Things long seen and associated by us
in any of these relations come at last readily to suggest each other.
+Figures of Speech+ are those expressions in which, departing from our
ordinary manner in speaking of things, we assert or assume any of these
notable relations. The first and great service of imagery is to the
thought--it makes the thought clearer and stronger. Imagery adds beauty to
style--a diamond brooch may adorn as well as do duty to the dress.
A +Simile+, or +Comparison+, is a figure of speech in which we point out or
assert a likeness between things otherwise unlike; as, The gloom of
despondency _hung like a cloud_ over the land.
A +Metaphor+ is a figure of speech in which, assuming the likeness between
two things, we bring over and apply to one of them the term that denotes
the other; as, A stately _squadron of snowy_ geese were _riding_ in an
adjoining pond.
A +Personification+ is a figure of speech in which things are raised to a
plane of being above their own--to or toward that of persons. It +raises+
(1) +mere things to+ the plane of +animals+; as, The _sea licks_ your feet,
its huge _flanks purr_ pleasantly for you. It raises (2) +mere animals to+
the plane of +persons+; as, So _talked_ the spirited, sly _Snake_.
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