Figurative LanguageA Tutorial
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Generate your own examples of each figurative language type.
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Figurative Language vs.
Literal Language
LITERAL LANGUAGE:
language that can be taken at face value; it means what it says
"You hit the nail on its head!"
Literally speaking, this means that you have
physically hit the nail on its head with the hammer.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE:
language that is not meant to be taken at face value; language that appeals to the senses and creates pictures and images in the reader's mind
"You hit the nail on its head!"
Figuratively speaking, this means that you got the right answer, or
that you did something absolutely correctly.
Literal vs. Figurative Language
Why Use Figurative Language?
To help readers visualize characters and settings
To provide amusement and make writing more interesting
To familiarize readers with unknown terms
Common Types of Figurative LanguageIdiom
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole
Alliteration
Onomatopoeia
Allusion
What is an What is an IDIOMIDIOM??What is an What is an IDIOMIDIOM??IdiomIdiom = a “saying” that is = a “saying” that is peculiar to a particular peculiar to a particular language or grouplanguage or group
IdiomIdiom = a “saying” that is = a “saying” that is peculiar to a particular peculiar to a particular language or grouplanguage or group
The combination of words in an idiom has aThe combination of words in an idiom has a
meaning that is different from the meaning that is different from the
meanings of the individual words meanings of the individual words
themselves.themselves.
Idioms can have a literal meaning in one Idioms can have a literal meaning in one
situation and a different idiomatic situation and a different idiomatic meaning meaning
in another situation.in another situation.
http://www.idiomconnection.com/whatis.html#A2
Literal vs. Idiomatic Literal vs. Idiomatic MeaningMeaning
Literal vs. Idiomatic Literal vs. Idiomatic MeaningMeaning
Example: Example: To sit on the fenceTo sit on the fenceExample: Example: To sit on the fenceTo sit on the fence
~ Literally means that someone
is sitting on a fence
Jeff sat on the fence to
see the concert in the park.
www.barkers-int.co.uk/images/fence.jpg
Definition taken from: http://www.idiomconnection.com/whatis.html#A2
~ Idiomatically means that
someone is not making a clear
choice regarding some issue
The senator sat on the fence
and refused to give his opinion
about the war in Iraq.
images.jupiterimages.com/.../55/73/22137355.jpg
Idiomatic Meaning:
to have one’s affairs or business in order; to be organized
Be sure to get all your ducks in a all your ducks in a rowrow before going on vacation: pack all of your clothes, ask a neighbor to feed your cat, and stop your mail at the post office.
Simile
Uses like or as to make a comparison between two unlike ideas
Simile
Mom’s Christmas cookies were like lumps of sand.
What is being compared?
Mom’s Christmas cookies were like lumps of sand.
Metaphor
something is described as though it were something else; shows a similarity between two unlike things
Uses the words is, are, was, or were
Metaphor
Full of ups and downs, life is a roller coaster.
What is being compared?
Full of ups and downs, life is a roller coaster.
Which is a more powerful comparison,
a simile or a metaphor?
Personification
A non- human subject is given human characteristics
Personification
The small chair peered out from behind the big desk.
The small chair peered out from behind the big desk.
Hyperbole
Exaggerates an idea so vividly that the reader has instant picture
Hyperbole
I am so sad I could cry a river.
Ask yourself:
Can someone really cry a river?
Alliteration
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginnings of several words
Alliteration
Cindy sent seven cards to her sisters.
Cindy sent seven cards to her sisters.
Onomatopoeia
The use of words that imitate the sounds
OnomatopoeiaInteresting Fact:– The word onomatopoeia comes from the
combination of two Greek words, one meaning “name: and the other meaning “I make”.
– Onomatopoeia literally means “the name (or sound) I make.” That is to say that the word means nothing more than the sound it makes.
OnomatopoeiaTick-tock. Tick-tock. The sound of the clock was all that could be heard in the hospital waiting room.
“Tick-tock” sounds like what a clock does when the seconds hand moves around the face. The word itself sounds like the sound it’s representing.
AllusionAn allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to a person or a place, or to something that happened.
This reference can be real or imaginary and may refer to anything, including literary characters, paintings, opera, folk lore, mythical figures, etc.
The reference can be direct or may be inferred, and it can broaden the reader’s understanding.
Allusions: The Pros and ConsPros:
There are several ways that an allusion can help a writer:– Allusions engage the reader
and will often help the reader remember the message or theme of the passage.
– Allusions allow the writer to give an example or get a point across without going into a lengthy discourse.
Cons:Allusions are contingent on the reader knowing about the story or event that is referenced.
Source: http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-allusion.html
AllusionJustin was a real Romeo with the ladies.
Romeo is a character in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. He is very romantic in expressing his love for Juliet.
This allusion helps readers better understand Justin’s character by being able to compare him with what they already know about Romeo.
Let’s Practice!
Complete the “Figurative Language Identification Practice” questions on the front side of your
notes sheet.
Metaphor
Her eyes were glistening jewels that lit up the room.
Onomatopoeia
The buzzing fly near my ear proved to be an annoying distraction as I tried to concentrate on my homework.
BUZZ BUZZ
Simile
Ellie walks as gracefully and as elegantly as a cat.
Alliteration
Keyboards click quietly in the cozy computer carrels.
(Although this also includes onomatopoeia— “clicked”)
Hyperbole
My teacher is so old she taught cave men how to start a fire.
Personification
My pillow whispered a bedtime story in my ear.
Once upon a time…
Idiom
You can yell until you’re blue in the face, but I will not give you a raise!
Allusion
When Mrs. Hatfield lost her job, she turned into a Scrooge, refusing to buy anything that wasn’t necessary.
Scrooge was an extremely stingy character from Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol.