5. When two unlike things are contrasted, that each may appear more striking, the figure is called antithesis; as, Go or stay, whichever you will. Success wins attention; failure wins neglect.
6. When the mind is aroused by a contradiction between the form of the language and the meaning really intended, the figure is called an epigram; as, The favorite has no friend. Genius is an immense capacity for taking trouble.
7. When something absent is addressed as if present, the figure is called apostrophe; as, O, death, where is thy sting?
8. When the language expresses the contrary of what is meant, the figure is called irony; as, No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom will die with you.—Job.
EXERCISE.
Name the figures in the following passages, and state what is gained by the use of each:—
| 1. | Some people are too foolish to commit follies. | |
| 2. | Youth and beauty must be laid in the grave. | |
| 3. | A true friend, like a mirror, will tell us of our faults. | |
| 4. | War flings his blood-stained banner to the breeze. | |
| 5. | The light of the Constitution shines in the palace and the cottage. | |
| 6. | Though gentle, yet not dull; | |
| Strong, without rage; without o’erflowing, full.—Denham. | ||
| 7. | There is a tide in the affairs of men, | |
| Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.—Shakespeare. | ||
| 8. | Sweet friends! What the women lave | |
| For its last bed of the grave, | ||
| Is a hut which I am quitting, | ||
| Is a garment no more fitting.—Arnold. | ||
| 9. | Ayr, gurgling, kissed his pebbled shore, | |
| O’erhung with wild woods, thickening green; | ||
| The fragrant birch and hawthorn hoar | ||
| Twined amorous round the raptured scene.—Burns. | ||
| 10. | And, as a bird each fond endearment tries | |
| To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, | ||
| He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, | ||
| Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way.—Goldsmith. |