名人教英文：相反或对比形式的词藻 figures arising from contrast
of the many figures of speech in the english language, devices such as antithesis, oxymoron, irony or paradox are often used by writers to create the most impact. by closely placing together opposing ideas or words writers create an element of surprise.
antithesis 修辞中之对句
this figure of speech places opposite ideas to create impact.
examples:
1. she smiles lik e an angel but acts like the devil.
2. he speaks sweet words but hides deadly plans.
3. this man loves to hate all his ex-girlfriends.
4. he is wise to leave his wife but stupid to marry his mistress.
5. the teacher is lazy in marking papers but diligent in rehearsing plays.
oxymoron 对比之字
oxymoron places opposite words together to show contrast.
examples:
the living dead; pretty ugly; a deafening silence;
"and faith unfaithful kept him falsely true."
-lord tennyson
irony 讽刺之反语
this figure of speech uses subtle expressions or words to convey a meaning opposite to expectation.
examples:
1. "next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then." - jane austen
2. he started his life as a millionaire and ended his life in the poor-house.
3. it was an irony of life that he wanted to harm his enemy but ended up hurting himself.
4. it was an irony of fate that he was chasing the girl who later married his best friend.
5. what an irony that our french teacher turns out to be our chinese student!
paradox 似非而是或自相矛盾之论
a paradox is a figure of speech which startles the reader by a surprise departure of cherished beliefs. at first sight, the figure may look absurd. but on deeper reflection, the figure underlines the basic truth and wisdom of what is said or written.
example:
1. the child is the father of the man. 这孩子是这人之父。(at first the above statement appears to be nonsensical. however on deeper reflection, it is true that many grown-ups have much to learn from little children.)
2. every artist is not a special kind of man. but every man is a special kind of artist. 不是每个艺术家都是特别的人，但每人都是一个特别的艺术家。(at first sight, we may consider the above sentence wrong. however, thinking again, we are sure there is a special talent in every man. )
3. mr wong hovers on the borderline of a talented man but he is yet to show he is a genius.
黄先生可能是英才，但他可不是奇才呢。
4. mr chan never lies. that is the biggest lie on earth.
陈先生从不说谎︰这本身就是个最大的谎话。
5. mrs wong always nags her husband. from this she gets some serenity. 黄太经常埋怨她的先生，这滔滔怨言可令她平静下来。
figures of speech may overlap: for example, a figure of speech could be both an oxymoron and a paradox.
revision
please identify the figures of speech, underlined in bold font below:
1. mr wong's return to the screen shines like the moon.
2. mr wong's face has a moonlight glow.
3. mr wong is happy and jolly in appearance but sad and sorrowful deep down.
4. failure is the mother of success.
5. he bears the arrogant humility of every hypocrite.
response
1. simile (see the 11 sep 2012 issue)
2. metaphor (see the 11 sep 2012 issue)
3. antithesis
4. paradox
5. oxymoron