Death of Sir Roger : Literary devices
Death of Sir Roger is a notable literary work by Joseph Addison. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Death of Sir Roger.
Literary devices
Figures of Speech
Metaphor: “Lightning before death.” The narrator compares Sir Roger’s temporary improvement to a flash of light before everything becomes dark. It means hope before sorrow.
Hyperbole: “It was the melancholiest day for the poor people that ever happened in Worcestershire.” This exaggerates the grief felt by everyone, meaning the parish had never felt so sad before.
“It was the melancholiest day for the poor people that ever happened in Worcestershire.”
Allusion: The essay opens with lines from Virgil and Dryden. It references ancient faith and truth to praise Sir Roger.
Personification: “It would have gone to your heart to have heard the moans the dumb creature made on the day of my master’s death.” The sadness of the dog is described as if it can speak and mourn.
“It would have gone to your heart to have heard the moans the dumb creature made on the day of my master’s death.”
Irony: Sir Roger receives a loving message from the lady he loved, but this only brings short happiness before his death.
Symbol: The rings and mourning suits Sir Roger leaves are symbols of his lasting friendship, care, and the value he placed on relationships.