Here is Lord Ullin’s Daughter, a detailed exploration and explanation of the figure of speech and its many facets. In this post, we have explained various examples of figurative speech, providing a comprehensive understanding of Lord Ullin’s Daughter in terms of all Poetic Device. We have also told the reason why a particular figure of speech occurs in a particular line. This is going to help the children of various classes Class IX. Dive in for figure of speech examples-
Table of Contents
Figure of Speech in Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza 1
A Chieftan to the Highlands bound,
Cries, ‘Boatman, do not tarry;
And I’ll give thee a silver pound
To row us o’er the ferry.’
1- Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “A Chieftain to the Highlands bound,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘h’ sound in “Highlands bound” creates a rhythmic effect, characteristic of alliteration.
2. Figure of Speech: Metonymy
Exact Line: “And I’ll give thee a silver pound”
Reason: The phrase “a silver pound” represents a specific form of currency and is used to stand in for money or payment in general. This is an example of metonymy, where a specific item is used to represent a broader concept. Synecdoche, on the other hand, involves using a part of something to represent the whole, or vice versa, which is not the case here.
3. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Line: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, particularly between “Cries, ‘Boatman, do not tarry;” and “And I’ll give thee a silver pound,” contributes to the flowing narrative and the urgency of the chieftain’s plea.
4. Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “A Chieftain to the Highlands bound,”
Reason: This line creates a vivid image of the chieftain’s journey to the Highlands, setting the scene and invoking a sense of destination and purpose.
5. Figure of Speech: Consonance
Exact Line: “To row us o’er the ferry.’”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘r’ sound in “row” and “ferry” is consonance, adding a musical quality to the line and echoing the rhythmic action of rowing.
Also Read:
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 2
‘Now who be ye would cross Lochgyle,
This dark and stormy water?’
‘Oh! I’m the chief of Ulva’s isle,
And this Lord Ullin’s daughter.
1. Figure of Speech: Apostrophe
Exact Line: ‘Now who be ye would cross Lochgyle,’
Reason: The speaker is addressing an unknown person or group (“ye”), which is a form of apostrophe, especially as the addressees are not immediately present in the scene.
2. Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “This dark and stormy water?”
Reason: This line creates a vivid visual image of Lochgyle, portraying it as dark and stormy, which sets a foreboding and ominous atmosphere.
3. Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “Lord Ullin’s daughter.”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘d’ sound in “Lord” and “daughter” creates alliteration, adding a rhythmic quality to the line.
4. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, such as between “‘Now who be ye would cross Lochgyle,” and “This dark and stormy water?’” contributes to the fluidity of the dialogue and narrative.
Figures of Speech Poem – Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza – 3
‘And fast before her father’s men
Three days we’ve fled together,
For should he find us in the glen,
My blood would stain the heather.
1.Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “My blood would stain the heather.”
Reason: This line exaggerates the potential consequences of being caught, using the vivid image of blood staining the heather to emphasize the seriousness of their situation, characteristic of hyperbole.
2.Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “My blood would stain the heather.”
Reason: This line creates a strong visual image of blood on the heather, which is a powerful use of imagery to convey danger and the gravity of their situation.
3. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, particularly between “Three days we’ve fled together,” and “For should he find us in the glen,” contributes to the fluid narrative flow of the poem.
4. Figure of Speech: Foreshadowing
Exact Line: “My blood would stain the heather.”
Reason: This line foreshadows a potential tragic outcome, hinting at the possibility of violence or death, which adds to the tension and drama of the narrative.
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 4
‘His horsemen hard behind us ride;
Should they our steps discover,
Then who will cheer my bonny bride
When they have slain her lover?’
1- Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “His horsemen hard behind us ride;”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘h’ sound in “His horsemen hard” creates a rhythmic effect, which is characteristic of alliteration.
2.Figure of Speech: Rhetorical Question
Exact Line: “Then who will cheer my bonny bride When they have slain her lover?”
Reason: This question is posed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the hopelessness and desperation of the situation, which is a common use of a rhetorical question.
3.Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “His horsemen hard behind us ride;”
Reason: This line creates a vivid image of pursuers closing in, which heightens the sense of urgency and danger.
4.Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “When they have slain her lover?”
Reason: The use of “slain her lover” is an exaggeration to emphasize the serious threat they are facing, typical of hyperbole.
5. Figure of Speech: Foreshadowing
Exact Line: “When they have slain her lover?”
