Stylistic Features of Oscar Wilde’s Wrightings

And all of them are wonderful. They reflect Wilde’s opinions

and viewpoints about different things. They give emphasis and

rhythm to the text. That is why Wilde may be also called a

master of colourful and vivid epithets.

METAPHOR

One of the most frequently used, well-known and elaborated among the stylistic devices is metaphor. The metaphoric use of the word begins to affect the dictionary meaning, adding to it fresh connotations of meaning or shades of meaning.

According to Prof. Sosnovskaya V.B., metaphor, a most widely used trop, is based upon analogy, upon a traceable similarity. But in the metaphor, contrary to the simile, there is no formal element to indicate comparison. The difference, though, is not merely structural. The absence of a formal indication of comparison in the metaphor makes the analogy it is based on more subtle to perceive.17

According to Prof. Kukharenko V.A., metaphor is based on the transference of names. This transference is based on the associated likeness between two objects.18

According to Prof. Galperin I.R., metaphor means transference of some quality from one object to another. A metaphor becomes a stylistic device when two different phenomena (things, events, ideas, actions) are simultaneously brought to mind by the imposition of some or all of the inherent properties of one object on the other which by nature is deprived of these properties.19

Such an imposition generally results when the creator of the metaphor finds in the two corresponding objects certain features, which to his eye have something in common.

I completely agree with these definitions. I also think that metaphors reveal the attitude of the writer to the object, action or concept and express his views. They may also reflect the literary school which he belongs and the epoch in which he lives.

As an illustration of Wilde’s skill in using every nuance of the language to serve some special stylistic purpose, we must mention his use of metaphors.

e.g. “We live in an age of ideals.”(p.293)

“She has all the fragrance and freedom of a

flower.”(p.175)

“The God of this century is wealth.”(p.206)

“But to suffer for one’s own faults,-ah!-there is the

sting of life.”(p.36).

Oscar Wilde was a man of art; and even these wonderful metaphors prove it. As we can see, his metaphors give a certain charm and musical perception through the plain language combinations.

A metaphor can exist only within a context. A separate word isolated from the context has its general meaning. Metaphor plays an important role in the development of language. Words acquire new meanings by transference.

e.g. “Lord Illingworth: That silly Puritan girl making a scene merely

because I wanted to kiss her. What harm is there in a kiss?

Mrs.Arbuthnot: A kiss may ruin a human life. I know that too

well.”(p.163).