Exploring Figurative Language in Literature

"The wall was a monster dividing the city."

"The truth crashed into me like I'd just tumbled through waves of the ocean."

"The wall stood silently in the night."

"The wall watched over us."

"The city was split in two."

"Her hope shone like a beacon in the darkness."

"The wall loomed over us."

"The wind whispered secrets."

"The wall was gray and cold."

"I felt like a disease."

"The whispers of summer were growing."

"The wall was tall and strong."

"The city was divided."

"The sharp scent of smoke filled the air as the sun set behind the broken buildings."

"The wall was high."

"The people were sad."

The wall

The Stasi

Papa's drawing

The guard

"It felt like torture to be inside.

"The wall was tall."

"The tunnel was dark."

"The city was quiet."

It helps readers understand that Gerta feels ill.

It helps readers understand that Gerta feels like a huge burden to her friends and family.

It helps readers understand that Gerta feels relieved.

It helps readers understand that Gerta feels excited and hopeful.

"The wall was dangerous."

"Crossing the border was like walking on a tightrope over a pit of snakes."

"The wall was high."

"The guards were strict."

By describing the wall as "watching" and "glaring," the author makes it seem alive and threatening, which increases the sense of fear.

By saying the wall is tall, the author shows it is scary.

By mentioning the wall is made of concrete, the author makes it seem strong.

By describing the wall as gray, the author creates a sad mood.

The detailed description of the wall's height and the coldness of the air helps the reader feel Gerta's shock and fear.

The author says the wall is tall.

The author mentions the wall is made of bricks.

The author describes the city as divided.