What is metonymy?

Metonymy is a figure of speech in which an associated concept is used to represent an idea or object, linking it through a contextual relationship rather than a direct description. The correct choice highlights that metonymy involves using an object or a closely related term to symbolize a broader idea or concept. For example, referring to the "crown" to represent monarchy or royal authority effectively illustrates how one term can evoke a larger concept through association.

The other choices do not accurately define metonymy. A direct comparison between unrelated things aligns more closely with metaphor, which juxtaposes two dissimilar entities to highlight a shared trait. A type of irony generally refers to a situation where the meaning is contrary to what is expressed, often used in scenarios where the outcome contrasts with expectations. A character's internal struggle is indicative of internal conflict in literature, often explored through characterization and narrative rather than linguistic figures like metonymy. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the identification of metonymy and its role in language and literature.