Metaphors are used to compare one thing to another thing. Many different mediums use metaphors, including some that don’t seem like they should mix: like sports, art, and literature. Sports Metaphors Sport is war minus the shooting. – George Orwell…
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11 Examples of Irony in Children’s Literature
Irony in Children’s Literature Irony is one of those things that younger children don’t really understand. However, their books are filled with irony that makes only the adults laugh and will cause the children to look back on with wonder…
10 Examples of Irony in Shakespeare
Shakespeare is one of the prevailing masters of irony – he uses dramatic, situational, and verbal irony in such a way that few others have been able to replicate. Truly, when one talks about irony, if they do not talk…
You Are What You Eat
Origin of “You are What You Eat” The exact source of this phrase is unknown but it is said that Anthelme Brillat-Savarin used this phrase in his book, “Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante” published in 1826 and…
Legend
Definition of Legend Originated from Latin legendus, legend means “something which ought to be read.” According to J. A. Cuddon, a legend is “a story or narrative that lies somewhere between myth and historical fact and which, as a rule,…
Hero
Definition of Hero As a literary device, a hero can be defined as the principal character of a literary work. The term hero has been applied, not only in the classical sense, but also in modern literature, as the principal…
Canon
Definition of Canon Originated from the Greek term “kanon,” canon means “a yard stick,” or “a measuring rod.” Generally, the term canon is used in three different meanings. First, it is defined as a traditional collection of writings, against which…
Hamlet Act-I, Scene-III Study Guide
Plot Overview This scene takes place at the residence of Polonius, in a room in the castle of Elsinore. His son, Laertes, offers overprotective advice to his sister, Ophelia, who is in love with Prince Hamlet. His tone shows that…
Raining Cats and Dogs
Origin Although the definite origin of this phrase in unknown, it seems a likely derivation from some natural phenomenon. There are, however, some fanciful and proposed derivations. It was Jonathan Swift, who first used it in his satirical poem, A…
Push the Envelope
Origin of Push the Envelope This phrase first became popular in literary writings following the publication of the book, The Right Stuff, by Tom Wolfe in 1979. The book is about space program. He uses this phrase in the first…
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Origin of Curiosity Killed the Cat The origin of this phrase is traced back as far as 1598, to Ben Johnson, who used it in his comedy, Every Man in His Humor. Later, various other authors modified the phrase, and…
To Justify the Ways of God to Men
Origin of To Justify the Ways of God to Men This phrase is taken from first book of John Milton’s long epic poem, Paradise Lost. In the opening stanza of this work, Milton writes, “I may assert eternal providence, /…
Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark
Origin This phrase is taken from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The speaker is Marcellus, a guard, who talks to his philosophical comrade, Horatio, saying, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark …“ (Act-I, Scene-IV). The reason of saying this…
10 Poems All About Alliteration
Poetry is filled with alliteration because it lends itself naturally to the tone and musicality of the poetry. Take a look at these poems that are filled with alliteration, and see how it affects not only the sound, but also…
10 Fun Examples of Personification in Poetry
Personification is used more frequently than not in poetry, and it is often overlooked for other types of figurative language that adds unique sounds. Take a look at these poems that use personification to add to the overall meaning in…
10 Songs with Meaningful Personification
Personification is a great tool for songs – which is why it is a shame that more singers and songwriters don’t use it. See how this literary device makes these songs that much better: #1: Hummingbird Heartbeat (by Katy Perry) When…
Hamlet Act-I, Scene-II Study Guide
This scene opens in the court of King Claudius. The king is engaged in preaching ethics to his family members and courtiers regarding balancing life between sorrows and everyday preoccupations. He vows to combine and sustain the grief he feels…
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Origin John Milton coined this phrase for the first time in his masque “Comus.” It reads as, “Turn forth her silver lining on the night, And casts a gleam over this tufted grove.” Following Milton, it again appeared in The…
Silence is Golden
Origin Like many other phrases, the origin of this phrase also lies in the mist of time. It is reported that it has links with some other versions of the proverb, dating back to Egyptian history. However, its first example…
Ignorance is Strength
Origin This phrase appears in George Orwell’s novel, 1984. The author has used it as the slogan of the Party in the very first part of the novel, where it reads, “War is Peace / Freedom is Slavery / Ignorance is Strength”…