Figurative Language and the Skilled Reader What is the purpose of figurative language? It is used to make a point clearer, enhance a statement, or add beauty, color, and detail to language.

Denotation and Connotation Denotation- the dictionary definition of a word. Connotation-the thoughts, feelings, and images associated with a word.

imagery Same as “sensory words”. Words or phrases that appeal to the 5 senses and conjure up mental images. “He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.” Can you see him? Smell the smoke? Hear Christmas music? Taste the milk and cookies? Remember Christmas when you hear this story? Can you feel the fur on his coat?

idiom An expression that means something different from what it says. (Idioms are culturally based) Ex. He took to the road. They were all moved. … his hopes were high. Ms. Ellis has the best head for planning.

Hyperbole-obvious exaggeration used to emphasize a point Hyperbole dealing with fictional characters can go pretty far. Pecos Bill is said to have ridden a tornado like any other cowboy would ride a horse. His wife is said to have ridden a catfish as large as a whale.

Metaphor/Simile Metaphor-A comparison that uses no connecting word. Simile-A comparison between two seemingly unrelated things, using connecting words such as like, as, or seems in the comparison.

Oxymoron/Paradox Oxymoron-A two-or three word phrase that contains opposite words or ideas. (Jumbo shrimp, wise fool, act normally) Paradox- an extended (long) oxymoron. From Ralph Waldo Emerson “Good men must not obey the laws too well”.

Personification Giving human qualities or actions to something that is not human. Animals, inanimate objects, and ideas can all be personified. “The grass has so little to do-” “What has eyes but cannot see?”

allusion A reference to a book, movie, or artistic work. The Bible is the most alluded to work in the English language.

Alliteration The repeating of beginning consonant sounds in a group of words. Alliteration refers to the first sound rather than the first letter. So “city slicker” is an example of alliteration. “Cows craving cuisine crunch crops”

Onomatopoeia-words that make the sound they describe Words such as plop, buzz, fizz, snap, whose sound suggests its meaning.

Repetition and refrain Repetition- words or phrases repeated in writings to produce emphasis, rhythm, and a sense of urgency. Refrain- the repetition of a word, phrase, line or lines in a poem, song, or speech.

Rhyme-the repetition of end sounds in words. Hark, hark, the dogs do bark! The beggars are coming to town Some in rags and some in tags, And one in a velvet gown.

Rhythm-the pattern of beats or stresses in language Rhythm-the pattern of beats or stresses in language. It creates a musical quality in speech.

Dialogue- conversations between characters

Flashback-an interruption of a story to tell about events that happened in the past.

Foreshadowing-Hints about events that will occur further in the story.

Irony- a contradictory statement or situation. Verbal irony occurs when a character says one thing but means the opposite. Dramatic irony occurs when the reader has information that one or more of the characters does not have.

Theme- Indirectly expressed insights Theme- Indirectly expressed insights. Most literary works have a least one theme. Themes in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott include the independence of the human spirit and positive ties of family.

Narrator- The voice telling the story Narrator- The voice telling the story. Narration keeps a story moving, filling in details and description between dialouge.

Homophones Homophones are words that sound alike, but have different meanings and spellings. Examples of common homophones include: their and there hear and here,to, too, and two

Homographs Homographs are words that are spelled the same, but have different meanings and may have different pronunciations. Examples of common homographs include: does and does He does like to run. Does are female deer.