FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE What is Figurative Language Figurative language

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

What is Figurative Language ? Figurative language is language that one must figure out. The term “figurative” is an antonym of “literal. ” In literal language the words convey meaning exactly as defined, whereas in figurative language there is room for interpretation. An effort is required on the part of the reader/interpreter to determine the speaker/writer’s intended meaning. The listener or reader must “figure” out what is meant.

SIMILE / METAPHOR

SIMILE / METAPHOR Simile – compares using like or as The engine purred like a contented kitten. Metaphor – compares two different things saying the one is the other. A metaphor uses is instead of like or as. Her hair is a shimmering waterfall.

Since Hannah Moved Away The tires on my bike are flat. The sky is grouchy gray. At least it sure feels like that Since Hannah moved away. Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes. December's come to stay. They've taken back the Mays and Junes Since Hannah moved away. Flowers smell like halibut. Velvet feels like hay. Every handsome dog's a mutt Since Hannah moved away. Nothing's fun to laugh about. Nothing's fun to play. They call me, but I won't come out Since Hannah moved away.

Dreams by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

PERSONIFICATION

PERSONIFICATION Personification – describes something nonhuman with human qualities The morning sun smiled down on the children.

The Sky Is Low The sky is low, the clouds are mean, A travelling flake of snow Across a barn or through a rut Debates if it will go. A narrow wind complains all day How some one treated him; Nature, like us, is sometimes caught Without her diadem. -Emily Dickinson

"Hope" Is The Thing With Feathers "HOPE" is the thing with feathers-That perches in the soul-And sings the tune without the words-And never stops--at all-And sweetest--in the Gale--is heard-And sore must be the storm-That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm-I've heard it in the chillest land-And on the strangest Sea-Yet, never, in Extremity, It asked a crumb--Of Me. -Emily Dickinson

HYPERBOLE

HYPERBOLE Hyperbole – an exaggerated statement He ate a million hot dogs at the picnic.

Sick "I cannot go to school today, " Said little Peggy Ann Mc. Kay. "I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash and purple bumps. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, I'm going blind in my right eye. My tonsils are as big as rocks, I've counted sixteen chicken pox And there's one more - that's seventeen, And don't you think my face looks green? My leg is cut, my eyes are blue It might be instamatic flu. -Shel Silverstein

Garlic Breath – Shel Silverstein Little Seth had garlic breath– Said hi to his sister and breathed her to death. Breathed on the grass And the grass all died. Breathed on an egg and the egg got fried. Breathed on the air and the air turned green. Breathed on the clock and it struck thirteen. Breathed on the cat and the cat went moo. Breathed on the cow and the cow gave glue. Breathed on his brother, His brother went blind. Breathed on his mother And she lost her mind. Breathed on a top And made it spin. Breathed on the house And the walls caved in. Breathed on his feet and they ran from Seth, Just to get away from his garlic breath.

ALLITERATION

ALLITERATION Alliteration- repeats the beginning consonant sounds in words The black birddog boldly began to bark.

Cipher Connected By Paul Mc. Cann Careless cars cutting corners create confusion. Crossing centerlines. Countless collisions cost coffins. Collect conscious change. Copy? Continue cautiously. Comply? Cool.

The Troll Be wary of the troublesome troll That slyly lies in wait, To drag you to his dingy hole And put you on his plate. His blood is black and boiling hot. He gurgles ghastly groans. He’ll cook you in his pan or pot Your skin, your flesh, your bones. By Jack Prelutsky He’ll catch your arms and clutch your legs And pound you to a pulp, Then swallow you like scrambled eggs, Gobble, gulp. So watch your step when next You go upon a summer stroll, Or you might end in the pit below, As supper for the troll.

REPETITION Repetition – using a word, phrase or clause more than once in a short passage

REPETITION

ONOMATOPOEIA

ONOMATOPOEIA Onomatopoeia – a word that sounds like the noise it describes Snap your fingers OR buzz like a bee.

IDIOM idiom – a well known phrase that means something different than what the words seem to mean Don’t rock the boat