Figurative Language

Simile A comparison of two unlike things using “ like ” or “ as ” Your skin is as smooth as silk. My love for you is like a raging fire.

Metaphor A direct comparison of two unlike things not using “ like ” or “ as ” Michael Phelps is a fish in the water. My neighbor is an evil monster. The traffic is a nightmare.

Personification Giving human characteristics to inanimate objects (non-human things) The stars were dancing in the sky. The shoes in the window were calling out my name.

Alliteration The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of the words. The whirling wind wailed all night long. Stan sometimes sits with us at lunch.

Assonance The repetition of vowel sounds that occur anywhere in the word (not just at the beginning). Remember: it’s the sound, not necessarily the letter! Twinkle, twinkle little star Up above the world so high

Consonance The repetition of consonant sounds that occur anywhere in the word – not just at the beginning. Example: He struck a streak of yucky luck!

Hyperbole Extreme Exaggeration My mom is going to kill me if I miss curfew! I ’ ve watched that movie a million times!

Paradox A statement that is contradictory but true. Why do we drive on a parkway but park on a driveway? My only love sprung from my only hate.

Pun A play on words where a word has a double meaning. To write with a broken pencil is pointless. I hear people are dying to see the new funeral home.

Dialogue Conversation occurring between two or more characters “ Are you going to the game? ’’ John asked. “ Only if you go, ” answered Katie.

Symbol An object, person, or concept used to represent something else. Heart=Love Dove=Peace Black=evil, death Wedding ring = commitment

Onomatopoeia When a word sounds like its meaning Boom Screech Whoosh

Allusion A reference to something in history or literature. He betrayed me; he ’ s such a Judas. I wish I could just put on my ruby slippers, click my heels and be home.

Oxymoron Pairing together two words with opposite meanings Pretty Ugly Alone together Icy hot Jumbo Shrimp

Imagery Writing that appeals to the senses (taste, touch, hear, smell, sight) Ex. -Even the scent of my wet pants and scratchy wool sweater seemed to add to the aroma of life.

Irony When the opposite of what is expected happens Example: You find out you have won a set of four brand new 20 ’ s complete with spinners, and on your way to the tire store, you have a wreck and total your car!

3 Types of Irony Verbal -- Where what is said is the opposite of what is meant. Situational – Where events turn out opposite from what you expect. Dramatic – When the reader knows what is happening in the story and the other characters do not.

Flashback Recalling past events. Ex. – Scout remembers her childhood growing up in Maycomb.

Foreshadowing A hint of things to come Ex. - A black cat crosses your path and dark clouds move in. ( Foreshadows something bad is about to happen.)

Idiom A statement meant to be taken figuratively not literally. Ex. – It ’ s raining cats and dogs.

Foil A minor character that serves as a contrast to a major character. Ex. – In To Kill a Mockingbird, Bob Ewell, the horrible father, is a foil to the perfect father, Atticus Finch.