Analysis in A Midsummer Night's Dream “O, I am out of breath in this fond chase! ” (Act 2 vs.
81) Figurative language is created using allusion, alliteration, metaphor, simile and personification. A simple definition of figurative language is language that is used in a special way to create a special effect. Shakespeare uses figurative language as he speaks with metaphors, similes, and personification in A Midsummer Night's Dream “O, I am out of breath in this fond chase! ” (Act 2 vs. 81) This writing technique sets Shakespeare apart from other writers.
Although it may be confusing for teenagers to read, it started a new era of writing. Shakespeare’s elaborate writing style helps him prove his point more clearly. Shakespeare’s use of figurative language such as similes and metaphors supports his message that love is the most powerful emotion. Similes enrich description by comparing two seemingly unlike things using 'like' or 'as.
' He used similes like a baker uses raisins, sprinkling them throughout his text to make it sweeter and richer. . For example in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, (In line 7) “No, no, I am as ugly as a bear”, Helena is comparing herself ugly as a bear.Also, (In line 9-10) “Therefore no marvel though Demetrius Do, as a monster fly my presence thus”. Recognizing when his characters are speaking figuratively helps in understanding the poem.
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which an object is described by comparing it to something else. For example in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace. Happy is Hermia, wheresoe'er she lies; For she hath blessed and attractive eyes. ” (In lines 2-4) Shakespeare is comparing more prayer to lesser grace and happy to hermia. Shakespeare uses metaphors to allow the audience to create a better understanding of the text.
It also involves the viewers in a sense, giving them a chance to relate to the familiar object. Shakespeare’s use of figurative language such as similes and metaphors supports his message about a dream that discussing different feelings is the most powerful emotion. Although it may be a hard writing technique to follow, it clearly proves his point. The descriptions written in set his style apart from other writers. Shakespeare’s elaborate use of comparing people and objects makes the play an important marker in the development of teen writing.
