Pun or Paronomasia Definition & Meaning - Literaturemini.com

This is a figure which 'rests on duplicity of sense under unity of sound'. Pun are very often intended humorously but not always. 

Interpretation :

The figure consists in the use of the same sound to convey different meaning. It rests on a play on words that is alike in sound but different in meaning. 

In the example ' An ambassador is an honest man who lies abroad for the good of his country '. we observe that the word 'lies' has two meaning :

a. resides

b. tells a lie

In this variety of pun ( also known as Equivoque)  a single word is used in two senses. Again,  in the extract 'Not on thy sole but on thy soul ' we notice another variety of pun where two words having the same sound but different spellings are used in two different senses:

(a) under surface of a foot

(b) spirit

Finally,  in the example ' so is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father ' we notice a variation of the preceding variety ; here two words having the same sound and spelling are used in two different senses:

(a) desire

(b) the legal document.

The chief characteristics of this figure are given below:

1. One word is used in two different senses.

2. Two words having the same sound but identical or dissimilar spellings are used in two different senses. 

3. The figure is used generally to excite laughter. 

Illustrations:

1. When the piece of meat fell in the river,  the dog looked at it fondly. 

This is a pun. 

In this figure duplicity of sense is expressed through unity of sound. 

Here a single word ''fondly ' is used in two senses:

(a) affectionately 

(b) foolishly 

2

For a foolish sportsman it is easier to follow a hound than to follow an argument. 

This is a pun. 

This figure consists in a play upon words that are alike in sound but different in meaning. 

Here two words having identical sound and spelling are used to convey two different meanings 

(a) to chase

(b) to understand 

Example :

1.

Is life worth living? - it depends on the liver.  [ (i) human organ  (ii) living person)

2.

But a cannon ball took off his legs 

So he laid down his arms! [( i) limbs (ii)weapons ] ( Hood)

3.

I've met with many a breeze before

But never such a blow [ (i) stroke (ii) blowing of wind] (Hood)