The Analysis of Meaning Through Figurative Languages and Imageries in Wilfred Owen’s Selected Poems
A THESIS
Submitted to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, HasanuddinUniversityin Partial Fulfillment for the Acquisition of Sarjana Sastra Degree in the English Department
By:
Andre Pranata Durauw F21110281
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF CULTURAL SCIENCES HASANUDDIN UNIVERSITY MAKASSAR 2017
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of Jesus Christ, the most merciful and the most gracious, the writer thanks for giving me strength, health, and guidance during my study in the faculty of Cultural Sciences of Hasanuddin
University.
The writer realizes that this thesis is still far away from the word of
“Perfect”, because there are still a number of mistakes and deficiency in making this thesis. However the writer hopes that this thesis is able to contribute in further research about figurative language and imagery in poetry.
Here, the writer would like to take this opportunity to say a highly thanks to all people surrounds who make many valuable contributions in making this thesis:
1. The writer expresses his deepest thanks and appreciation to his
beloved parents: Johan Artaban Durauw and Dra. Alfrida Adam for
their patience in waiting their child to graduate from his study and
for their support and trust in everything the writer chooses in his life.
2. The writer also would like to say thanks for his first and second
consultants: Drs. Raden SM. Assagaf, M.Ed. and Drs.
AndiLukmanulhakim Jaya, M.S. for their valuable ideas,
suggestions, corrections, guidance, and remarkable patience in
completing this thesis.
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3. Thanks to WISHKEY 2010 for their togetherness even till the
seventh years in campus. The campus will be so boring without
their jokes and their stories. “You just listen, or get the meaning?”
4. The writer also would like to say thanks to UKPM-UH. There are
precious things to learn in this organization. The writer is grateful for
being a part from this UKPM.
But this thesis would not be real without the supports of beautiful people around me. Firstly, a billion times thanks to Fahriansyah Iskandar and Clarensya Oktavia Paggalo for providing a basecamp during my writing times. The same saying I deliver to Ilyas, S.Hum for the support and suggestions. For Mahatir Muhammad, he was there whenever I need someone to laugh with. And secondly, for the very happy husband and wife, Muhammad Setiawan and Rausyan Fikriyah who accompanying me to provide my graduate files. A long distance hand shaking for my sister, Nurfajriani, S.S. For you, Rachmat Julaini, “Come on, bro. Be a
Man!”. And a special thanks for the chief of Perisai 2016-2017, Ahmad
Zul as my game-mate in the basecamp. Also for my charismatic brother,
Bayu Al-Ghazali Malingkaan, S.S, thank you very much.
I present this thesis with pride to my Grotesque brothers and sisters, because they keep their promises to guide me until the end of my study in
Faculty of Letters. We can have another fun times, Theofilus Pirri S.S and Uun M. Saputra. S.S. For my big boss, Rezky Saleh, S.S thank you for making this thesis comes true. Finally, my deepest gratitude for the
vi sincerity, guidance, and love of my big hero, Anggra Firmansyah, S.S, “I wish you could see me wearing toga. See you in heaven”.
