning from all the new information. The toast jumped out of the toaster. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. The Sea lashed out in anger at the ships, unwilling to tolerate another battle. The Redcoats are coming! I’ve told you a million times to clean your room! Everyday Use: Figurative language can be found in literature and poetry where the writing appeals to the senses. It can do this by giving a word with a specific meaning, by comparing two things in such a way that you find the comparison interesting or by using words that have unusual constructions or sounds.
Tone
DEFINITION: The tone of a literary piece is the viewpoint or attitude that the author adopts regarding a particular character, location or development. Tone can depict various sentiments ranging from somber, melancholy, and critical to amusing, cynical and comical. Importance: Tone assists the reader in ascertaining the writer’s sentiments towards a particular subject and this in turn effects the reader’s perception of the story. HOW TO Example: In her Harry Potter series, author J.K. Rowling has taken an extremely positive, inspiring and uplifting tone towards the idea of love and devotion Everyday Use: Tone is used in every day reading, writing, when you are speaking or listening to someone and when you are listening to songs.