Figurative Language Language of the Imagination

Definition: Figurative language is language based on some sort of comparison that is not literally true Figurative language is language based on some sort of comparison that is not literally true Example: The teacher hammered the student for not doing his homework Example: The teacher hammered the student for not doing his homework A figure of speech is imaginative language in which one thing is compared to something that seems different A figure of speech is imaginative language in which one thing is compared to something that seems different In the example above, the teacher’s nagging is compared to repeated blows with a hammer In the example above, the teacher’s nagging is compared to repeated blows with a hammer A figure of speech is never literally true but we can still picture it in our imaginations A figure of speech is never literally true but we can still picture it in our imaginations There are four major types of figurative language There are four major types of figurative language

1. Simile A comparison of unlike things using “like” or “as” A comparison of unlike things using “like” or “as” Literal: “His face was as red as his father’s.” Literal: “His face was as red as his father’s.” Simile: “His face was as red as a ripe tomato.” OR “His face was like a stoplight.” Simile: “His face was as red as a ripe tomato.” OR “His face was like a stoplight.” In a good simile, the comparison is unexpected but entirely reasonable In a good simile, the comparison is unexpected but entirely reasonable

2. Metaphor A comparison of unlike things without using “like” or “as” A direct metaphor says that something is something else: “I was a lonely cloud” An implied metaphor suggests comparisons without directly stating them: “The long arm of the law” An extended metaphor is carried out over several lines of poetry: Continually comparing life to a car ride throughout a poem

3. Personification  Attributing human qualities to a non-human thing or to an abstract idea  Non-human thing— “The tree danced in the wind”  Abstract idea— “The future beckons”

4. Hyperbole Intentional exaggeration used for the purpose of emphasis Intentional exaggeration used for the purpose of emphasis – Examples: – “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!” – “She is skinnier than a toothpick!” – “I will love you until the end of time!”

Figurative Language Review  Your notes will be a great source for reviewing figurative language  This information can also be found in more detail in your textbook on pages  Figurative language will be on your quiz on Friday, Feb. 8 th