Figurative Language is an Important Language to Speak

 

     Today I have decided to blog about figurative language in Divergent. I think I should mention that Veronica Roth isn't one of those authors that fills every page with figurative language. Its not like a metaphor here then a simile and hyperbole over there and then two paragraphs of imagery on the next page. I think it's totally fine too. Not every author has to pack their writing with figurative language to make an effect on the reader. In fact, sometimes figurative language can be over done and it takes away from the story itself. Maybe that's why Roth uses subtle figurative language. There's enough to please the reader and it still allows the plot to be what attracts their attention.

     One thing about Roth's use of figurative language is that it doesn't jump right out at you so you recognize it write away. It blends perfectly into the writing like a chameleon (Did you see what I did there? I used a simile in my blog about figurative writing, I'm so clever). I had to be on alert and looking for it to find some examples to show you guys. One example of a metaphor can be found on page 262. Roth writes, "It makes a lot of sense, which makes me suspect it is a call for revolution wrapped in the clothing of rationality" (Roth 262). Here Tris is talking about an article Erudite released about Abnegation controlling the government. She uses this metaphor to explain how the argument was valid but it had a deeper purpose of trying to start an uprising against the government.

     An example of a personification can be found on page 265. Tris thinks to herself, "Too long-and now, even longer, my heart even louder, his tranquil eyes swallowing me whole" (Roth 265). Tris and Four find themselves staring at each other. Obviously Four's eyes aren't literally swallowing Tris-that would be very creepy. This personification is used to show how deep and strong Four's gaze is and the effect is has on Tris. There is also some imagery in this quote. We can see Four's eyes and hear Tris' heart beat. I really like the small bits of figurative language Roth uses. I don't think she needs to use too much because her story is already so powerful. The literary techniques just enhance her writing to make it even better. Author's definitely should use at least some figurative language so their writing doesn't become a lecture. Figurate language is a universal language that makes sense to everyone.