Figures of Speech

Metaphor: Sir Roger is called “a baronet, of an ancient descent.” His family “invented the famous country-dance.” Here, Sir Roger’s family is compared to tradition itself.

Simile: Will Honeycomb talks about learning “as others do men.” He remembers fashion styles as other men remember people. This compares two different things using “as.”

Irony: Sir Andrew Freeport jokes, calling the sea “the British Common.” He means the sea is for every British trader, which is not really true. This is a playful use of irony.

Hyperbole: Sir Roger says his style has “been in and out twelve times” since he wore it. This is an exaggeration to show how much fashion changes over time.

Allusion: The essay starts with a line from Juvenal (a Roman poet). It also mentions famous people like Lord Rochester and Sir George Etherege, and known places like the Inner Temple and Soho Square

Symbol: The club itself is a symbol. It stands for all kinds of people in English society. Each member’s personality shows a part of the bigger world.

Personification:  Sir Roger’s “good sense” and “humor” are talked about like they are people guiding his actions.