Question

Which figure of speech is used in the opening line of Spenser's sonnet LVII (57) - 'Sweet Warrior! When Shall I Have Peace with Thee?'

• A. Metaphor
• B. Oxymoron
• C. Metonymy
• D. Irony

Hint:

To easily identify an oxymoron, look for a two-word phrase (usually an adjective followed by a noun) where the words seem to cancel each other out. This direct contradiction is the hallmark of an oxymoron.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the figure of speech present in the phrase "Sweet Warrior". A figure of speech is a word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the phrase "Sweet Warrior":
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{The word "Sweet" suggests kindness, gentleness, or pleasure. } \\ \bullet & \text{The word "Warrior" suggests fierceness, conflict, and aggression. } \\ \end{array}\] The phrase combines two terms that are contradictory or opposite in meaning. This specific literary device is known as an oxymoron. An oxymoron creates a surprising and thought-provoking effect by juxtaposing conflicting ideas. Other examples include "living dead," "deafening silence," and "bittersweet."
The other options are not the primary device used in this specific phrase:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Metaphor: A direct comparison (e.g., 'the warrior is a lion'). Not the case here.} \\ \bullet & \text{Metonymy: Substituting a related term (e.g., 'the crown' for the monarch). Not applicable.} \\ \bullet & \text{Irony: A contrast between what is said and what is meant. While the entire sonnet might have ironic tones, the phrase itself is a classic example of an oxymoron.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The figure of speech used is an oxymoron.