Answer :
"Stigma" by Samson O. Shobayo employs several figures of speech to enhance its literary quality and convey deeper meanings. Here are some notable figures of speech used in the text:
### 1. Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
**Example:**
- "The disease was a shadow that loomed over her life."
- Here, the disease is compared to a shadow, suggesting that it follows her everywhere and affects all aspects of her life.
### 2. Simile
A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
**Example:**
- "Her courage was as fragile as a delicate flower."
- This simile compares her courage to a delicate flower, highlighting its fragility.
### 3. Personification
Personification gives human characteristics to non-human things.
**Example:**
- "Fear whispered in her ear, reminding her of the past."
- Fear is given the human ability to whisper, emphasizing its pervasive and intimate nature.
### 4. Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
**Example:**
- "She felt like she had been walking for an eternity."
- This exaggeration emphasizes the extreme length of her struggle or journey.
### 5. Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
**Example:**
- "The scar on her face was a badge of survival."
- The scar symbolizes her endurance and strength in overcoming adversity.
### 6. Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
**Example:**
- "Silent shadows slithered through the streets."
- The repetition of the "s" sound creates a rhythmic and eerie effect.
### 7. Imagery
Imagery involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
**Example:**
- "The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, a stark contrast to the decay she felt inside."
- This vivid description appeals to the sense of smell and contrasts external beauty with internal suffering.
### 8. Irony
Irony is a figure of speech where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words.
**Example:**
- "She was the picture of health, yet inside, her soul was withering."
- There is a contrast between her outward appearance and her inner reality, creating an ironic effect.
### 9. Anaphora
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
**Example:**
- "She was strong. She was determined. She was unstoppable."
- The repetition emphasizes her qualities and builds a rhythmic momentum.
These figures of speech work together to create a rich, emotive narrative that draws readers into the experiences and emotions of the characters in "Stigma."
