FigurativeLanguage

Day 1

Simile Definition

› A comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as.

Examples:› His feet were as big as boats.› She dances like a princess.

Purpose › Makes it easier for a reader to

understand the subject matter by comparing it to something else.

Metaphor Definition

› A comparison of two unlike things describing one as if it were the other.

› Does not use like or as. Examples:

› Her hair is silk.› She is a graceful swan.

Purpose › Makes it easier for a reader to

understand the subject matter by comparing it to something else.

Simile and Metaphor PracticeFor each example below, identify whether it is a simile or metaphor. Write “S” next to the Similes and “M” next to the metaphors.1. The assignment was a breeze.2. Her voice is music to his ears.3. Our soldiers are as brave as lions.4. Jim was boiling mad.5. Her cheeks are red like a rose.

Simile and Metaphor PracticeFor each example below, identify whether it is a simile or metaphor. Write “S” next to the Similes and “M” next to the metaphors.1. The assignment was a breeze. (M)2. Her voice is music to his ears. (M)3. Our soldiers are as brave as lions.

(S)4. Jim was boiling mad. (M)5. Her cheeks are red like a rose. (S)

Hyperbole Definition

› An exaggeration Examples:

› My date last night was the most beautiful girl in the world.

› My backpack weighs a ton!› I told you to clean your room a million

times! Purpose

› To make feelings seem more intense.› To emphasize a point for an amusing

effect.

Hyperbole PracticeAs a group, come up with one hyperbole about homework.

Alliteration Definition

› Repeated sounds occurring at the beginning of words

› This should be used intentionally, not coincidentally

Examples:› But a better butter makes a batter

better.› Circe sat near the silent sea.

Purpose › Creates a musical effect in the text

that enhances the pleasure of reading.

Alliteration PracticeWrite two sentences that use alliteration. › One sentence must use your name.

› One sentence must use an animal.

Personification Definition

› Human characteristics are given to nonhuman things.

Examples:› The leaves danced in the wind.› The mountain held the clouds on its

shoulders. Purpose

› To bring inanimate things to life, so that their nature and actions are understood in a better way.

Personification Practice1.Create one example of

personification about a computer.

2.Create one example of personification using a tree.

Idiom Definition

› An expression that means something other than its actual words.

› You don’t take the words literally. › It doesn’t quite mean what it says

Examples:› It’s raining cats and dogs. = It’s raining

really hard› I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth. = › Sally got up on the wrong side of the bed! =

Purpose • Convey complex ideas in a few words• Ensure the understanding of a listener

Idiom PracticeIdentify one example of an idiom and explain what it means literally.

Cliché Definition:

› An overused expression. Examples:

› “Everything happens for a reason.”› “Love conquers all.”

• Purpose • Convey complex ideas in a few

words• Ensure the understanding of a

listener

Cliché-Practice 1.Think of one cliché

involving money2.Think of one cliché

involving love/relationships3.Think of one cliché

involving looks/beauty

Cliché vs. Idiom

Clichés that ARE idioms

Clichés that ARE NOT idioms

Idioms that ARE NOT cliché

• Think outside the box

• See the glass half full

• Love is blind• Fall head over

heels

• Money doesn’t grow on trees

• Only time will tell

• Lost track of time

• Good riddance• Play our cards

right• Every cloud has

its silver lining.

• An idiom CAN be a cliché, but not necessarily. • Some idioms have been used so much that they

have become cliché.• Not ALL clichés are idioms, and not all idioms are

cliché.

Allusion Definition:

› A brief reference to a person, place, or event of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

› Does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.

› The writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance.

› Often explained in the foot notes. Examples:

› Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her (Allusion to “Romeo and Juliet”) = don’t act so romantic

› I think your nose is growing (allusion to “Pinocchio”) = you are lying.

• Purpose • Enables a writer to simplify complex ideas and

emotions.

Allusion - PracticeComplete the chart below by explaining a situation in which the allusion would be used.

Allusion SituationEx: “May the force

be with you” When a teacher passes out a test to students.

1 “He is like the Hulk.”

2 “Don’t be a Scrooge”

Day 2

Imagery Definition:

› Language that appeals to a reader’s sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch.

› Helps a reader visualize Examples:

› “The lake was icy blue. The only sound that could be heard was the chirping of distant birds. The air was cool and crisp on my skin and I could see my breath in the morning air.”

