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Figurative detail

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Imagery using metaphor, simile, or other non-literal expressions

Detailed Definition
Figurative detail refers to descriptive elements in poetry that operate through metaphor, simile, personification, or other tropes rather than literal representation; these details enrich meaning by drawing unexpected connections—e.g., describing grief as “a stone in the throat”—thereby deepening emotional resonance and inviting interpretive engagement beyond surface description.
Example
Example in poetry:
“Her eyes were like stars” uses simile to enrich description; “Time is a thief” personifies abstraction; “The wind whispered secrets” attributes human action to nature; “His heart was a stone” conveys emotional coldness through metaphor.
Additional Notes
Figurative detail uses metaphors, similes, personification, or other non-literal devices to enrich description; enhances emotional or sensory impact beyond literal representation.
Also Known As
Metaphorical detail evocative imagery ornamental description poetic embellishment Imagery
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