Metaphor & Simile

Metaphor & Simile

Figurative Language

Explanation

• You can paint a picture by comparing two things that share some qualities.

• A simile is a comparison that contains words such as like or as.

• A metaphor is a comparison that does not use like or as.

• The girl is as beautiful as a rose. (Simile)

  The girl is a beautiful rose. (Metaphor)

• For both these sentences, the girl is compared to a rose as being beautiful. The simile uses as while the metaphor uses nothing to make the comparison.

Multiple Choice

Simile or Metaphor?

Her heart is like gold. __________

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

Simile or Metaphor?

The world is a stage. __________

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

Simile or Metaphor?

You are my sunshine. __________

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

Simile or Metaphor?

He eats like a pig. __________

• Simile

• Metaphor

Examples from Lyrics

Hozier – Take me to church

               A. … Take me to church. I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies…

Simile: The person compares himself to a dog which will be as loyal and reliable even if the girl lies.

               B. … My lover’s got humor. She is the giggle at a funeral…

Metaphor: The girl is compared to a laughter during a funeral which is actually inappropriate. We can understand that the girl is funny but she isn’t understood by the people around her.

Open Ended

Simile or Metaphor?

Explain the Comparison

Beyonce – Halo

… Hit me like a ray of sun, burning through my darkest night…

Open Ended

Simile or Metaphor?

Explain the Comparison

Coldplay – The Scientist

… Questions of science, science and progress, do not speak as loud as my heart…

Open Ended

Simile or Metaphor?

Explain the Comparison

Migos – Stir Fry

… Life is Monopoly. Go cop me some land and some property.

Production

• 1. Sentence: Her mind is working like typewriter.

• Comparison: Simile

  Explanation: Her mind is compared with a typewriter. The similarity is that her mind is old-fashioned and can’t think in a modern perspective.

Production

• 1. Sentence: I can’t believe you want to be with that boy! He is a typewriter yet you are a gaming PC!

• Comparison: Metaphor

  Explanation: The boy is compared with a typewriter. The comparison is used to say how the boy is old fashioned while the girl is very modern and they cannot go together well. 

Open Ended

Write either a simile or a metaphor inspired by this picture. Be ready to explain your comparison.