Makassar, 28 July 2017
The writer
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER ...... i APPROVAL ...... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS...... vi ABSTRAK ...... viii ABSTRACT ...... ix
CHAPTER IINTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Scope of Problems ...... 3 1.3 Research Questions ...... 3 1.4 Objectives of Research ...... 4 1.5 Significance of study ...... 4 1.6 Sequence of Presentation ...... 4
CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ...... 6 2.1 Previous Study ...... 6 2.2 Theoretical Framework ...... 7 2.2.1 Structuralism Approach ...... 8 2.2.2 Poetry ...... 9 2.2.3 Denotation and Connotation Meaning…………… 12 2.2.4 Imagery ...... 14 2.2.5 Figurative Language………………………………. 15 2.3 Meaning of Poetry ...... 20
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...... 22 3.1 Methodological Description ...... 22 3.1.1 Qualitative Method ...... 22 3.1.2 Descriptive Analysis ...... 24 3.2 Method of Collecting Data ...... 25 3.3 The Sources of Data ...... 26 3.3.1 Method of Analyzing Data…………………………. . 26
CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS ...... 28 4.1 The Analysis of Arms and The Boy ...... 28 4.1.1 Denotative Meaning ...... 28 4.1.2 Imagery ...... 31
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4.1.3 Figurative Language ...... 31 4.2 The Analysis of Greater Love ...... 35 4.2.1 Denotative Meaning ...... 36 4.2.2 Imagery ...... 37 4.2.3 Figurative Language ...... 38 4.3 The Analysis of The Parable of The Old Man and The Young 42 4.3.1 Denotative Meaning……………………………...... 42 4.3.2 Imagery……………………………………………... 44 4.3.3 Figurative Language………………………………. 46 4.4 The Analysis of Mental Case…………………………….... 50 4.4.1 Denotative Language…………………………….... 51 4.4.2 Imagery……………………………………………… 52 4.4.3 Figurative Language………………………………. 55 4.5 The Analysis of Futility……………………………………… 57 4.5.1 Denotative Language………………………………. 58 4.5.2 Imagery………………………………………………. 59 4.5.3 Figurative Language……………………………...... 60
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION...... 63
BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 67 APPENDIX...... 68 A. Selected Works ...... B. Biography of Wilfred Owen ......
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ABSTRAK
ANDRE PRANATA DURAUW The Analysis of Meaning Through Figurative Languages and Imageries in Wilfred Owen’s Selected Poems (dibimbing oleh Drs. Raden S.M Assagaf, M.Ed dan Drs. Andi Lukmanulhakim Jaya, M.S.).
Skripsi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis makna language daari lima puisi pilihan karya Owen Wilfred. Penelitian ini memuat deskripsi arti per baris, perbait dan hubungan di antaranya untuk menemukan makna setiap puisi agar pembaca dapat memahaminya
Penulis menggunakan pendekatan struktural yang menekankan pada aspel instrinsik , yakni rima, baris, bait, bunyi dan lain lain. Selanjutnya, menganalisis denotative dan conotative untuk menemukan makna figurative dan imagery dari puisi.
Penulis menemukan kesimpulan bahwa dalam 5 puisi Owen Wilfred yang dianalisi terdapat banyak sekali makna imagery dan figurative yang digunakan. Makna tersebut dapat menjelaskan arti yang menambah keindahan dan memberikan penjelasan dari puisi tersebut.
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ABSTRACT
ANDRE PRANATA DURAUW The Analysis of Meaning Through Figurative Languages and Imageries in Wilfred Owen’s Selected Poems (mentored by Drs. Raden S.M Assagaf, M.Ed and Drs. Andi Lukmanulhakim Jaya, M.S.).
This thesis aims to analyze the meaning of the language of five poems of choice by Owen Wilfred's work. This study contains descriptions of meanings per line, hooks and relationships between them to find the meaning of each poem so readers can understand it.
The author uses a structural approach that emphasizes the intrinsic aspell, ie, rhymes, lines, stanzas, sounds and so on. Next, analyze denotative and connotative to find the meaning of figurative and imagery of poetry.
The author finds the conclusion that in the 5 Owen Wilfred poems that are analyzed there are so many imagery and figurative meanings used. The meaning can explain the meaning that adds to the beauty and gives an explanation of the poem.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
From the perspective of western languages, the writer focuses
to a study called literature. This word comes from literature
(German), litterature (French), and they are all originated from
litterature (Latin). Furthermore, litteratura is a translation from Greek,
grammatica which means “letter” (in Teeuw, 2003: 22). In the
Indonesian language it refers to literature or a kind of writing that has
a specific meaning or aesthetic function.
