Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia: A Study of Figurative Language in Fantasy Films

Abstract

The main objectives of the study are: 1) to identify types of figurative language that commonly express the fantasy senses in fantasy films; and 2) to analyze how these figures of speech express those senses of fantasy. In particular, the two films investigated in this study were Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia. This research is based on the frameworks of figurative language and fantasy senses. Content analysis was applied. The findings revealed that five common types of figurative language were metaphor, hyperbole, personification, irony, and repetition. These figurative devices could express five common fantasy senses in the two fantasy films including superpower, supernatural theme, universal value, imagination, and romance (by hero). In sum, the power of the five common figurative devices could effectively promote the intended fantasy meanings by intensifying the sensations leading to accurate understanding of the intended messages. Each figure of speech appears to suit a certain theme of fantasy better than another. This depends on the natural characteristics of each device. Nevertheless, a certain figure of speech may create several fantastic senses. In conclusion, like other genres of literary works, to convey meaning in a fantasy story, figurative language firstly helps create vivid perception in the audience, and this can finally lead to the achievement in their cognition (understanding) of the messages.