Figures of Speech

The Foundation

Figures of speech awaken the imagination by heightening and stylizing words and phrases to illuminate and broaden one's understanding of an idea or concept. Through this illumination, conversants using figures of speech appeal to the senses and aesthetic proclivities of the intended audience by penetrating the mental framework of individuals. This mental framework then serves as the conduit through which words and phrases can transform and reshape one's understanding about a particular subject matter. The metamorphosis of understanding created through the morphing of words via the imagination (or mental framework) allows the intended audience to experience new ways of thinking about enduring ideologies and concepts that are seemingly archaic and irrelevant on the surface. The fresh revelatory insights that come out of this mental framework create enlivened discussions and debates about any subject matter imaginable. There is no end to how speakers and writers can use figures of speech to express universal concepts in new ways.

Nonliteral expressions of ideas can seem unnecessary and bothersome when it comes to reading and listening to pertinent material. In addition, some believe that one should avoid the usage of riddles and mysteries in how one expresses ideas and concepts to others and, instead, employ concrete simplicity as one states what one actually means when writing or speaking about any subject. The opponents of nonliteral expression also believe that using direct expression leaves no room for confusion and that there is less conflict and turmoil as a result of saying what one actually means in both verbal and written expression. This belief may hold true in certain situations and disciplines (depending on the circumstances involved); however, avoiding confusion and misunderstanding when expressing ideas is not necessarily crucial when attempting to communicate a message to an intended audience. In this case, disagreements can become an opportunity for open exchanges about differences in opinion concerning rhetoric containing figures of speech. The usage of figures of speech can be an indicator of the differences in the mental frameworks among individuals when communicating. Moreover, the use of figures of speech in certain situations lends itself to a better understanding about ideologies and concepts because it invites commentary and encourages persons with different opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds to communicate openly.

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