Literary works are generated from an idea or a person's
imagination into the most beautiful words and has some effects
toward people's lives. Those effects are the form of things to please
the people and be able to provide a new knowledge. A literary work
also provide several depictions of life as desired by the author. As
stated by Sumardjo in his book entitled Memahami Kesusastraan as
follows:
“Sastra adalah ungkapan pribadi manusia yang berupa pengalaman, pemikiran, perasaan, ide-ide, semangat, keyakinan dalam suatu bentuk gambaran yang konkret yang membangkitkan pesona dengan alat bahasa.” (Sumardjo, 2001: 3).
As a reader, the writer finds that there many forms or literature.
They are prose, drama, and poetry. Prose is a flowing descriptive
1 work that is not bound to certain elements, while poem is a work that is bound to certain rules and regulations. Poetry is the oldest form of literature. The world's great works that are monumental are written in poetic form, such Oedipus, Antigone, Hamlet, Macbeth, Lagaligo,
Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Beside the extraordinary form of poetry mostly it is written as reflective work of daily life.
Poetry as a kind of literary work can be analyzed from various aspects. Poetry can be analyzed from its structure, because a poetry is composed by the elements of the builder as a poetical medium.
Poetry can also be examined from a historical angle, remember that from time to time, even until now poetry is always written.
Basically poetry is an expression of a soul overflowing. Poetry is generally tangible stanza (paragraph) and cantos (chapter) in which there are a variety of structural variations such us words and phrases, rhythm, sound, imagery, and connotative language.
In this research, the writer aims to analyze the intact meanings of Wilfred Owen’s poetries. Wilfred Owen is one of the most important war poets. He wrote eloquently about his service as an officer during the Battle of the Somme, which forced him to wrestle with the conflicts he saw between his duty as a soldier and his deep religious and pacifist beliefs.
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1.2 Scope of the Problem
In order to focus on the analysis, the writer intends to limit the
scope of the problem of this thesis. The writer focuses to analysis
figurative language and imagery in Wilfred Owen selected poem. The
selected poems are;
1. Arms and The boy
2. Greater Love
3. Parable Of The Old Men and The Young
4. Mental Case
5. Futility
1.3 Research Questions
Based on the discussion above, thus the writer formulates
these following research questions:
1. How are the intrinsic elements in Wilfred Owen’s selected
poems?
2. How are the figurative languages and imageries being used
in the selected poems?
3. What are the meanings of Wilfred Owen selected poems?
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1.4 Objectives of Research
The objectives of writing based on the problem above are:
1. Identifying words, phrases, rythm, and sound the in
the selected poems of Wilfred Owen;
2. Explaining the theme of figurative language and
imagery in the poems;
3. Describing the intact meaning of the seleted poems.
1.5 Significance of study
The writer will give significant advantages either for theoretical
and practical use in literature study. Theoretically, this thesis will be
useful as a reference for the next researchers who study about
intrinsic elements of poetry to conclude its meaning.
1.6 Sequence of Chapter
The first chapter presents background, scope of the problem,
research questions, objective of the research, significance of study,
and sequence of Chapter. In this chapter, the writer expresses
several reasons for choosing the topic.
The second chapter presents the literature review about,
intrinsic elements of poems, Structuralism Approach, and analyzing
meanings of poetry.
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The third chapter presents the research methods that used by the writer. The method is divided into two, namely the method of collection data, and the method of Analyzing the data.
The fourth chapter presents the analyzing of paraphrase of
Owen Wilfred selected poems.
The fifth chapter presents the conclusion of the analysis and some suggestions regarding the result of this study.
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CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In this chapter the writer explains about the literary review, which consists of previous study and theories that are used in this research. It covers theory of poems and its elements such as words, phrase rhythm, sound, imagery, and figurative languages. This chapter also contains the secondary data that supports the analysis.
2.1 Previous Study
This chapter contains of the theoretical background or general
description about figurative language and imagery. Figurative
language in this research consists of allusion and symbol while
imaging consisted of descriptive and imaginative as well as the
symbolism in poetry. There are several writers who have conducted
their researches on the similar topic as the writer is doing now. Some
of them are quoted as follows:
Siti Syahrani. A. Rivai (1994) wrote a thesis titled Theme,
Imagery and Symbolism in Edwin Arlington’s selected
poems. In her writing, she identifies the types of imagery,
explain the meaning of the symbol employed, and analyze
the hidden theme of the poems.
