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Difficulty: MediumAnalysis of Figures of Speech and Literary Devices in Unseen Poetry

Read the unseen poem extract below:

Line 1: The general stood before the battlefield,
Line 2: Contemplating the mournful victory of his men;
Line 3: His heart felt a heavy lightness inside,
Line 4: As peace surrendered to the sword again.

Which literary device is illustrated by the phrase "mournful victory" in Line 2?

  1. A
    Paradox
  2. OxymoronAnswer
  3. C
    Metaphor
  4. D
    Hyperbole

Answer

The literary device illustrated by the phrase "mournful victory" is an oxymoron.
The phrase "mournful victory" combines two contradictory terms directly side-by-side. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which opposing words are juxtaposed to express a compressed, poignant sentiment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the targeted phrase in context
The phrase "mournful victory" places two contradictory words ('mournful' meaning sorrowful and 'victory' implying a triumphant success) directly next to each other.
Identifying word relationship and placement is necessary to classify figurative language correctly.
2
Apply the definition of relevant literary devices
An oxymoron explicitly pairs opposing terms side-by-side to highlight an internal conflict or complex reality.
Because 'mournful' and 'victory' are antonymous concepts juxtaposed in immediate sequence, the figure of speech is an oxymoron.

Key Concept

Oxymoron in Unseen Poetry
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Topics

Analysis of Figures of Speech and Literary Devices in Unseen Poetry

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