Figurative Language in “The War After the War”

Simile Comparison of two unlike things using LIKE or AS. Example: The soldiers pressed ahead to take the next town, disregarding their fatigue, LIKE a pack of hungry lions seeking their prey.

Simile Comparison of two unlike things using LIKE or AS. Example: The soldiers listened intently to the announcements on the radio LIKE game-delayed athletes hoping for a change in the weather report.

Metaphor Comparison of two unlike things WITHOUT LIKE or AS. Example: The soldiers, frozen snowmen, dreamed of rest behind enemy lines, sleeping in warm beds, sheltered from the wintery winds.

Metaphor Comparison of two unlike things WITHOUT LIKE or AS. Example: Relentless and driven, the soldiers finally cornered their enemy. With the heart of a lion, the enemy fought to the bitter end and refused to surrender.

Imagery Use of words and phrases to create mental images in the mind of the reader; they are designed to help the reader visualize and more fully experience the text. Often involves use of figurative language devices to represent objects, actions, and ideas in such a way to appeal to the reader’s physical senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, sound).

Imagery Sensory details (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) used to help readers see and experience the text. The key is the word IMAGE. Example: The pure white snow blanketed the towering pine trees. Soldiers sank knee high as they trudged through the deep snow. Blasting through the valley, the wintry wind took the soldier’s breath away as he struggled to grip his rifle with his frost-bitten hand.

Personification Giving human-like qualities to animals, objects, or abstract ideas for literary or artistic effect. Example: The angry sky glared down at the young soldiers as they disembarked the landing craft. The sea rose up in a fury, rocking the craft in its violent arms.