Classify the figure of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox

Learning Objectives Define euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, and paradox with precision. Differentiate between the compressed contradiction of an oxymoron and the broader, thematic contradiction of a paradox. Identify these four figures of speech within complex passages from American literature. Analyze the specific rhetorical effect of each device, explaining how it contributes to tone, characterization, or theme. Classify ambiguous statements by evaluating their context, structure, and intended meaning. Effectively apply these figures of speech in their own analytical and synthesis essays to enhance their arguments. How can a victory be 'bittersweet,' and why do we say someone 'passed on' instead of died? 🤔 These aren't mistakes; they're powerf...

TermDefinitionExample EuphemismThe substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.In George Orwell's work, the term 'downsizing' is a euphemism for firing employees. HyperboleAn intentional and obvious exaggeration for emphasis or comic effect, not meant to be taken literally.From Zora Neale Hurston's *Their Eyes Were Watching God*: 'The sun was a searing blade in the sky.' The sun is not literally a blade, but this hyperbole emphasizes its intense, painful heat. OxymoronA figure of speech in which two apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction, typically in a two-word phrase.The phrase 'deafening silence' is an oxymoron, as 'deafening' and 'silence' are opposites,...

The Scope Test: Oxymoron vs. Paradox An oxymoron is a contradiction in terms (a phrase). A paradox is a contradiction in ideas (a statement or concept). Use this to differentiate the two most commonly confused terms. If the contradiction is contained in two adjacent words (e.g., 'living dead'), it's an oxymoron. If it's a full sentence or idea that seems impossible but reveals a truth (e.g., 'The child is father to the man'), it's a paradox. The Intent Test: Euphemism vs. Hyperbole Euphemism seeks to soften or minimize reality. Hyperbole seeks to amplify or exaggerate reality. When you encounter a non-literal statement, ask about the author's purpose. Are they trying to make something unpleasant sound better (e.g., 'pre-owned vehi...