The Figurative Languages Found in the Novel: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the types of figurative language used in the novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” by Luo Guanzhong. The research adopts a qualitative method, relying on factual data from the literary work itself and expert quotations. The focus theory is figurative language, which one of the branches in Semantics approach. The findings reveal that out of the 13 types of figurative language, only four were identified in the novel. Hyperbole accounted for 33.79% of the sentences, personification for 26.21%, symbolism for 11.03%, and metaphor for 28.97%. In the end, the writer concludes that there are only four types of figurative language out of thirteen, revealing hyperbole, personification, symbolism, and metaphor. The findings showcased the author's skillful use of language, it can be seen through the analysis in a findings and discussion session. With hyperbole emphasizing characters' emotions, personification highlighting destiny and unity, symbolism conveying deeper meanings, and metaphor foreshadowing future events. These analysis underscored the richness of figurative language in enhancing storytelling. The study invites readers to delve into the world of figurative language, appreciating its impact on narrative depth and reader engagement
References
Arini. 2017. Figurative Language in Colleen Hoover’s Novel the Ugly Love. English Department, Faculty of Letters and Culture, Universitas Gunadarma
Bloom, Sandra L. 1999. Trauma Theory Abbreviated. Philadelphia: Community
Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 2013. India: Replika Press Pvt. Ltd
Daniswara. 2016. Figurative Language and Meaning behind it. Udayana University
Dewi, Kumala Sari. 2010. An Analysis of Figurative Meaning in The Time’s Magazine’s Advertisements. Medan: Universitas Sumatra Utara
Dyke, H. V. 1920. The Works of Henry Van Dyke
Elo, Satu and Helvi Kyangas. 2008. The Qualitative Content Analysis Process. Finland: Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Fitratunnas. 2017. Figurative Language Analysis on Advertisement of The Jakarta Post Newspaper. Malang: Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim.
Gorys, K. 2009. Linguistics: A Coursebook.
Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Griffiths. 2006. Semantics: Meaning. United Kingdom: University of Edinburgh
Guanzhong, L. 2023. Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong (Illustrated). Delphi Classics.
Hudson. 1939. An Introduction to The Study of Literature. London: George G. Harap & Company
H. M, Abrams. 1999. A Glossary of Literary Terms. USA: Earl McPeek
Keraf, G. 2009. Diksi dan gaya bahasa. PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
Khairunnisa, Salma & Juanda, Juanda. 2022. Figurative Language in Novel of Little Women By Louisa May Alcott. MAHADAYA: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya. 2. 223-230.
10.34010/mhd.v2i2.7830.
Kumar, Ranjit. 2005. Research Methodology A Step By Step Guide for Beginners. Second Edition. Singapore: Person Education.
Larson, M. L. 1984. Meaning-based Translation
(p. 11).
Larson, R. K., & Segal G. M. A. 1995. Knowledge of Meaning. National Geographic Books.
Leech, G. N. 1990. Semantics : The Study of Meaning. Uk: Penguin Uk.
Lloyd, Craig. 2005. Nunally Johnson 1897-
1977. Retrieved on July 17, 2017, from http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/ articles/arts-culture/nunnally- johnson- 1897-1977
Manuaba and Tika. 2019. Figurative Language in Westlife Album "Coast to coast " and My Chemical Romance Album “Welcome to Black Parade”. Jurnal Humanis, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Unud.
McArthur, T. 1992. The Oxford Companion to the English Language. New York: Oxford University Press.
Oxford Online
Dictionary. Retrieved November 8, 2016, from
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com Patton, Michael Quinn and Michael Cochran.
2002. A Guide to Using Qualitative Research Methodology. Medecins Sans Frontieres.
Priyoto & Armando, P. 2018. The common used of figurative languages in Beatles’ Masterpieces. Journal of English Language and literature
Priyoto & Aulia, L. 2019. Eve’s Dissociative Identity Disorder As The Reflection Of Her Unpleasant Childhood In Nunally Johnson Movie, The Three Faces Of Eve. Journal of English Language and literature
Rossman, Gretchen B and Sharon F. Rallis. 2012. Learning in the Field: An Introduction to Qualitative Research. USA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Russell, Reaske Christopher. 1966. How to Analyze Drama. New York: Monarc Press.
Saputri, Eva Ervina Widi. 2014. An Analysis of figurative Languages Used in Rick Riordan’s Novel Entitled “The Heroes of Olympics, Book Three:
The Mark of Athena”. Semarang: Dian Nuswantoro University
Stern, Josef. 2000. Metaphor In Context. London: Massachusetts institute of technology
Verhaar, J.W.M. 1978. Pengantar Lingguistik. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press
Wardoyo, Novi. 2011. The Types and Interpretation Figurative Language Used in Pirates of Caribbean on Stranger Tides Movie Manuscript. Surakarta: Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta
Wellek, R. (1949). Theory of Literature. Michigan University
Copyright (c) 2025 priyoto priyoto, Zidane Zidane

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Retained Rights/Terms and Conditions of Publication
1. As an author you (or your employer r institution) may do the following:
*make copies (print or electronic) of the article for your own personal
*Every accepted manuscript should be accompanied by "Copyright Transfer Agreemen" prior to the article publication.