Figures of Speech

Imagery

• Definition: Imagery uses descriptive words that appeal to the senses and create clear pictures in the reader’s mind.
• Example: “He assured me that they had some so large, so splendid, so tender, that it was a marvel.”
• Explanation: The waiter’s description of the giant asparagus creates a vivid picture of their size, beauty, and quality. It helps the reader clearly imagine the expensive and tempting dish.
• Effect: This imagery increases the tension. The narrator knows the asparagus is costly, so the detailed description deepens his fear and financial anxiety.

Repetition

• Definition: Repetition is the use of the same word or phrase more than once for emphasis.
• Example: “I never eat anything for luncheon.” “I never eat more than one thing.”
• Explanation: The woman repeats these lines again and again, even though she keeps ordering expensive dishes. The repetition highlights her hypocrisy and self-deception.
• Effect: This figure of speech creates irony and exposes the gap between her words and actions, adding humor to the story.

Irony

• Definition: Irony occurs when what is said or happens is opposite to what is expected.
• Example: The woman says she never eats anything for luncheon, but she eats caviar, salmon, asparagus, ice-cream, and even a peach.
• Explanation: Her actions completely contradict her repeated statements.
• Effect: Irony produces humor and reveals the satirical tone of the story. It also highlights social pretension and human foolishness.

Symbolism / Symbols

• Definition: A symbol is an object, person, or situation. It carries a deeper meaning beyond its literal sense.
• The Food Items (Caviar, Salmon, Asparagus, Peach): Symbol of luxury, and social pretension. These expensive foods represent the woman’s pretentious lifestyle and fake modesty. They highlight class differences and expose the narrator’s financial struggle.
• The Restaurant “Foyot’s”:  Symbol of high social status and economic power. The restaurant is a place for senators and elites. It symbolizes the gap between the narrator’s poverty and the woman’s artificial refinement.
• The Bill: Symbol of the narrator’s anxiety and the true cost of politeness. The increasing bill reflects growing pressure on the narrator. It symbolizes social burdens, class disparity, and emotional suffering.