The figurative languages used in the novel “Animal Farm” are Imagery, symbolism, irony, hyperbole, and foreshadowing.
Imagery is a vivid language that appeals to the senses.
Imagery is a literary device which includes languages which are descriptive. It functions as a way for the readers to imagine the world of literature in a better way. It also adds symbolism in the piece of art. Imagery is drawn upon the five senses which consist of taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound. It helps in better imaginings of the artist's world in his work. Imagery is used in the following lines in the novel:
"He repeated a number of times, 'Tactics, comrades, tactics!' skipping round and whisking his tail with a merry laugh." (Chapter 5, Page 58)
Symbolism is the other meaning which an object, event or situation carries on other than its literal meaning. The example of symbolism is:
“It was about this time the pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and took up their residence there.” (Chapter VI)
In this sentence, the farmhouse symbolizes division of power.
The irony is the statement which has the meaning opposite to what is said literally. It creates humor. The example of irony is:
“Silent and terrified, the animals crept back into the barn. In a moment the dogs came bounding back. At first, no one had been able to imagine where these creatures came from, but the problem was soon solved: they were the puppies who Napoleon had taken away from their mothers and reared privately. Though not yet full-grown, they were huge dogs, and as fierce-looking as wolves. They kept close to Napoleon. It was noticed that they wagged their tails to him in the same way as the other dogs had been used to do to Mr. Jones.” Chapter 5, page 21.
this is ironic because none were supposed to work like humans on the farm.
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement which is not meant to be taken literally.
The example of Hyperbole is in Old Major's Speech:
“His two slogans, ‘I will work harder’ and ‘Napoleon is always right,’ seemed to him a sufficient answer to all his problems.” pg. 61
Foreshadowing is the warning given in the novel about any future event which may occur. The example of Foreshadowing is when the pigs will behave like humans:
“Without saying anything to the others, she (Clover) went to Mollie’s stall and turned over the straw with her hoof. Hidden under the straw were a little pile of lump sugar and several bunches of ribbon of different colors.” pg. 46
