Figurative Language

Why figurative language?

• Literal language – is what is on the surface• Figurative language – is what is below the

surface – this requires higher level critical thinking and analysis.

• Sometimes what the author intended and what the reader sees can be different.

• Poetic writing helps represent events/feelings/abstract ideas for the reader.

IMAGERY•words or phrases an author uses to create pictures or

images in a reader’s mind

• The soft, sweet smell of the flower reminded him of her.

• The long, hollow wail of the train sent shivers down his spine.

• The warm, fuzzy sweater hugged her body.

EXAMPLES:

•appeal to the 5 senses

METAPHOR•a direct comparison between 2 things without

using “like” or “as”

• My car is a lemon.

• His apartment was an oven.

• Life is a highway.

• The snake’s stomach was a bottomless pit.

EXAMPLES:

SIMILE•a comparison between 2 or more things

which are essentially different

• She is as small as a mouse.

• His face was blazing like a fire.

• Life is like a box of chocolates.

• Her eyes were clearer than water.

EXAMPLES:

•uses the words “like”, “as” or “than”

PERSONIFICATION•inanimate objects and abstract ideas are given human qualities: physical, emotional, psychological

EXAMPLES: • The leaves danced across the lawn.

• The wind chased her through the streets.

• The mouse trap bit his finger.

ALLUSIONS

EXAMPLES:

• references to people, characters, or events from history, mythology, religion, literature or pop culture

• He had the language of Eminem and style of Stephen Harper.

• She played the saxophone like Lisa Simpson.

• The ride was so bumpy. You might as well have been in a Red-River cart.