Reason: This line foreshadows a potential tragic outcome, suggesting the possibility of the lover’s death. It adds a layer of foreboding and anticipation to the narrative.
6. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: Throughout the stanza
Reason: The continuation of sentences across lines without punctuated pauses, particularly between “Should they our steps discover,” and “Then who will cheer my bonny bride,” contributes to the fluid narrative flow of the poem.
Figures of Speech Poem – Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza 5
Outspoke the hardy Highland wight:
‘I’ll go, my chief – I’m ready:
It is not for your silver bright,
But for your winsome lady.
1- Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “Outspoke the hardy Highland wight:”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘h’ sound in “hardy Highland” creates a rhythmic effect, typical of alliteration.
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 6
‘And by my word, the bonny bird
In danger shall not tarry:
So, though the waves are raging white,
I’ll row you o’er the ferry.’
1- Figure of Speech: Metaphor
Exact Line: “the bonny bird”
Reason: Here, “the bonny bird” is a metaphor for Lord Ullin’s daughter, likening her to a beautiful, delicate bird. This metaphor emphasizes her beauty and perhaps vulnerability.
2- Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “though the waves are raging white,”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “waves” and “white” creates a rhythmic effect, typical of alliteration.
3- Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “the waves are raging white,”
Reason: The waves are described as “raging,” which attributes human-like emotions or behavior to them, a common use of personification.
4- Figure of Speech: Assonance
Exact Line: “I’ll row you o’er the ferry.’”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘o’ sound in “row,” and “o’er,” is an example of assonance, adding to the musicality of the stanza.
5- Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “I’ll row you o’er the ferry.”
Reason: This line contains hyperbole, an exaggeration used for emphasis. The boatman’s assurance to row them over the ferry despite the raging storm implies an exaggerated sense of determination and bravery, which is unlikely to be literally possible under such dangerous circumstances.
6- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “though the waves are raging white,”
Reason: This line creates vivid visual imagery of the stormy sea. The use of descriptive language helps readers visualize the intense and perilous conditions of the sea, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene.
Figures of Speech Poem – Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza 7
By this the storm grew loud apace,
The water-wraith was shrieking;
And in the scowl of heaven each face
Grew dark as they were speaking.
1- Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “The water-wraith was shrieking;”
Reason: The “water-wraith” (likely referring to the wind or the sound of the storm) is described as shrieking, attributing a human action to a non-human element, which is characteristic of personification.
2- Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “the scowl of heaven”
Reason: Heaven is described as scowling, giving it a human-like expression of anger or disapproval, another instance of personification.
3- Figure of Speech: Simile
Exact Line: “Grew dark as they were speaking.”
Reason: This line compares the darkening of the characters’ faces with the moment of their speaking, using ‘as’ to create a simile.
4- Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: “The water-wraith was shrieking;”
Reason: The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “water-wraith” and “was” is an example of alliteration, adding a rhythmic quality to the line.
5- Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: “The water-wraith was shrieking;”
Reason: The word “shrieking” is an example of onomatopoeia, where the word’s pronunciation imitates the sound it describes. This use of sound words contributes to the auditory imagery of the poem, making the scene more vivid and dramatic.
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 8
But still, as wilder blew the wind,
And as the night grew drearer,
Adown the glen rode armed men-
Their trampling sounded nearer.
1- Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: “as wilder blew the wind,”
Reason: The wind is described as blowing “wilder,” attributing human-like behavior to a natural element, which is characteristic of personification.
2- Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: “Their trampling sounded nearer.”
Reason: “Trampling” is an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the sound of the armed men’s horses, thereby bringing the sound to life for the reader.
3- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “And as the night grew drearer,”
Reason: This line creates strong visual imagery, helping the reader visualize the increasingly bleak and foreboding night. Such imagery evokes the emotions of fear and apprehension, reflecting the mood of the poem.
4- Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Lines: “But still, as wilder blew the wind, / And as the night grew drearer,”
Reason: These lines are an example of enjambment, where a thought or clause does not end at the line break but continues into the next line. This technique creates a sense of continuity and urgency, reflecting the poem’s escalating tension.
5- Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: “Their trampling sounded nearer.”
Reason: Sound of trampling is indicated.
Figures of Speech Poem – Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza 9
‘Oh! Haste thee, haste!’ the lady cries,
‘Though tempests round us gather;
I’ll meet the raging of the skies,
But not an angry father.’
1- Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: ‘Though tempests round us gather;’
Reason: Tempests (storms) are given the human ability to gather around, which is a personification of nature.
2- Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: ‘I’ll meet the raging of the skies,’
Reason: The phrase exaggerates her willingness to face the literal raging skies, implying a situation more challenging than it might actually be.
3- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: “Oh! Haste thee, haste!’ the lady cries,”
Reason: This line creates vivid visual imagery of the lady urgently pleading with her lover to hurry. The use of “haste” and “cries” evokes a sense of urgency and desperation.
4- Figure of Speech: Repetition
Exact Line: “Oh! Haste thee, haste!’”
Reason: The repetition of “haste” in this line emphasizes the lady’s eagerness for quick action. Repetition is a rhetorical device used for emphasis.
5- Figure of Speech: Metaphor
Exact Line: “But not an angry father.’”
Reason: Here, the father’s anger is metaphorically portrayed as a storm or tempest. This metaphor reinforces the idea that the father’s wrath is as formidable and threatening as a natural disaster.
6- Figure of Speech: Exclamation
Exact Line: ‘Oh! Haste thee, haste!’
Reason: The use of the exclamation mark indicates a strong emotional expression, which is characteristic of an exclamation in literature.
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 10
The boat has left a stormy land,
A stormy sea before her-
When oh! Too strong for human hand,
The tempest gathered o’er her.
1- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: The boat has left a stormy land, A stormy sea before her-
Reason: These lines use vivid imagery to create a mental picture of the setting – a boat leaving a stormy land with a stormy sea ahead. Imagery involves the use of descriptive language to engage the reader’s senses.
2- Figure of Speech: Apostrophe
Exact Line: When oh! Too strong for human hand,
Reason: The exclamation “oh!” can be seen as an apostrophe, where the speaker is addressing an abstract concept or an absent person – in this case, possibly the storm or the forces of nature.
3- Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: “The boat has left a stormy land, A stormy sea before her-”
Reason: The stormy land and sea can be seen as symbolic elements representing the tumultuous and perilous journey of the lovers. They symbolize the challenges and obstacles they face in their pursuit of love.
4- Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: “When oh! Too strong for human hand,”
Reason: The phrase “too strong for human hand” uses hyperbole to exaggerate the power and intensity of the tempest. It suggests that the storm is beyond what humans can control or withstand, emphasizing the danger the characters are in.
Figures of Speech Poem – Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza 11
And still they rowed amidst the roar
Of waters fast prevailing;
Lord Ullin reach’d that fatal shore-
His wrath was chang’d to wailing.
1- Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: amidst the roar
Reason: “Roar” is an onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound of the turbulent waters, helping to create a vivid auditory image.
2. Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: And still they strove in the storm’s stern strife
Reason: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “still,” “strove,” “storm’s,” “stern,” and “strife” adds a rhythmic quality to the line, enhancing the sense of struggle against the elements.
3. Figure of Speech: Simile
Exact Line: Of waters, like wild beasts, fast prevailing;
Reason: This line uses a simile, indicated by the word “like,” to compare the waters to “wild beasts.” This comparison vividly illustrates their ferocious and uncontrollable nature, emphasizing the danger faced by the characters.
4. Figure of Speech: Simile
Exact Line: His cries were like thunder, echoing long and loud;
Reason: This simile compares Lord Ullin’s cries to “thunder,” implying they were not only loud but also resonated with a deep sense of foreboding or sorrow.
5. Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: Lord Ullin reach’d that fateful shore, where waves whispered of despair;
Reason: By attributing the action of whispering to the waves, this line personifies the sea, suggesting that it communicates or holds secrets about the impending doom.
6. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: His wrath was a tempest, now chang’d to a wailing wind;
Reason: Describing his wrath as a “tempest” and his change of mood to a “wailing wind” exaggerates the intensity of his emotions, amplifying the dramatic shift from anger to grief.
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 12
For sore dismay’d, through storm and shade,
His child he did discover;
One lovely hand she stretch’d for aid,
And one was round her lover.
1- Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: For sore dismay’d, through storm and shade,
Reason: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in ‘sore’, ‘storm’, and ‘shade’ creates alliteration, enhancing the rhythmic quality of the line.
2- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: through storm and shade,
Reason: This line uses vivid imagery to create a mental picture of the challenging environment – storm and shade, adding to the mood of the scene.
