Figurative Language

1
Figurative Language

• Figurative Language is not meant to be taken
  literallyit is meant to create a vivid and
  colorful picture in the readers mind.

2
Figurative Language, cont.Distinguishing Between
Figurative and Literal Language

• In literal language, words mean exactly what they
  say.
• In figurative language, words do not mean exactly
  what they say. Figurative Language suggests a new
  meaning for the words in a vivid, or colorful,
  way.

3
Figurative Language, cont.Understanding Similes

• A simile is a direct comparison between two
  essentially, or basically, unlike things. A
  simile contains the word like or as.
• EX The air conditioner went on, rattling like an
  old truck on a rutted gravel road.

4
Figurative Language, cont.Understanding Metaphors

• A metaphor is an implied or suggested comparison
  between two essentially unlike things. It does
  not contain the word like or as.
• Metaphors often contain a form of the verb be.
• EX The sunflowers were dancing giants in yellow
  bonnets.

5
Figurative Language, cont.Finding Suitable
Figurative Comparisons

• Figurative comparisons MUST be appropriate, or
  suitable, if they are to be effective.
• Effective comparisons are often startling and
  highly unusualthey point out some sound or
  likeness between two things which would may not
  be readily apparent.

6
Figurative Language, cont.Interpreting Symbols

• A symbol is something that represents, or stands
  for, something else.
• Symbols allow a writer/speaker to express
  themselves creatively.

7
Figurative Language, Cont.Additional Terms

• Hyperbole an exaggeration used for effect in
  order to make a point.
• Ex He could not hit the broad side of a barn
  with a railway timber.
• Onomatopoeia a word which has a pronunciation
  that mimmicks the natural sound the word
  represents.
• Ex crash, bang, snap, boom, zip

8
Figurative Language, cont.Additional Terms

• Imagery the use of descriptive words to evoke a
  sensory response from the readerwords which
  appeal to the senses of taste, touch, sight,
  smell, hearing
• Ex The lightly salted air blew gently from the
  sea and gracefully stirred the sea oats crowning
  the mounds of sand, beckoning us to the shores
  edge.

9
Figurative Language, cont.Additional Terms

• Alliteration the repetition of a consonant sound
  for lyrical or rhythmic effect.
• Ex Suzy sells seashells by the seashore.
• Ex Mister Misty drinks at Dairy Queen were a
  meaningful memory for my sisters and me.