FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

WHY USE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE?

• • • It makes my writing interesting.

It is a way to “show”, which is better than “tell”.

It creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

WHY UNDERSTAND FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE?

• • • • Improves my reading comprehension.

Helps me understand the progression of plot.

Helps me understand the motives of characters.

Requires me to draw inferences – so gives me practice with this skill.

HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE?

• • • I must know the difference between the literal meaning of figurative language and the figurative meaning of figurative language.

Literal Meaning: What it means if I accept it at face value – what it says “right there”… Figurative Meaning: What it means when I explore how the author is using the figurative language; what the author is trying to say about an event, setting, or character.

SIMILE

Definition: Figure of speech where two unlike things are compared using like or as. Example: My brother is as loud as a police siren. Literal meaning: When Matt’s brother opens his mouth, we hear a loud siren wailing. Figurative meaning: Very, very, very loud.

METAPHOR

Definition: Figure of speech where one thing is referred to as if it were another; comparison of two unlike things Difference between simile and metaphor: Metaphor does not use like, as.

Metaphor: • • Example: My arm is a soggy waffle. Example: Mrs. Hynes is a bear today.

• • Example: The snow was the cool delicious milk in my cereal bowl. Example: Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

PERSONIFICATION

• • • Definition: A type of figurative language where a nonhuman subject is given a human characteristic. Example: Sorrow knocked on my door, but I was afraid to answer.

Example: Trees danced in the wind.

IDIOM

Definition: Expression that has a meaning particular to a language or region Example: Break a leg. Literal meaning: Right there meaning – break your leg. Figurative meaning: Good luck.

OTHER IDIOMS

• • • They’re dropping like flies.

Face the music.

Pull out all the stops.