Go Figure Figurative Language Recognizing Figurative Language Figurative

Go Figure! Figurative Language

Recognizing Figurative Language Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface. n It usually gives us a feeling about its subject. n Poets use figurative language almost as frequently as literal language. When you read poetry, you must be conscious of the difference. Otherwise, a poem may make no sense at all.

Literal language n The words say exactly what they mean n Examples: n It is raining outside n I am cold n She is a baby

Recognizing Figurative Language Instead of saying exactly what they mean, sometimes people use comparisons or exaggeration: She is a big baby I am freezing to death It is raining cats and dogs

What is figurative language? n Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

Types of Figurative Language n Imagery n Simile n Metaphor n Alliteration n Personification n Onomatopoeia n Hyperbole n Idioms

Imagery n Language that appeals to the senses. Ex: His fingers tore into the thick orange peel and sweet, sticky juice squirted out onto his hands. • Sight • Hearing • Touch • Taste • Smell

Simile n A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like, as, or than. Example: The muscles on his brawny arms are strong as iron bands.

Metaphor n A figure of speech which compares two relatively unlike things without using like or as. Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped through the desert.

Alliteration n Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words. Example: She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

Personification n A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea. Example: “The blowing wind yells in ecstasy. " (The wind cannot yell. Only a living thing can yell).

Onomatopoeia n The use of words that mimic sounds. Example: The firecracker made a loud ka-boom! (Write 5 more)

Hyperbole n An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect, not to mislead, but to emphasize a point. Example: She said so a million times.

Idioms n A figure of speech whose meaning is different from what the words say. Example: “He’s gone off the deep end, " meaning “he is out of control, " cannot be taken literally.

Figurative Language Summary n Write a summary explaining the difference between figurative and literal language. Then tell which you like better and why.