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Ramlan L (2003) wrote a thesis titled Imagery and Figurative
Language in William Cullen Bryan’s Selected Poems. In this
thesis he explains the figurative language, imagery, imagery
and find out the meaning and the theme of the poems.
Amriani (2003) wrote a thesis titled Figurative Language in
William Shakespeare’s Selected Poems. In this thesis, she
identifies and analyze the meaning of figurative language
employed in William Shakespeare selected poems.
Those previous studies were dealing with figurative language theme
and imagery above, there are some similarities of research which
have been done before yet, there also different is what lies on the
object to be examined, that the writer choose the literary poetry by
Wilfred Owen , who had not previously studied by the other students.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
In order to describe a particular phenomenon that is based on
evidence or facts in these poems, the writer uses a systematic
theoretical basis for a phenomenon that is being investigated by a
study object to be examined.
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2.2.1 Structuralism Approach
Structuralism approach is used for analyzed the literary
works inside it. Structuralism is about the pure works that
come from that works itself. There are a substances values
that can be interpreted by analyzing the works deeply and only
around inside the structures of object.
In the literature, structural research was pioneered by a
group of researchers in Russia between 1915 and 1930. They
are called is a formalist, with the main character Jakobson,
Shklovsky, Eichenbaum, Tyjanov, and others.
At first the literary formalists want to liberate science from
the confines of other sciences, such as psychology, history, or
cultural studies. They reveal literature has a characteristic that
distinguishes it from other languages, that characteristic is
called literariness.
Structural approach is an intrinsic approach, which is to
talk about the work on the building elements of the literature.
Such an approach examines literature as an autonomous work
and regardless of social background, history, biography of the
author, and all things that exist outside the literary work
(Satoto, 1993: 32).
Structural analysis seeks to uncover and display
accurately, carefully, and deeply the connectedness of all
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elements and aspects of literature that together produce
comprehensive meaning.
2.2.2 Poetry
Poetry is one kind of literature product that is born through
human senses. Human sense is the only one thing that could
be connected to reach the actual meaning of poet. Some poets
need silence even in crowded place to let their mind and sense
work to catch every moment and apply it in a poem. As
mentioned before, it is interesting to analyze a poem because it
has a deep meaning and our senses are engaged in analyzing
the meaning. The feel, to see, to touch, to hear, and to engage
our minds are necessary to analyze a poem.
Mark Flanagan (2013) gives definition that poetry is the
chiseled marble of language. It’s a paint-spattered canvas-but
the poet uses words instead of paint, and the canvas is you.
“Many poems can let readers to think about human being,
society, death, nature, value of life, etc. In a poem, thise are a
lot of imaginations, but the number of words being used limited.
So it needs more interpretation to express the meaning. One of
the most popular forms of literary work is the poetry in which it
is mostly created by using of word choice. The use of word
9 choice is the most important thing to describe the content and message of the poem.
Perrine Laurence says that literary critics is “sees poetry from its language style said that poetry might be defined as a kind of language that is more intensely that ordinary language does”. (1965: 553).
Poetry consists of the language packages which have wide and deep meaning. In creating poetry, poet always tries to see the most beautiful and appropriate words to make it meaningful. A word in poetry has interpretation that can bring the reader to use their senses. So, in order to understand about poetry, the reader has to understand about the poet’s background because poetry is a language that can be used to communicate experience.
There are some elements in the poem that are important notes. Those elements are as follows;
Form
Poetic form refers to various sets of "rules"
followed by poems of certain types. The rules may
describe such aspects as the rhythm or meter of the
poem, its rhyme scheme, or its use of alliteration.
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Rhyme
A rhyme is a tool utilizing repeating patterns that
brings rhythm or musicality in poems which
differentiate them from prose which is plain. A rhyme
is employed for the specific purpose of rendering a
pleasing effect to a poem which makes its recital an
enjoyable experience.
