Writing Crafts Figurative Language What is Figurative Language

Writing Crafts Figurative Language

What is Figurative Language? �Refers to language that differs from everyday usage. M rbole Alliteration s r o h etap Simile Repet ition Hype Idiom Rhym e Personification a i e o p o t a m o n O

Why Use Figurative Language? �To add emphasis, a comparison, clarification of meanings, and/or to make the writing more entertaining for the reader

What is Repetition? �Repeating of a word, phrase, or any element of language more than once.

Why Use Repetition in Writing? �Pulls the reader into the written work �Strengthens the overall effect of a passage �Focuses the reader's attention on a central idea �Emphasizes connections between related ideas �Repetition of words, themes, & minor events in a character’s life can help reinforce images & significant events

Example: Night by Elie Wiesel Craft Repetition Example from Mentor Text Pg. 32 “I pinched myself: Was I alive? Was I awake? How was it possible…. world kept silent? ” How Is It done? Why Is It Done? Uses repetition of the phrase “was I alive”, “was I awake” to emphasize the seriousness of the arrival to Auschwitz Concentration Camp. This helps the reader understand that despite all that has happened (the restrictions, the ghetto, etc. ) some were still in denial of what was actually happening. The Jews still felt like it was all a bad dream. It was his way of coping with such an unimaginable situation.

Beware of Overuse! �Repetition can be annoying if overused �Excessive repetition is boring!!!

Example: Edgar Allan Poe “The Tell-Tale Heart” �Why would they not be gone? I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides, as if excited to fury by the observations of the men -- but the noise steadily increased. Oh God! What could I do? I foamed --I raved --I swore! I swung the chair upon which I had been sitting, and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased. It grew louder --louder! And still the men chatted pleasantly, and smiled. Was it possible they heard not? Almighty God! --no, no! They heard! -they suspected! --they knew! --they were making a mockery of my horror! Emphasis on his guilt