Question

What are some examples of the use of figurative language in “Tribute to a Dog”? What is the impact of figurative words and phrase on the meaning of the text? Your response should include at least three examples of figurative words and phrases as well as textual evidence for support. Your response should be two to three complete paragraphs.

Answer 1

Figurative language is one of the most important elements of any literary texts. It's like the spice and seasoning of a dish, it gives taste to it. 

"A Tribute to a Dog" is a speech made by Senator George Graham Vest as his closing argument for his client's dog shot and killed by his neighbor. Some examples of the figurative language used in the text are the following: 
   ♣ He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. (Personification) 
   ♣ The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.  (Personification) 
   ♣ A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness (Hyperbole)
   ♣ He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. (Metaphor) 
   ♣ He is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey to the heavens. (Simile) 
These are just a few of the figurative languages used in the text, there' still more.  But these ones give more impact to the whole text. It makes it more convincing and meaningful. For sure because of this speech, his side won the case. 

Answer 2

Answer:

Personification is a type of figurative language found in the excerpt from The Time Machine:

Personification: “So that it was the Psychologist himself who sent forth the model Time Machine on its interminable voyage.”

The writer personifies the model Time Machine by attributing the human quality of being conscious while travelling on a voyage. This language hints that the narrator and other characters are beginning to believe that the disappearance of the device was not a trick. This also foreshadows a true voyage, perhaps for the Time Traveller.

Personification: “There was a breath of wind, and the lamp flame jumped.”

The writer also personifies the lamp flame by attributing the human quality of jumping at the sudden disappearance of the model Time Machine. This language emphasizes the sudden disappearance of the device and the shock that it likely was to the audience.