Rhyme is used to give poetry a typical symmetry
that differentiates poetry from prose. It makes recital
of poetry a pleasurable experience for the readers as
the repetitive patterns renders musicality and rhythm
to it.
Sounds
Sound devices are resources used by poets to
convey and reinforce the meaning or experience of
poetry through the skillful use of sound. After all,
poets are trying to use a concentrated blend of sound
and imagery to create an emotional response. The
words and their order should evoke images, and the
words themselves have sounds, which can reinforce
or otherwise clarify those images. All in all, the poet is
trying to get you, the reader, to sense a particular
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thing, and the use of sound devices are some of the
poet’s tools.
Tone
Tone is the feeling that the reader gets when
he/she reads a poem. When the reader read a poem,
attempt to articulate precisely how the poem made the
reader feel. The reader may have a feeling of
sadness, but he/she should be able to have a little
deeper and question why he/she is feeling sad.
2.2.3 Denotation and Connotation Meaning
Because poetry is a compressed method of expression,
every word the poet chooses is important. To understand what
a poem is saying, the reader must understand what every word
means. The dictionary or the true meaning of a word is called
the denotation. There are many words which hard to
understand what the meanings are. These shades of meaning
are called the connotation of the word.
Denotation and connotation are critical considerations. A
key component of poetry is word choice and the language we
use to express thoughts, ideas, and images. Denotation and
12 connotation allow us to choose words that give our poetry greater depth and deeper meaning.
Although these literary devices aren’t exclusive to poetry
(they are found in all forms of writing), poets tend to make the best use of denotation and connotation because the craft of poetry emphasizes language and word choice. Poets spend an inordinate amount of time laboring over word choices, searching for language that perfectly expresses whatever the poet wants to say.
Denotative and connotation are components part to analyze poems. A primary distinction between the practical use of language and the literary use is that in literature, especially in poetry, a fuller use is made of individual words.
The basic meaning of poem’s words is its denotations.
Denotation is truly meaning of those words.
The basic part of this meaning is its denotation or denotations: that is, the dictionary meaning or meanings of the word. Beyond its denotations, a word may also have connotations. Connotations are what it suggests beyond what it expresses: its overtones of meaning (in Perrine, 1974: 585).
Connotative meaning is the others meaning of words that were added to the denotative value associated with a sense of a person or group of people who use the word.
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Connotation refers to a meaning that is implied by a word
apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry
cultural and emotional associations or meanings in addition to
their literal meanings or denotations.
In literature, connotation paves way for creativity by using
the figurative language. Therefore, connotative meanings of
words allow writers to add to their works, dimensions which are
broader, more vivid and fresher.
2.2.4 Imagery
Imagery is false depiction of the poem that is used to give
a more vivid picture in our mind and sensing, and also to create
a special atmosphere in the poem. It creates similar snapshots
in a reader's mind in poetry. Imagery, in its most literal sense,
refers to the collection of images in a poem and may be present
in many forms. The Types of imagery are:
Visual Imagery is the use of figurative language to
address the sense of vision. In that way, the reader
can visualize what is happening in the story in her or
his own mind.
Auditory Imagery is the use of figurative language to
address to the sense of hearing. When somebody
experiences something happening in real life, we see
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what is happening as well as hear the sounds
associated with what is happening. So, to create a
complete mental picture in the minds of the reader
about the incident in the story, the writer incorporates
a description of the sounds too.
Kinesthetic imagery is a type of imagery which is used
as a poetic device. It is a poetic device that gives a
feeling of natural or physical bodily movement or
action (like a heartbeat, a pulse and breathing). It also
refers to tension along with the movement.
Olfactory imagery, which allows the reader to imagine
the smell of the odors and scents in the writing.
Tactile imagery, which allows the reader to imagine
the feel or texture of certain things.
Gustatory imagery, where the reader can imagine the
taste of certain things.
Organic imagery, which allows the reader to feel what
the character feels, such as thirst, hunger, or fatigue.
