Student Question
What type of figurative language is used in the phrase "IT is the devil"?
Quick answer:
The phrase "IT is the devil" uses metaphor as its figurative language. A metaphor directly compares two unrelated things by stating one is the other, without using "like" or "as," to create vivid imagery or convey abstract concepts. Here, "IT" is compared to the devil, implying that "IT" possesses evil or harmful traits similar to the devil, without literally meaning the devil is present.
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a writer
compares two unrelated objects in order to paint a more vivid
picture in a reader's mind. The use of a metaphor is especially helpful when a
writer is trying to depict abstract concepts. Metaphors are also related to
similes in that both forms of figurative language draw comparisons. The
difference, however, is that a simile only draws a comparison by saying that
something is like something through using either the words
like or as. A metaphor, on the other hand,
draws a comparison by saying that something
is something else.
Dr. Wheeler gives us an example of a metaphor found in the
first two lines of a hymn composed by Martin Luther: "A might fortress is our
God, / a bulwark never failing" ("Literary Terms and Definitions:
M"). Here, Luther refers to God as
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). Here, Luther refers to God asbeing a fortress, but since we
know that God is not literally a fortress, we know this is a metaphor aimed at
describing God as being strong, powerful, and protective, just like a
fortress.
If a writer uses the clause, "IT is the devil," and does not
mean to say that the devil has just literally walked into the room or made
himself literally present in some other way, then we know the writer is
comparing whatever is meant by the pronoun "IT" to the devil to say
that "IT" is as evil, manipulative, and harmful as the devil.
And, of course, the form of figurative language that draws
comparisons between something to say that something is something else
is called a metaphor.
We see a similar example of this metaphor being used in the
Book of Matthew of the Bible (NIV). In Chapter 13, Verse 39, Jesus explains the
meaning of a parable he relays earlier, and in one his explanatory sentences,
he states, "the enemy who sows [the bad seed] is the devil." In one sense, he
means this literally--the one who influences people to behave
in ways contrary to the ways of God is literally the devil. However, in another
sense, the devil does not literally walk about directly
influencing people; instead, he uses the negative influences of others to
spread his negative influences about the earth. Therefore, in another sense,
Jesus is comparing peoples' enemies to the devil in order to describe them as
having the same traits as the devil.
Hence, whether or not your clause in question truly is figurative language
depends on if your writer is speaking literally or figuratively.
References