Figurative Language

-Figurative language is language that is not literal, a figure of speech. It explains or expands on an idea by comparing it to something else. Figurative language can be expressed as a simile, metaphor, personification, or an analogy. Figurative language can also be expressed as an overstatement, understatement, paradox, or irony. In Hamlet, for example, Polonius uses figurative language all the time. For example, Polonius states: "Take this from this, if this be otherwise."Polonius is referring to his head, and he tells the king that if he is lying the king should execute him. This language is extremely figurative because Polonius is overstating his point. He is really only trying to prove that he is not lying, but he uses figurative language to do it. Shakespeare uses Polonius' figurative language to bring comic relief to the tragedy.