Figure of Speech in Edgar Allan Poe’s Selected poems

Abstract

Background: Figure of speech is a style of language that uses words or phrases with meanings that are not literal. Research objectives: This study aims to determine the types of figurative language used in Edgar Allan Poe's poems. Method: This study uses a qualitative descriptive method by identifying the types of figurative language such as metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, irony, symbolism, metonymy, and paradox. Results: The most dominant figurative language used is hyperbole. This dominates because humans like to exaggerate to make themselves seem more attractive to others. That is why Edgar Allan Poe's poems contain hyperbole to beautify poems of sadness, loss, death, and love and give a dramatic impression full of emotion. Conclusion: One of the most dominant figurative languages in Edgar Allan Poe's poems is hyperbole. It dominates the others with the number of data found being nine (1.8%). Hyperbole is often found in poems that contain sadness, love, loss, death, admiration for the beauty of nature, feelings of sadness since childhood, and differences. Which can be found in selected poems by Edgar Allan Poe entitled: Annabel Lee, The Sleeper, Alone, Evening Star, and A Valentine.