_In the
repose and abundance of their pens_ is much better than the words
substituted above. It is shorter and stronger. It uses instead of the verb
_reposing_ and the adjective _abundant_ the nouns _repose_ and _abundance_,
and makes these the principal words in the phrase. Repose and abundance are
thus made the striking features of the pen. Arrange the ninth sentence in
as many ways as possible and tell which way you prefer. Is a real squadron
referred to in the tenth sentence? and were the geese actually convoying
fleets? These are figurative uses of words. What can you say of _regiments_
in the eleventh? In the twelfth Guinea fowls are compared to housewives.
Except in this one fancied resemblance the two are wholly unlike. Such
comparisons frequently made by _as_ and _like_ are called +Similes+. If we
leave out _like_ and say, "Guinea fowls are fretting housewives," we have a
figure of speech called +Metaphor+. This figure is used above when flocks
are called "squadrons" and "fleets." In the thirteenth sentence notice how
well chosen and forceful are the words _strutted, gallant, burnished,
generously, ever-hungry, rich morsel_. See whether you can find substitutes
for these italicized words. Were the wings actually burnished? What can you
say of this use of _burnished_?
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMPOSITION WORK.
Pages:
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219