Figurative Language In Paulo Coelhos The Alchemist by
Figurative Language In Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist by Mr. Eisner 9/26/16
What Is Figurative Language? Figurative Language is language that conveys ideas beyond their literal meaning. In other words, when the author does not literally mean what they say. For example, she was a real tiger on the court. What does this mean? Discuss! Don’t forget to explain how you know! Pneumonic Device: It’s figurative language because you have to figure out the meaning.
Answer! Explanation: We all know that she was not a tiger, but rather had the characteristics of a tiger. In other words, this is a metaphor that means she was fast, aggressive, agile, and determined to score. She was probably a very good player. Why would someone want to make this type of comparison?
What Are Some of the Major Types of Figurative Language? Metaphor: comparing two unlike things without using the words “like” or “as” She was a real tiger on the court compares the lady to a tiger. The comparison here is indirect as you have to figure out that it is a comparison and not literal. Simile: comparing two unlike things using the words “like” or “as” She was like a tiger on the court. Using “like”, we see that the author is making a comparison and does not mean to hide that fact. (This is called a direct comparison. ) Personification: giving human characteristics to something that is not human The stadium came alive and devoured the opposing team. Interpretation: The stadium, which is made up of many people, became loud and interested in the game, cheering on their team to win. Symbolism: when an object is used to represent an idea the Englishman’s gun represents his sense of power over people; by carrying the gun, he feels powerful and does not fear others.
Interpretation It is the reader’s job to guess why the author has chosen to use that figurative language using common sense and evidence from the text. We must ask ourselves what are the characteristics of the subject and then determine how those relate to the object. This is called interpretation. There is never only one correct answer when interpreting the meaning of a use of figurative language, but some answers are better than others. (If you told me that by calling the player a tiger I mean that she was not very fun to watch, you’d be dead wrong. )
The Alchemist As I stated at the beginning of the book, The Alchemist is essentially one long metaphor, also known as an extended metaphor (a long metaphor made up of many smaller metaphors). Some people might call it an allegory, and that is correct too. Allegories are symbolic stories meant to teach a lesson.
How is The Alchemist an Extended Metaphor? Santiago’s physical journey to discover treasure. To what might we compare Santiago’s physical journey? To what might we compare Santiago’s treasure?
Explanation Interpretation: Santiago’s physical journey from Spain to Egypt is similar to the journey that we all take in our lives. In other words, his journey is our journey (our life). Explanation: Sometimes things go well, and sometimes we struggle. But all in all, we learn, just like Santiago. Interpretation: His treasure is similar to the dreams and goals we set for ourselves. Explanation: We don’t always achieve our dreams and goals, but they help guide us in the direction we need to go.
Analyzing Metaphors Always provide 2 things: 1. An interpretation 2. An explanation for how you reached that interpretation. *The explanation is equally, if not more important than the interpretation. Your explanation should show you reached your conclusion about the meaning of the figurative language.
Minor Metaphors To convey his larger purpose (what is his purpose, by the way? ), Coelho uses a variety of minor metaphors. For example, the treasure is a minor metaphor. These are metaphors combine with others to create the overall message of the story.
Your Turn! Try to interpret the meaning of the following metaphors from The Alchemist. Consider, how does each of these metaphors help Coelho deliver his message? Remember, provide an interpretation and an explanation! 1. Personal Legend (reference on 112, 118) 2. “The Language of the World” (reference on 96) 3. The alchemist (character) (reference on 113)
Interpretations and Explanations! The alchemist: Interpretation: The alchemist character is the individual whom we consider to be our most important teacher. “The Language of the World”: Interpretation: This concept in the book is a metaphor for the idea that there are some things that we just cannot see. Explanation: We all have people we learn from. For Santiago, he seeks out the alchemist to help him discover his path. Explanation: The “language” is universal and is understood without words. It is seen in omens and other signs. The language can only be learned by listening carefully to the omens that the world presents to us. Personal legend: Interpretation: This concept in the book is a metaphor for the idea that we all have a purpose in our lives. Explanation: Coelho uses the concept of a “personal legend” to elevate our purpose to a higher level. The idea that we can live a legend means that our purpose is important enough to be remembered throughout history.
The Alchemist Essay Prompt For your first essay of the year, you will respond to the following question: How does Paulo Coelho use metaphor to convey his purpose in The Alchemist? First, be sure to clearly state what you believe to be Coelho’s purpose. Then, identify three metaphors used in the novel that help explain this purpose. Interpret and explain each metaphor. Use direct quotes. For your conclusion, relate Coelho’s story to your life. To what extent is the message of The Alchemist true in the world you live in?
What Are The Most Important Metaphors In The Alchemist?
Now, Choose Three That Are Feel You Can Explain. Organize your outline like this: Topic sentence (identify the metaphor) Quote (with contextual explanation) Interpretation Explanation How this metaphor relates to the author’s message? *Do this for each of your three metaphor paragraphs. Each metaphor is one paragraph.
Quiz Tomorrow You will have a quiz tomorrow on the terminology from today: figurative language, metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism, allegory, minor metaphor, direct comparison, interpretation, explanation
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