Figurative Language And Poetry

Why use figurative language? Figurative language is much deeper than what is on the surface, it is up to the reader to analyze and consider. Builds drama More interesting and vivid. Exaggeration to make a point. “I could see fire in his eyes.” vs. “He was really mad.” “I am cold.” vs. “I’m so cold, I feel like I’ve moved to Antarctica to become a penguin.”

Metaphor A comparison between two things that are essentially not alike. Does not use “like” or “as” “Don’t invite Oliver to the barbecue, he’s a real stick in the mud.” “My cat is a tornado when she runs around at two in the morning.” “Welcome to the Jungle.” “You’re nothing but a hound dog.”

Simile This is the one that uses “like” or “as” Otherwise, it is a lot like a metaphor “They are all as tall as church steeples.” “She is like a storm cloud when she is angry.” “My brain is as messy as a plate of spaghetti.”

Personification Personification is when something not-human is given human characteristics. “Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains?” “The cold, foggy night was lonely and forlorn.” “The happy sunshine finally peeked out from behind the clouds.”

Hyperbole Comes from a Greek word that means “over-casting” Often humorous exaggeration Used to make a particular point “Your dog is smellier than a thousand pounds of old beef jerky.” “I am dying of shame after I accidentally called the teacher ‘Mom’.”

Symbolism Occurs when a noun which has its own meaning is used to represent something entirely different. Sunlight Ravens Stars The color red Fire Wind Birds

Onomatopoeia When a word is formed from the sound of something, or a word that imitates a sound. “Clip Clop” “Buzz” “Woof Woof”

Alliteration This occurs when words that start with the same first consonant sound appear close together in a series. “Seven Silver Swans Swam Silently Seaward.” “The big blue boat bobbed on the waves.” “Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed.”

Assonance The repetition of vowel sounds, not necessarily at the beginning of a sentence.

Consonance Similar to alliteration (consonant sounds), except not necessarily at the beginning of the word. Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,  Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—      While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,  As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.  “’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—              Only this and nothing more.” 

Imagery Occurs when the author uses words or phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. Not just visual imagery Touch Taste Smell Sounds The trees were full of glossy green leaves that danced merrily when the gentle breeze caressed them. The sunlight was filtered in shadows and patches of light through the branches. Small yellow flowers were scattered like confetti across the thick grass. A soft blanket was spread on the grass, and the enticing smell of fresh roast chicken entwined with that of warm apple pie trailed out from inside the picnic basket.

Theme The main idea or underlying meaning What the author wants the reader to take away from the piece A broad idea about life Usually must be inferred A piece of literature can have more than one theme.

Tone Tone is the author’s attitude towards the subject. Don’t confuse this with mood- mood is how the piece makes the reader feel. Tone can be created through word choice and imagery. Example #1 Which of you dingbats can tell me what’s going on with this junk? Example #2 Excuse me, would one of you please explain this to me? Example #1 I sat on the beach, enjoying the warm sun and listening to the cheerful waves. Example #2 I sat on the beach full of itchy sand, watching the people in the polluted water waiting to be shark bait.

Allusion A literary device where there is an indirect reference to a person, work, historical figure or event, etc.