Metaphors are a ray of sunshine in your writing!

What is a metaphor? A metaphor is a LOT like a simile So, what is the difference? A metaphor does not use LIKE or AS to make comparisons But they still compare…

So, what does a metaphor look like? Most often, metaphors are found when the author states that one thing IS another For example: Her eyes are jewels sparkling in the sun Example: His teeth were white pearls. *What kind of cheesy pickup line is that anyway?*

Other examples of metaphors When using a metaphor, the objective of the author is to give the reader a visual image in their mind. Metaphors work very closely in line with imagery and vivid descriptions Metaphors may also be used in past tense, by saying that something was or has been

Examples of imagery & metaphors His room was a junkyard The classroom was a three-ring circus The stars were speckles in the dark, mysterious night

Can you pick out all the devices in the following examples? The wind howled like a wolf in the destructive storm on Saturday. The trees did backbends, the limbs snapped violently, and the schoolyard was a wasteland. A dazzling diamond caught my eye like a twinkling reflection of the sun on the sea. My heart is a flower that blossoms in the springtime; it needs a human’s love like a seed needs sun and water.

Which of the following are metaphors/similes? The thief was like a snake, slithering in below the motion detectors to steal the shimmering jewels. The harvest moon is a great pumpkin in the sky. The track star was a cheetah, closing the gap between his opponent like a hungry feline closing in on its prey.

Why do we use metaphors? Metaphors bring your writing to life and add a creative element to compositions and stories. Metaphors allow the reader to gain an instant image through a very concise description - the metaphors we are talking about are NOT long, drawn out, or extended over a period of time. If you can use metaphors, you’re a real Einstein! (see what I did there?)

Next step With a partner or in groups of three, complete an in- depth analysis of the stories we have read (Flowers 1 & 2, Monkey’s Paw, Once Upon A Time, Bald is beautiful, and The Pinch Hitter). Do your best to pick out at least ONE metaphor per story Be ready to share the metaphor and simile section of your study guide on Tuesday