Question

Identify each literary device with the following abbreviations. The letters, in order, form the code. S = Simile (2) M = Metaphor (1) H = Hyperbole (1) PA = Paradox (1) PE = Personification (1) I = Imagery (2) #1: Nick writes, “The only completely stationary object in the room was an enormous couch on which two young women were buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon” (Fitzgerald 8). #2: “This is a valley of ashes--a fantastic farm … where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke, and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air” (Fitzgerald 23). #3: Nick writes, “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life” (Fitzgerald 35). #4: Daisy exclaims, “I’m p-paralyzed with happiness” (Fitzgerald 8). #5: “The hair is in full swing, and floating rounds of cocktails permeate the garden outside, until the air is alive with chatter and laughter, and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot, and enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other’s names” (Fitzgerald 40). #6: Nick states, “I wanted to get out and walk eastward toward the Park through the soft twilight, but each time I tried to go I became entangled in some wild, strident argument which pulled me back, as if with ropes” (Fitzgerald 35). #7: Nick reflects, “Conduct may be founded on the hard rock or the wet marshes, but after a certain point I don’t care what it’s founded on. When I came back from the East last autumn I felt that I wanted the world to be in uniform and at a sort of moral attention forever; I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart” (Fitzgerald 2). #8: “The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word” (Fitzgerald 40).

Answer 1

1. Simile

2. Metaphor, Imagery

3. Paradox

4. Hyperbole

5. Personification

6. Paradox

7. Metaphor

8. Imagery

Explanation:

1.  Same as word Similar, Simile refers to things being same or alike.  

In sentence #1, the two young women were buoyed up, i.e. they were lifted up as if anchored to a balloon.

2.  Metaphor compares two objects or actions to create a description in the mind of reader to enhance imagery.

In sentence #2, The “valley of ashes” is compared to “a fantastic farm”

        Imagery is used to create a mental picture or visual representation of objects, ideas or actions.

In sentence #2, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke create a visual image.

3.  In Paradox, the statement or idea appears to contract itself.

In sentence #3, “within” and “without”, enchanted and repelled are opposites.

4.  Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement of claim.

In sentence #4, paralyzed is used to just emphasize or describe the extent of her happiness.

5.  Personification is an idea or object having human traits attributes.

In sentence #5, hair and air are portrayed as acting like human.

6.  Paradox is a figure of speech in which two opposite thoughts are presented

In sentence #6, I tried to go….. pulled me back are opposite thoughts.

7.  Metaphor compares two objects or actions that are not alike, but still have something in common

In sentence #7, Conduct is compared to foundation or base

8.  Imagery is used to create a mental picture or visual representation of objects, ideas or actions.

In sentence #8, The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher creates a visual and audio imagery.