Figures of Speech Contradictions Paarl Girls’ High School Grade 8 English Home Language

What are Figures of Speech? We use Figures of Speech to create images or mind-pictures in order to express ourselves visually, imaginatively, and powerfully. When we speak of: The hands of a clock The foot of a mountain Having someone’s ear (attention) We are using hand, foot, and ear in a non-literal (figurative) way.

Recap: Personification Simile Comparisons (3 types): Metaphor

Onomatopoeia Alliteration Sound Devices (3 types): Assonance

What is a contradiction? A contradiction is a combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another. Is this an example of a contradiction?

Today’s lesson is on contradictions

What are Contradictions? Contradictions are Figures of Speech that appear to contain conflicting or opposing ideas. Who can give the class an example of: A type of contradiction? An example of this type of contradiction?

Sarcasm Oxymoron Contradictions (4 types): Paradox Irony

Oxymoron: Question: Derived from the two Greek words: What is an oxymoron? Derived from the two Greek words: ‘Oxy’ – meaning ‘sharp’ ‘Moron’ – meaning ‘blunt’ An oxymoron places two words of opposite meaning next to each other. This brings out a conflict of interest. Upon analysis, these words evoke a powerful image. For example: Please try to act naturally. It is so nice to hear that we are alone together. The biscuits that she baked are awfully good.

Oxymoron: Examples explained: Please try to act naturally. If you are acting, you are not natural. To be natural is not to act. Therefore, these two words bring about a conflict of interest. It is so nice to hear that we are alone together. If you are alone, you cannot be together with someone else. The biscuits that she baked are awfully good. If something is awful, it cannot be good.

Paradox: Question: What is paradox? A paradox is a statement that contains an obvious contradiction. But… after thinking about this obvious contradiction It can be seen to express a truth. i.e. A paradox is a seemingly absurd/contradictory statement which, when analysed, is found to be true. It can be seen as an “extended oxymoron”. The opposites are not next to each other, but they are found in the same sentence.

Paradox: Examples and Explanations: More haste, less speed. To do something with hast, is to do something quickly. If you do something with haste, you cannot do it slowly. Therefore, this statement contains an obvious contradiction. You will kill him with your kindness. Kindness is a good deed. Killing someone is a bad deed. She is only happy when she has something to worry about. Worrying about something does not make you happy.

Irony: Question: Derived from Greek What is irony? Derived from Greek Meaning “pretend”, especially in speech. Irony implies the opposite of what is being said. i.e. saying one thing but meaning the opposite. The intention of irony is for the opposite of what is being said to be understood. The tone of the speaker imply what word is being used ironically in a sentence.

Irony: Examples and Explanations: When a teacher says to a sleepy, inattentive class, “You are a bright lot!” A sleepy, inattentive class will not be bright and attentive at that moment in time. Therefore, the tone of the word “bright” implies that the word is being used ironically. When a learner at school says, “I can’t wait for my detention on Friday afternoon!” Detention at school, especially on a Friday afternoon, is something that you should not look forward to. Therefore, the tone of the words “can’t wait” are being used ironically. After writing an extremely difficult test a learner exclaims, “Well, that was easy!” A difficult test cannot be an easy test. Therefore, the tone of the word “easy” implies that the word is being used ironically.

Sarcasm: Question: Derived from Greek What is sarcasm? Derived from Greek Meaning “to tear at flesh like a dog”. Sarcasm is similar to (irony which occurs when one thing is said, but something else is intended or understood). But… Sarcasm is used with the purpose of hurting, insulting or humiliating someone. i.e. it is deliberately used to hurt someone – it is any deliberately harmful remark.

Sarcasm: Examples and Explanations: If someone has gained a large amount of weight in a short amount of time, and someone else says to them, “I see that your new diet has been working well for you!” A diet is not intended to make you gain weight. The words “working well” are used with the purpose of hurting, insulting or humiliating this person. Therefore, this statement is being used sarcastically. “You must have worked very hard to be at the bottom of the class!” If someone is at the bottom of the class, they are not working hard. The word “bottom” is used with the purpose of hurting, insulting or humiliating this person.

Sarcasm: Examples and Explanations (2): If someone has had a bad day and he/she does not feel like being at a dinner party that evening, and someone says, “Are you always the heart and soul of the party?” The word “always” is being used with the purpose of hurting, insulting or humiliating this person. Therefore, this statement is being used sarcastically.

ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR DAY!!!