Figurative Language (Simile and Metaphor)

Figurative Language (Simile and Metaphor)

What figurative language does

takes words beyond their literal meaning (this means that words take on a meaning beyond their dictionary definition)

Whenever you describe something by comparing it to something else, you are using figurative language. Figurative language often uses comparisons or exaggeration to make a particular point and to help readers see something in a new and different way.

An example of figurative language

butterflies in my stomach

Reason to use Figurative Language

adds color and interest to language

Example of a type of Figurative Language: Simile

"I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,"

^{from William Wordsworth's famous poem, “I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud”} 

Figure of Speech

A figure of speech is just a specific kind of figurative language.

The wide variety of figures of speech shows the breadth of choices authors and poets have when they want to describe someone or something to readers. Knowing when to use a figure of speech, and which one to use when they do, is one of an author’s or a poet’s greatest challenges.

Types of Figurative Language (Figures of Speech)

• Comparisons, such as similes and metaphors 

• Allusions to literature, mythology, religious texts, history, or works of art or music 

• Personification

• Idioms

• Personification

• Onomatopoeia

• Puns + Hyperbole

How do I identify figurative languge???

• To interpret figures of speech in a text, such as similes and metaphors, ask yourself these questions: What two things are being compared? Why are they being compared? What image do they create in the reader’s imagination? 

• Once you have a better understanding of the meaning of the figure of speech, analyze its connection to other textual elements. What does it say about the speaker’s mood or feelings? How does it help to develop the poem’s overall tone? How does it help you understand the theme? 

• Finally, simply enjoy figurative language. It makes a text more interesting to read. 

Simile

Comparing two things using the words "like" or "as"

Metaphor

a figure of speech that compares two different things without the words "like" or "as."

Saying something is something else.

Ex: "The snow is a white blanket" is a metaphor because it compares the snow to a blanket.

Simile or Metaphor?

Poll

Simile or Metaphor?

• Simile

• Metaphor

Simile or Metaphor?

Poll

Simile or Metaphor?

• Simile

• Metaphor