Figurative Language in Fahrenheit 451

What is Figurative Language? Figurative language is a style of writing that authors use to help readers visualize or picture the events or characteristics in their writing.   Examples include: Simile: comparing two things using "like" or "as" Metaphor: a comparison where one thing is figuratively transformed into another to reveal its essence Personification: giving a non-human object human characteristics

Imagery By using words to get the reader to visualize something makes the message more powerful. Example: "...Montag had only an instant to read a line, but it blazed in his mind for the next minute as if stamped there by fiery steel." p. 34

Simile A simile is a comparison using the words “like” or “as.” It helps readers visualize something better by creating an image.   Example: "They fell like slaughtered birds, and the woman stood below, like a small girl, among the bodies." p. 34

Metaphor A metaphor compares two things by transforming one, artistically, into something else This is done to capture the essence of the object being described Example: "...and his hands were the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing and burning..." p. 1

Personification Personification is a kind of metaphor where something  that is not alive is described as something that is alive. This evokes a variety of images for the reader. Example: "[The machine] drank up the green matter that flowed to the top in a slow boil. Did it drink of the darkness?" p. 12

Your Turn With a partner, identify and explain examples of figurative language in the text. Complete the Analyzing Figurative Language handout on page 11 in your packet.