Figurative Language:

Figurative Language -The use of language in a non-literal way -Literal: exactly what is stated “Hit the road” -Non-literal: the understood meaning “Leave a situation”

Purpose of figurative language Writers use figurative language in poetry and prose to drive home a point or to paint a scene in the reader’s mind. Ex: “He began to gyrate his arms and legs like a stunned crab” From “The Follower” by Jack Gantos, p. 79

Types of figurative language Simile Metaphor Personification Hyperbole

Simile A comparison of two unlike things using like or as  The sound of the ocean was like a lion roaring.  When my parents ask me about school, I feel like a bug sitting under a magnifying glass.  The baby was like an octopus, grabbing at all the cans in the grocery store.  The teenager’s gaze was as cold as ice.

Metaphor A direct comparison of two things, without the use of like or as Simile: The storekeeper was as stubborn as a mule. Metaphor: The storekeeper was a stubborn mule.

An extended example of metaphor Act II, Scene vii William Shakespeare’s As You Like It "All the world's a stage And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages..."

Personification a technique where non-human objects are given human characteristics -The ancient car groaned into third gear. -The tropical storm slept for two days. -The trees screamed in the raging wind. -The moon smiled on the couple in love.

Complete these sentence starters using personification: The rain … The rain kissed my cheeks as it fell to the ground.

Create your own personification.. The water… The water beckoned invitingly to the hot swimmers.

Create your own personification… The snow… The snow whispered as it fell to the ground during the early morning hours.

The china… The china danced on the shelves during the earthquake.

Hyperbole Exaggeration for effect Ex. The line is a mile long! I’m so hungry I could eat a horse! This book bag weighs a ton! I will die if she asks me to dance!

Memoir Application You need to have at least three figures of speech in your final draft of your memoir. Look through your memoir and identify figures of speech you’ve already used OR find a place where you might add one.