Stylistic Devices in Parliament of Owls
Act 1 Stylistic Devices
In Act 1 of "Parliament of Owls," several literary stylistic devices are employed to enhance the dialogue, imagery, and themes of the play. Here are some of the devices used along with examples:
1. Symbolism
Flute: The flute played by Osogo symbolizes his introspection and melancholy. It sets the tone for the scene and reflects Osogo's emotional state. (Example: "The stage opens with Osogo perched on a stone. He is engrossed in his flute. It is a melancholic tune.")
2. Imagery
Visual Imagery: Vivid descriptions are used to create visual images in the reader's mind, such as Red String's hollow eyeglasses made from millet stalk and Osogo perched on a stone playing his flute. (Example: "Red String wears hollow eyeglasses made from millet stalk. His stomach is protruded.")
3. Dialogue
The use of dialogue helps to establish the characters' identities and backgrounds. For example, Red String's speech patterns and choice of words reflect his cunning and manipulative nature, while Tel Tel's dialogue portrays her defiance and integrity. (Example: "You miss the point. We are safer now. Imagine if we lived in the time of dinosaurs! Would we have survived?")
4. Foreshadowing
Hints of Conflict: The dialogue between Osogo and Red String foreshadows future conflicts and tensions within the bird kingdom. Osogo's defiance and Red String's manipulation hint at the power struggles to come. (Example: "A time is coming when all this will come to an end and all birds will have a sane Parliament.")
5. Irony
Verbal Irony: Irony is employed through characters' statements that convey a meaning opposite to the literal interpretation. For example, Red String's claim that the Parliament's laws are for the safety of all birds is ironic considering their oppressive nature. (Example: "The message to take out there is that our kingdom is under imminent attack and the owls have found it prudent to take quick measures for the safety of all birds.")
6. Sound devices:
Sound devices have been used to create emphasis in dialogue. For example, "Hooting and looting, screaming and squawking, boasting and belching" emphasizes Red String's manipulative tactics. (Example: "Hooting and looting, screaming and squawking, boasting and belching!")
7. Metaphor
Metaphors are used to make comparisons between characters and concepts. For instance, Red String compares the owls to guardians protecting the kingdom from external threats, using the metaphor of night birds and omnivores as enemies. (Example: "Do you want our kingdom to be annihilated by rogue animals from Lion Kingdom? Snake, Mongoose, Hyena; all of them will have a field day here.")
8. Hyperbole
Hyperbole is used to emphasize certain ideas or actions, often for dramatic effect. For example, Red String exaggerates the potential threats to the kingdom to justify the Parliament's oppressive laws. (Example: "Imagine if we lived in the time of dinosaurs! Would we have survived?")