Figurative Language

Why use figurative language? It makes my writing interesting. It is a way to “show”, which is better than “tell”. It creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

Why understand figurative language? Improves my reading comprehension. Helps me understand the progression of plot. Helps me understand the motives of characters. Requires me to draw inferences – so gives me practice with this skill.

How can we understand figurative language? I must know the difference between the literal meaning of figurative language and the figurative meaning of figurative language. Literal Meaning: What it means if I accept it at face value – what it says “right there”… Figurative Meaning: What it means when I explore how the author is using the figurative language; what the author is trying to say about an event, setting, or character.

Simile Definition: Figure of speech where two unlike things are compared using like or as. Example: My brother is as loud as a police siren. Literal meaning: When Matt’s brother opens his mouth, we hear a loud siren wailing. Figurative meaning: Very, very, very loud.

Metaphor Definition: Figure of speech where one thing is referred to as if it were another; comparison of two unlike things Difference between simile and metaphor: Metaphor does not use like, as. Metaphor: Example: My arm is a soggy waffle. Example: Mrs. Hynes is a bear today. Example: The snow was the cool delicious milk in my cereal bowl. Example: Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

Personification Definition: A type of figurative language where a nonhuman subject is given a human characteristic. Example: Sorrow knocked on my door, but I was afraid to answer. Example: Trees danced in the wind.

Idiom Definition: Expression that has a meaning particular to a language or region Example: Break a leg. Literal meaning: Right there meaning – break your leg. Figurative meaning: Good luck.

Other idioms They’re dropping like flies. Face the music. Pull out all the stops.