homonym

=**Homonym**=


 * Definition:** a word that has the same pronunciation as another word, but differs in meaning, and sometimes spelling.

Robert Frost
"The Tuft of Flowers" And then he flew as far as __eye__ could see, And then on tremulous wing came back to me.


 * Effect**: This is an example of a homonym, where the spelling is different. The word "eye" could be understood as "I" or literally as "eye".

Shakespeare
__Hamlet__ For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a god kissing carrion,—Have you a daughter? I have, my lord. Let her not walk i' the sun: __conception__ is a blessing: but not as your daughter may __conceive__:—friend, look to 't.
 * HAMLET**
 * POLONIUS**
 * HAMLET**


 * Effect**: Here Hamlet is referring to Ophelia as he talks to Polonius about shielding his daughter from further "Conception" has more than one meaning: 1) pregnancy 2) possession and/or formation of an idea or thought. On a more literal basis, Hamlet might be referring to the sullying of Ophelia’s virginity before marriage, whereas, in a deeper way, Hamlet is also warning Polonius that Ophelia should not come to realize Polonius’ plotting with King Claudius.

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