Figurative Language Figurative Language The use of language

Figurative Language:

Figurative Language -The use of language in a non-literal way -Literal: exactly what is stated “Hit the road” -Non-literal: the understood meaning “Leave a situation”

Purpose of figurative language • Writers use figurative language in poetry and prose to drive home a point or to paint a scene in the reader’s mind. • Ex: “He began to gyrate his arms and legs like a stunned crab” From “The Follower” by Jack Gantos, p. 79

Types of figurative language • • Simile Metaphor Personification Hyperbole

Simile • A comparison of two unlike things using like or as Ø The sound of the ocean was like a lion roaring. When my parents ask me about school, I feel like a bug sitting under a magnifying glass. Ø The baby was like an octopus, grabbing at all the cans in the grocery store. Ø The teenager’s gaze was as cold as ice. Ø

Metaphor • A direct comparison of two things, without the use of like or as • Simile: The storekeeper was as stubborn as a mule. • Metaphor: The storekeeper was a stubborn mule.

An extended example of metaphor • Act II, Scene vii William Shakespeare’s As You Like It "All the world's a stage And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. . . "

Personification • a technique where non-human objects are given human characteristics -The ancient car groaned into third gear. -The tropical storm slept for two days. -The trees screamed in the raging wind. -The moon smiled on the couple in love.

Complete these sentence starters using personification: • • The rain … The rain kissed my cheeks as it fell to the ground.

Create your own personification. . • The water… • The water beckoned invitingly to the hot swimmers.

Create your own personification… • The snow whispered as it fell to the ground during the early morning hours.

Create your own personification… • The china danced on the shelves during the earthquake.

Hyperbole • Exaggeration for effect Ex. The line is a mile long! I’m so hungry I could eat a horse! This book bag weighs a ton! I will die if she asks me to dance!

Memoir Application • You need to have at least three figures of speech in your final draft of your memoir. • Look through your memoir and identify figures of speech you’ve already used OR find a place where you might add one.