Figurative Language in literature

Connonation VS. Denotation Figurative language – Connonation VS. Denotation Connotation – (figurative) understood meaning of a word or phrase Denotation – (literal) meaning of the word or phrase, from the dictionary Figuratrive language is words and phrases used to make writing more interesting Understanding connotation and denotation is important. A lot of what is done in literature is based on figurative language which makes things more interesting.

For example: home C – safety, comfortable D – place where you live

MOPSAH These are the basics. An mnemonic device to help us remember M – Metaphor 0 -Onomatopoiea P – Personification S – Simile A – Alliteration H - Hyperbole

M - METAPHOR Def. – a comparison of two unlike things without using like or as Ex: Stitch is a monster truck rampaging through the living room, destroying everything in sight.

O - ONOMATOPOIEA Def. – words that describe sounds Ex: As Stitch played with toy guns, he made “POW, POW” sounds.

P - personification Def. – describing something with human characteristics Ex: The frog that Stitch is holding looks bored to tears.

S - SIMILE Def. – a comparison of two unlike things using like or as Ex: Stitch is as sweet as pie.

A - ALLITERATION Def. – repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words Ex: Stitch eats sloppy sandwiches while slowly singing songs.

H - HYPERBOLE Def. – an extreme exaggeration EX: I told Stitch to stop chewing on the doll a million times!

IMAGERY – descriptive words to help paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Stitch yanked the doll out of Lilo’s hands. His claws sank into it’s soft plush skin as he lifted it to his nose to take a big sniff. After deciding it was safe, he lowered it down to his chest and gave it a tight, squeeze.

Illusion vs. allusion There is a difference in the two Illusion – a trick of the eyes or mind (like a magic trick!) Allusion – a reference within a piece of literature to something famous outside of it. (like a celebrity, a place, a work of art, another piece of literature, something in pop culture, etc.)

Most Popular Shakespeare Bible Mythology

Biblical Allusions The apple alludes to the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible; the apple being the forbidden fruit.

Poison Apples The cover of the first Twilight book shows an apple. This apple allusion is based on the topic of the story: a forbidden love between Edward and Bella.

Remember this?

Mythological Allusion If someone says “Chocolate is my achille’s heel!” This is an allusion to a weakness. In Greek myth, Achilles was invincible unless hit in the heel.

Shakespearean aLLUSION Romeo and Juliet is referenced A LOT in pop culture. One example comes from Taylor Swift’s song “Love Story.”

What’s the point of an allusion? Make the reader think about the connection between their writing and other important pieces of pop culture and history This connection helps readers to better understand the plot, the characters, the conflicts or ideas.

Have you seen this?

Knowledge is power To understand allusions, you need to understand the historical events, pop culture events, places where they come from. It’s ok not to know them yet. It will come in time as you read more, and become exposed to more of life’s great cultural events