HML Figurative Language

Figurative Language in Hole in My Life

Authors use figurative language to bring their characters, setting, plot, and theme to life. For each example, DECIDE what aspect of the story it is contributing to.

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​Interpreting Purpose.

"The sails hanging limply from the gaffs like sleeping bats" (82).

​Simile

The comparison sets the mood of the scene. There is no wind, which is problematic for their journey. This causes the characters to feel frustrated and sets the them up for future complications to develop throughout the chapter. This use of this language develops both setting and character motivations.

Open Ended

"The sea is like unrolled velvet under the half moon" (85). What does this simile develop in the story? Hint: think plot, character, setting, or theme.

"Just as Holden Caulfield sees phonies everywhere, those same phonies can't recognize Eden's talent and they run him down" (90).

Literary Allusion (2 stories)

This comparison reflects Jack's state of mind and suggests that he is experiencing some inner conflict. This suggests that he is struggling with his choices (theme) but still trying to justify his choices by blaming others around him (phonies and people who "run him down"). He is trying to cope with his emotional immaturity. He knows what he is doing is wrong.

Open Ended

"I thought of Martin Eden sinking lower and lower, forcing himself deeper and deeper" (93). What does this allusion develop in the story? Hint: think plot, character, setting, or theme.

"Just as Holden Caulfield sees phonies everywhere, those same phonies can't recognize Eden's talent and they run him down" (90).

Literary Allusion (2 stories)

This comparison reflects Jack's state of mind and suggests that he is experiencing some inner conflict. It shows that he is struggling with his choices (theme) but still trying to justify them by blaming others around him (phonies and people who "run him down"). He is trying to cope with his emotional immaturity because he knows what he is doing is wrong developing both character and the story's theme.

Your Turn...

Go to your book and assignment.

Add a Google Doc to the assignment post. Copy one of the examples you found from the text (copy and paste is fine). Then identify what the device is and explain how it develops an element of the story (setting, plot, character, theme). Use complete sentences. Resubmit the assignment.