POETRY FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Poems are divided into LINES and then are grouped into STANZAS. Stanzas: verses in poetry

Figurative Language Writing or speech not meant to be taken literally Writing or speech not meant to be taken literally Poets use figures of speech to state ideas in vivid and imaginative ways Poets use figures of speech to state ideas in vivid and imaginative ways

Metaphors Describe one thing as if it were something else Describe one thing as if it were something else Do NOT use the word “like” or “as” Do NOT use the word “like” or “as” The house was a zoo this morning. The house was a zoo this morning. Turn to page 536 Turn to page 536

Similes Use “like” or “as” to compare two apparently unlike things Use “like” or “as” to compare two apparently unlike things He stormed into the meeting like a tornado. He stormed into the meeting like a tornado. The boy was as hungry as a horse. The boy was as hungry as a horse. Turn to page 544. Turn to page 544.

Personification Gives human qualities to something that is not human Gives human qualities to something that is not human The cars growled in the traffic. The cars growled in the traffic. The trees danced slowly in the wind. The trees danced slowly in the wind. Pg. 538 Pg. 538

Symbol Anything (an object, person, animal, place, image) that represents something else Anything (an object, person, animal, place, image) that represents something else The dove is a common symbol for peace. The dove is a common symbol for peace. A heart is a symbol for love. A heart is a symbol for love. Turn to page 543 Turn to page 543

HYPERBOLE An exaggeration or overstatement. An exaggeration or overstatement. Example: Example: “I’m so angry, I could spit nails.” “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”

ALLUSION When authors refer to familiar people, places, things, or events to give their readers points of reference. When authors refer to familiar people, places, things, or events to give their readers points of reference. Example: Example: Instead of saying, “You know how Noel is– clean, organized, and studious.” You could simply say to someone who know Noel “You know how Noel is. We have nothing to worry about.” Without all of the shared details, the person you are talking to will know what you are talking about. OR: She is such a Scrooge, she never spends a dime.

IMAGERY The art of using words to create an experience you might otherwise perceive through your sense of sight, hearing, smell, touch—even taste. By describing the things you might see or hear, for example, authors bring their writing to life– and make the writing itself an experience. The art of using words to create an experience you might otherwise perceive through your sense of sight, hearing, smell, touch—even taste. By describing the things you might see or hear, for example, authors bring their writing to life– and make the writing itself an experience.

MOOD The feelings created by the poem in the reader. The feelings created by the poem in the reader.

HYPERBOLE An extreme exaggeration An extreme exaggeration It is so hot outside, I feel as if I am going to melt. It is so hot outside, I feel as if I am going to melt.