>

Understanding the Oxymoron in “How to Tell Wild Animals”

Figure of Speech in Literature

Figures of speech are literary devices that enhance the expressiveness and impact of written or spoken language. They create vivid imagery, emphasize certain points, and elicit specific emotions from readers or listeners. One such figure of speech is the oxymoron, which combines contradictory terms to create a new phrase with a surprising or thought-provoking effect.

The Oxymoron in “How to Tell Wild Animals”

“How to Tell Wild Animals” is a humorous poem by Carolyn Wells that employs various figures of speech to convey its message. Among these devices is the oxymoron, which appears in the following line: “The only safe rule is to play dead.”

The term “play dead” is an oxymoron because it combines the contradictory concepts of “playing” and “being dead.” While “playing” implies action and movement, “being dead” signifies stillness and the absence of life. By juxtaposing these two opposing ideas, the author creates a humorous and absurd twist on the conventional advice of “playing dead” to avoid danger from wild animals.

Significance and Purpose of the Oxymoron

The oxymoron in “How to Tell Wild Animals” serves several purposes:

• It highlights the absurdity of the advice to play dead in certain situations.
• It adds a touch of humor to the poem, making it more engaging and memorable.
• It emphasizes the speaker's perspective that there is no universally safe way to approach wild animals.

Understanding the oxymoron and its significance in “How to Tell Wild Animals” enhances the appreciation of the poem's humor and literary craftsmanship.