Reviewing Metaphors, Similes, Personification, Hyperbole, and Alliteration Learning to Identify and Interpret Each Understanding Figurative Language “Figures of Speech”

Metaphor Figure of speech that compares one thing to another unrelated object. This comparison does not use “like” or “as.” The two things are similar yet unlike one another. Sometimes, metaphors are very blunt when a writer states that something is something else; other times, it is more subtle and takes more thinking on the part of the reader. Examples: Life is a rollercoaster. Let’s identify them. What two things are being compared. What connection do the two have? Does this have a positive or negative tone? Allie was only a trophy to Jeff: Let’s identify them. What two things are being compared. What connection do the two have? Does this have a positive or negative tone?

Simile This is a comparison of two things using “like,” “as,” or “as if.” While the two things may seem unrelated, they share commonalities, and the author is using this figure of speech to imply something rather than to come right out and tell his/her readers. Examples: Her skin was like snow—What two things are being compared? What do they have in common? What’s their connection or link to each other? My brother eats like a pig—What two things are being compared? Find their relationship to one another.

Student Activity Complete the chart assigned to you (put name on it - turn in at end of class) Meet in small groups to discuss your connections Create a mini-poster to share with the class about your assigned piece of figurative language (all names on back) Gallery walk to view peers work – take a marker with you and add to your peers list if you think of something they did not! Brief presentation to share ideas (time permitting)

Alliteration This refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables. It is NOT the repetition of letters, but the repetition of sounds. Never and knight alliterate because they share the same sound, but tight and thank DO NOT because they don’t. Catches the reader’s attention. May also just want to draw attention to the words for various reasons? Examples: Five, freaky females Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers Sandy sells seashells by the seashore. Why would an author want to draw attention to these? What effect do they have on you as a reader? Try to create your own…

Personification A figure of speech that authors use to give inanimate objects or animals, human-like qualities. Offers a vivid example of what the author is trying to say about the object being personified. Gives the object more meaning on a human level; gives us something we can relate to; something is still being implied. The verb can offer the hint that something is being personified. Examples: The alarm clock shrieked first thing in the morning. What word is a hint that this is personification? What is being implied about the alar clock? Is it a positive or negative tone? The moon missed the sun at night. What word is your hint? What is being suggested or implied here about the moon? About the sun? Is this positive or negative ?

Hyperbole An exaggeration to create emphasis or effect, but you have to take it further than just saying “it’s an exaggeration.” What’s it mean????? Not intended to be taken literally. You can figure out the literal meaning by the exaggerated words/phrases; these words suggest/imply something. Examples: “I’ve told you a million times that you should do you work.” How do you know it’s exaggerated? What is suggested by that exaggeration? “It was so cold the other day that even polar bears were wearing jackets.” What is the exaggerated part? What can you interpret by this exaggeration? “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” How do we know it’s an exaggeration? What does this exaggeration actually mean or tell us?

Student Practice In your designated groups, create either a hyperbole or a use of personification (as assigned). As a group, create a fun example of alliteration. See how creative – yet appropriate – you can be. Once you create your own, you will be asked to exchange with another group. The “receiving” group will then have to interpret your creation and explain what your intent was.