Figurative Language Ms. Yarborough
What is figurative language? Writing or speech that is not meant to be taken literally Types of figurative language = figures of speech Writers use it to state ideas in vivid and imaginative ways
Onomatopoeia the use of words that imitate SOUND …”there’s going to be BOOM-BOOM, BANG-BANG, CRASH!” Any more examples you know?
Repetition The use, more than ONCE, of any element of language Ex. Ring, ring, ring… Ring, ring, ring… Where have you seen repetition while you were reading?
Symbolism The use of symbols, or anything that represents or stands for something else Ex. Red may be a symbol of anger or rage.
Irony A contradiction between what happens and what is said Ex. I moved to America to get a better education, ironically I am placed at the back of the classroom, the teacher pays little attention to me, and I don’t understand the language here.
Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant SOUNDS
Simile A comparison between two different things using “like” or “as Ex. “…and the traffic had packed the main river till it was hard and glassy as glare ice.”
Metaphor An implied comparison between different things that do not use “like” or “as” Ex. “The road was a ribbon of moonlight.”
Extended Metaphor A metaphor that is continued through several sentences or paragraphs “The winds were ocean waves, thrashing against the tree limbs. The gales only ceasing when the sun went down. Their waved clashed brilliantly with the brining foam and dying leaves to the shore.”
Personification A form of figurative language in which a lifeless object, an animal, or an idea is made to act like a person Ex. “But Walt only yelled the harder at the dogs, and dashed around the bend with a couple of revolver bullets singing after him.”
Hyperbole Exaggeration for effect Not meant to be taken literally Ex. “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”
Allusion A reference to a well-known person, place, thing, or event Ex “…A Bosnian friend told me about a young girl being called ‘The Anne Frank of Sarajevo.’”