Figurative Language Prof. Esther Correa

Figurative Language Figurative language makes a story or poem come alive. It uses compa risons, sounds, sensory images and more to convey a special message, idea or feeling. Poetry will be used to study different forms of figurative language..

Similes This technique compares two unlike objects using the words like or as. Examples: He is tall as a sunflower. The snow was like a blanket. Michael was a explosive as a volcano. He is strong like an ox.

Metaphors This technique compares two unlikely objects by suggesting that one thing is another. Examples: The sun is a bright spotlight in the sky. Her face is a full moon. His smile is a big heart. Your love is the blood in my veins.

Hyperbole The author uses this technique to cause an impression on the reader. He or she uses an exaggeration to make a dramatic, convincing statement in a more interesting way. Examples: I will die if he sees me. The party lasted forever. He was so hungry that he could eat a horse. The baby cried like an ambulance siren.

Personification A writer uses this technique by giving animals, nature and inanimate objects human characteristics. It is used widely in comedy and children stories. Examples: The wind sings a song. The mouse said to the lion, “Please, don’t eat me.” The tree branches surrounded the baby with love and tenderness.

Similes and metaphors Use similes and metaphors to describe yourself or others. me

Exercises Identify metaphor (M) and similes (S). You are a tulip. ____________ The sun is a flame. ___________ He is as brave as a lion. _______ My hair is a charcoal. ___________ My love is like a red rose. _______

Your home is as peaceful as a lake. _______ Her teeth are pearls. ________ Her hair is gold._____________ My teacher is as sweet as honey. ____ My father is a rock. _______

Practice writing with figurative language. Simile The cat was _______as ____________. Metaphor The clouds were ________________. Personification The storm _____________________. Hyperbole He was so hungry ___________________.

Identify personification (P) and hyperbole ( H) ____The sun is looking at me. ____I’ve called you a hundred times. ____The walls have ears. ____The moon is sleeping. ____I think of you a million times a day.

_____The waves run fast. _____I waited in line for centuries.