Figurative Language
Literal vs. Figurative Language Literal Language – You say exactly what you mean. Figurative Language – You DON’T say exactly what you mean. You compare, exaggerate, or understate the situation. Understate: (opposite of exaggerate) Make something seem smaller, worse, or less important than it really is.
Why Use Figurative Language? Figurative language helps to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Figurative language stirs the reader’s imagination. Figurative language brings out emotions and understandings that literal language does not. Figurative language keeps the reader interested in reading!
Literal or Figurative??? Grant always turns in his homework. When she sings her voice is like velvet. The water was rising in the river because of the rain. Half of the class did not complete the assignment. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. Mike was so angry that steam was coming out of his ears. The zebras cried when the wise old elephant died. 8. I’ve told you a million times to clean up your room. Write literal on one side and figurative on the other of the paddle boards. Hold it up for each sentence!
Some Types of Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Hyperbole Alliteration Personification Imagery
Simile Her eyes resemble stars. Susan is as gentle as a kitten. A comparison between two unlike things using the words “like,” “as,” “resembles,” or “than.” Her eyes resemble stars. Susan is as gentle as a kitten.
Her eyes were sparkling emeralds. Metaphor A comparison between two unlike things without using “like,” “as,” “resembles,” or “than.” Saying one thing is something else. Her eyes were sparkling emeralds. My love is a red, red rose.
A dramatic exaggeration to emphasize a point. Hyperbole A dramatic exaggeration to emphasize a point. This bag weighs a ton! I don’t want to carry it anymore! You need to follow my directions. I’ve told you a million times to clean up your room!
Alliteration The repetition of consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words Miss Warren was worried when Wendy was waiting. Rubber baby buggy bumpers. Difference between consonant and vowel? Consonance and assonance are within words—don’t worry about those now Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Alliteration in Poetry A flea and a fly in a flue Were imprisoned, so what could they do? Said the fly, “Let us flee!” “Let us fly,” said the flea; So they flew through a flaw in the flue. See if any volunteers want to try to read without getting their tongues twisted!
Personification Giving human characteristics to things that are not human. The angry flood waters slapped the house. The sun smiled down on us.
Imagery Vivid writing that appeals to one of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell. She gulped down the cool lemonade that was sugary sweet and tangy tart at the same time. As the pies baked, I inhaled the scent of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon.
Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, personification, or imagery? The cars are like frosted cakes covered with snowflakes. The west wind dances down the road. A train is a dragon that roars through the dark. The teacher never calls on me! The cat’s sandpaper tongue licked my finger. 6. Susan suddenly stretched slowly.