Figurative Language and Imagery

Figurative Language Opposite of literal language. ­ Literal language is when you mean exactly what you say. ­ Example: There were a lot of people at the store.

Figurative Language Means more than what it says on the surface. ­ The store was bursting at the seams with shoppers.

A Few Types of Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Personification

Simile A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two seemingly unlike things by using a connective word such as like, as, than, or resembles. Example: ­ The sun is like a big, yellow ball of fire in the sky.

Metaphor Figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using a connective word such as like, as, than, or resembles. Example: ­ The fluorescent light was the sun during our test.

Cliché A word or phrase that has become overly familiar or commonplace. Example: ­ No pain, no gain. ­ The dismissal bell was music to my ears. You want to avoid these in your writings!!!

Personification Type of metaphor in which a nonhuman thing or quality is talked about as if it were human. Example: ­ The stuffed bear smiled as the little boy hugged him close.

Imagery Language that appeals to the senses. Creates a mental picture. Example: ­ The hot July sun beat relentlessly down, casting an orange glare over the farm buildings, the fields, the pond. Even the usually cool green willows bordering the pond hung wilted and dry.

What is this? The muscles on his brawny arms are strong as iron bands. Simile!!!

What is this? "The ancient car groaned into third gear.” Personification!!!

What is this? The road was a ribbon of moonlight. Metaphor!!!

What is this? Wake up and smell the coffee!!! Cliché

What is this? He was a shaggy, thick fellow; his coat was greasy about the lapels and pockets, and his hand splayed over the cane’s crook with a futile sort of clinging. Imagery

What is this? As the teacher entered the room she muttered under her breath, "This class is like a three-ring circus!" Simile

What is this? The leaves were green and stirring; the berries were luster-glossed. Imagery!!!

What is this? The wind sang her mournful song through the falling leaves. Personification!!!

What is this? I need it like a hole in the head. Cliché!!!

What is this? Ted was as nervous as a cat with a long tail in a room full of rocking chairs. Simile