Figure of speech: 
a device used to produce figurative language {etc: metaphor, simile, apostrophe}


Example:
"Death lies on her like an untimely frost
Upon the sweetest flower of all the field."

-Romeo and Juliet

Explanation:

In this quote from Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses a simile to convey death. This simile contrast frost with a sweet flower. The purpose of this is to compare the death of sweet girl to something cold in bitter. This figure of speech creates imagery and it also helps the reader see the significance of this death. This language also helps with the somber tone and mood of this novel, and makes the writing more professional.