2.2.5 Figurative Language
Figurative language is general term that always found in
the literary works. Figure of speech is the use of words in
certain conventional patterns of thought and expressions.
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In literature: Sound, Structure, and Sense, Perrine said that figure speech is any way of saying something other than the ordinary way, and some rhetoricians have classified as many as 250 separate figures. Figurative language –language using figures of speech is language that cannot be taken literary.
Figurative language is used to create a special effect or feeling. It is characterized by figures of speech language that compares, exaggerates, or means something other than what it first appears to mean. A figure of speech is a literary device used to create a special effect or feeling by making some types of interesting or creative comparison.
Some figure of speech found in the object of the research as follows:
Alliteration
Alliteration is derived from Latin’s “Latira”. It means
“letters of alphabet”. It is a stylistic device in which a
number of words, having the same first consonant
sound, occur close together in a series.
Alliteration has a very vital role in poetry and prose.
It creates a musical effect in the text that enhances the
pleasure of reading a literary piece. It makes reading
and recitation of the poems attractive and appealing;
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thus, making them easier to learn by heart.
Furthermore, it renders flow and beauty to a piece of
writing.
Allusion
Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a
person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural,
literary or political significance. It does not describe in
detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a
passing comment and the writer expects the reader to
possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and
grasp its importance in a text.
The use of allusions enables writers or poets to
simplify the complex ideas and emotions. The readers
comprehend the complex ideas by comparing the
emotions of the writer or poet to the references given
by them.
Personification
Personification is a figure of speech in which a
thing, an idea or an animal is given human attributes.
The non-human objects are portrayed in such a way
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that we feel they have the ability to act like human
beings.
Personification aims to provide deeper meaning in
literary texts. It adds clarity of expression as we
always see the world from a human perspective.
Writers and poets rely on personification to bring
inanimate objects to life, so that they understood the
nature and actions in a better way. Its use encourages
us to develop new and creative perspective.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that makes a
comparison, showing similarities between two different
things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws
resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”.
Therefore, it is a direct comparison.
Simile serves to attract attention and draw directly
to the senses of the listener or reader to encourage
their imagination to understand what is being
communicated. The use of similes makes it easier for
the readers to understand the subject matter of a
literary text, which may have been otherwise too
demanding to be comprehended. Like metaphors,
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similes also offer variety in our ways of thinking and
offers new perspectives of viewing the world.
Symbolism
Symbolism occurs when a noun which has
meaning in itself is used to represent something
entirely different. One example of symbolism would be
to use an image of the American flag to represent
patriotism and a love for one’s country.
Metaphor
Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an
implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two
things that are unrelated but share some common
characteristics. In other words, a resemblance of two
contradictory or different objects is made based on a
single or some common characteristics.
Furthermore, a metaphor develops a comparison
which is different from a simile i.e. we do not use “like”
or “as” to develop a comparison in a metaphor. It
actually makes an implicit or hidden comparison and
not an explicit one.
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Hyperbole
A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to
make a point. It is like the opposite of
“understatement.” It is from a Greek word meaning
“excess.” Hyperboles can be found in literature and
oral communication. They would not be used in
nonfiction works, like medical journals or research
papers; but, they are perfect for fictional works,
especially to add color to a character or humor to the
story.
2.3 Meaning of Poetry
According to the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition, theme is
“the subject of a piece of writing”. According to Stanton (1965:20)
and Kenny (1966:88), theme is the meaning contained by a story.
But there are many meanings conceived and offered by the novel,
and then the problem is a special meaning which can be expressed
as the theme. The theme is the ideas of common bases that sustains
a work of literature and are contained in the text semantic structure
and regarding commonality or differences (Hartoko and Rahmanto,
1986:142).
The theme became the basis of development of the whole
story, so its represent the whole stories. A common theme has a
20 generalization, wider, and abstract. Principal theme as the meaning work of a fiction is not deliberately hidden because this is precisely what offered to the reader. However, the theme is the meaning of which supported his story itself would be hidden behind the story that support it.
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