• Purpose :• allows an author to express thoughts more vividly or

to bring out emotions in readers

Imagery-Practice Work with your group to

describe the classroom using your five senses

Oxymoron Definition

› An expression in which two contradictory words appear side by side

› Often, at least one word’s meaning cannot be taken literally.

Examples:› Jumbo Shrimp› Working Vacation› Small Crowd

• Purpose • Create an ironic sense of humor• Emphasize certain qualities or ideas• Confuse the reader

Oxymoron-Practice With your group, explain how

each of these are examples of oxymorons.

1. Plastic glasses2. Minor crisis3. Unbiased Opinion

Then-write two of your own oxymorons

Paradox Definition

› A statement that seems to contradict itself, but may be true.

Examples: › “No one goes to that restaurant because it is

overcrowded.”› “Don’t go near the water ‘til you have learned

how to swim.” • Purpose • attracts the reader’s attention and gives

emphasis• creates an unusual thought or visual image with

words• conveys a tone of irony

Paradox-Practice Explain how each of the each of the following represents a paradox:1. The man who wrote such a stupid sentence

cannot write at all2. “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it

is very important that you do it.” –Gandhi

Paradox vs. Oxymoron

Paradox

• A statement• Seen as a

thought or logic game

• Example:o “This statement

is false.”o You have to be

cruel to be kind.

Oxymoron

• Two words

• Example:o Awfully

goodo Alone

together

Both

Contradictory (seem like opposites)

Pun Definition

› A humorous play on words which suggests multiple meanings

Examples: “Where do pancakes live? In a flat!” “I used to be a baker but I didn’t make

enough dough.” “Seven days without pizza makes one

weak.”• Purpose amusement reinforce meaning

Pun-Practice With your group, explain how the third

example is a pun.-“Where do pancakes live? In a flat!”-“I used to be a baker, but I didn’t

make enough dough.” -“Seven days without pizza makes one

weak.”Write your own pun!

Assonance Definition:

› Repeated vowel sounds within words.› The author does this intentionally, not on

accident. Examples:

› Some ship in distress that cannot live.› Wear it here and there and everywhere.

• Purpose • Improves the rhythm and flow of a poem• Forces the reader to pay attention to certain

words• Engages a reader’s attention

Assonance-Practice Write two examples of assonance. One of the two must not rhyme!

Consonance Definition:

› Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words

› The author does this intentionally, not on accident.

Examples: › “But the father never answered a word.› “We passed the last tree.”

• Purpose • Improves the rhythm and flow of a poem• Forces the reader to pay attention to certain

words• Engages a reader’s attention

Consonance-Practice

Write two sentences that use consonance. One may not rhyme!

Assonance and Consonance PracticeFor each example below, identify whether it is a simile or metaphor. Write “A” next to the example of assonance and “C” next to the example of consonance.1. We light the fire on the mountain.2. I feel depressed and restless.3. The ship has sailed to the far off shores.4. The engineer held the steering wheel.5. And yet we knew that gentle clock

meant nought.

Assonance and Consonance PracticeFor each example below, identify whether it is a simile or metaphor. Write “A” next to the example of assonance and “C” next to the example of consonance.1. We light the fire on the mountain. (A)2. I feel depressed and restless. (C & A)3. The ship has sailed to the far off shores.

(C)4. The engineer held the steering wheel. (C

& A)5. And yet we knew that gentle clock

meant nought. (C)

Euphemism Definition:

› An idiomatic expression which replaces words and phrases considered to be harsh or impolite.

› Eu = Good Examples:

› “Kick the bucket” is a euphemism for death.

› “Downsizing” is a euphemism for firing someone.

• Purpose • To make a harsh or impolite word or

phrase sound more polite or proper.

Euphemism Practice

Identify a euphemism for “going to the bathroom.”

Rhetorical Question Definition:

› A question asked just for effect or to emphasize a point when no real answer is expected.

› May have an obvious answer. Examples:

› “To be or not to be?”› “It’s too hot today, isn’t it?”

• Purpose • Often used in persuasive speeches to

emphasize a point.

Rhetorical Question Practice

Identify another example (besides a persuasive speech) where someone would use a rhetorical question.

Think about the purpose – to emphasize a point.

Who would likely use this and when would they use this?