3- Figure of Speech: Synecdoche
Exact Line: One lovely hand she stretch’d for aid,
Reason: The use of ‘hand’ to represent the whole person (the daughter) is a synecdoche, where a part is used to signify the whole.
4. Figure of Speech: Enjambment
Exact Line: One lovely hand she stretch’d for aid, / And one was round her lover.
Reason: The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza, as seen here, is known as enjambment. It creates a sense of continuity and urgency in the narrative flow.
5. Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: And one was round her lover.
Reason: The act of the daughter’s hand being ‘round her lover’ symbolizes her emotional attachment and reliance on her lover, representing love and trust in the midst of chaos and danger.
Figures of Speech Poem – Lord Ullin’s Daughter Stanza 13
‘Come back! Come back!’ he cried in grief,
‘Across this stormy water;
And I’ll forgive your Highland chief,
My daughter!- oh, my daughter!’
1- Figure of Speech: Apostrophe
Exact Line: ‘Come back! Come back!’ he cried in grief,
Reason: This is an example of apostrophe, where the speaker is addressing someone who is not present or cannot respond (his daughter and her lover), conveying deep emotion.
2- Figure of Speech: Exclamation
Exact Line: ‘Come back! Come back!’ he cried in grief,
Reason: The use of exclamatory sentences here expresses intense emotion, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of the speaker.
3- Figure of Speech: Anaphora
Exact Line: ‘Come back! Come back!’
Reason: This is an example of anaphora, where the phrase ‘Come back!’ is repeated at the beginning of two consecutive clauses, creating a rhythmic and emphatic effect.
4- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: ‘Across this stormy water;
Reason: These words create a vivid image of the turbulent, dangerous waters that separate the speaker from his daughter, enhancing the sense of peril.
5- Figure of Speech: Metonymy
Exact Line: ‘And I’ll forgive your Highland chief,’
Reason: This line uses metonymy by referring to the daughter’s lover as the “Highland chief.” It indicates the father’s acceptance of the lover, symbolizing a broader acceptance of his daughter’s choices and her lover’s cultural or social background. This usage encapsulates the idea of reconciliation and acceptance without directly stating it.
Lord Ullin’s Daughter Poetic Device Stanza 14
‘Twas vain: the loud waves lash’d the shore,
Return or aid preventing;
The waters wild went o’er his child,
And he was left lamenting.
1- Figure of Speech: Imagery
Exact Line: The waters wild went o’er his child,
Reason: This line vividly describes the tragic scene, creating a powerful visual image of the waters overwhelming his child.
2- Figure of Speech: Irony
Exact Line: ‘Twas vain: the loud waves lash’d the shore,
Reason: There is situational irony here, as the efforts of Lord Ullin and his daughter to reconcile and escape are rendered futile by the overpowering forces of nature.
3- Figure of Speech: Assonance
Exact Line: And he was left lamenting.
Reason: The repetition of the ‘e’ sound in ‘he’ and ‘left’ is an example of assonance, contributing to the musicality of the line.
4-Figure of Speech: Anaphora
Exact Line: Return or aid preventing; The waters wild went o’er his child,
Reason: The repeated structure in these lines, starting with action (returning, preventing, went o’er), creates anaphora, emphasizing the helplessness and inevitability of the situation.
5. Figure of Speech: Alliteration
Exact Line: loud waves lash’d
Reason: The repetition of the ‘l’ sound in “loud” and “lash’d” creates alliteration, enhancing the harshness and intensity of the scene.
6. Figure of Speech: Onomatopoeia
Exact Line: waves lash’d
Reason: The word “lash’d” is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, thereby adding to the vividness of the auditory imagery.
7. Figure of Speech: Hyperbole
Exact Line: The waters wild went o’er his child,
Reason: This line uses hyperbole to exaggerate the ferocity of the waters, emphasizing the tragic and overwhelming nature of the event.
8. Figure of Speech: Personification
Exact Line: Return or aid preventing;
Reason: This line personifies the circumstances (the storm and the sea) as actively preventing return or aid, attributing deliberate action to the natural elements.
9. Figure of Speech: Symbolism
Exact Line: And he was left lamenting.
Reason: The father’s lamentation symbolizes the universal themes of loss and regret, highlighting the emotional depth and the tragic outcome of the narrative.
