I start by observing that both the expressions "figures of speech" and
"alankaaralu" themselves appear to be figures of speech. Are they
metaphors (utprEksha)? Is it appropriate to consider them figures of
speech when they are such an ingrained part of the language? Some
topics for discussion in this connection are:
- The basics - a quick review
- Some beautiful or funny examples (in prose and poetry)
- Are there "equivalent" figures of speech between English and Telugu?
(Some certainly come to mind, but are certian forms more or less
recognized by either language?)
- What is it that results in humor? I have heard that often it is the
result of some violated expectation. Sometimes the hyperbole
(atiSayOktyaalankaaram) is employed by a writer / cartoonist to
bring a chuckle to the reader's face. And of course, there is the
all-time favorite, the pun (Slesha)!
- How have writers employed the tool to achieve a desired effect on
the reader?
- How come telusaaers have neglected practically anything that is not
poetry (now, that is bound to get SOME response:-)!
I don't mean to suggest that the discussion should be academic,
although I am afraid I might have come across as implying that.
Perhaps somebody could rewrite what I wrote to get the idea across
much better. While somebody gets busy with that, I hope prasaad taata
is happy with this posting! I am afraid I am exceeding the
recommended page limit, so I'll stop here for now.
--- vENu daSigi