Figurative Language Figurative language adds meaning by comparing or providing imagery. It gives us a feeling about its subject. It is used as a writer’s tool It helps the reader to visualize (see) what the writer is thinking – It puts a picture in the readers mind

Figurative and Literal Language Literal words function exactly as defined The car is blue. He caught the football. Figurative words have an inferential meaning. I’ve got your back. You’re a doll.

What is figurative language? Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

Types of Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Personification Symbolism Imagery

Simile a direct comparison between two unlike things or a way of describing something by comparing it to something else, by using the words “like” or “as” Example: Busy as a bee

I am hungry as a horse. You hop like a rabbit. He is sneaky as a snake. She is happy as a clam.

Metaphor The metaphor is a way of describing something by comparing it to something else. Example: You are a shining star.

The road was a ribbon wrapped through the desert. The pillow was a fluffy cloud. Notice that to compare with metaphors, you don’t use the words as or like.

Personification Giving human traits to objects or ideas. Examples The sunlight danced. Water on the lake shivers. The streets are calling me.

The flowers danced in the wind. The hurricane’s winds are yelling while blowing outside my window. The friendly gates welcomed us.

A symbol is… An object that represents a greater idea An icon(picture), word, or phrase that stands for a bigger meaning

Symbolism Symbols help to create an image in our mind through pictures or words. Symbols are often a repeated pattern throughout a story. Symbols help to enhance the main idea or theme. Many symbols are universal, which means that they represent the same meaning for different people.

Imagery An image is language that describes something that can be seen, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled. The images in a literary work are used to create a picture in our head. Imagery should be used to understand the meaning of the text.

Imagery Although they could not see outside the cabin, they could hear the eerie tapping, tapping, tapping, of his shoes upon their floor.

Imagery The icy breeze gently brushed against the hair on her neck, and goose-bumps shortly followed.