Notes: Figurative Language

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Notes Figurative Language Literary
devices
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Write a 2 3 sentence description of this
picture.
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What is Figurative Language?

• Figurative Language is a way of writing that
• is not intended to be understood in a literal
• (word for word) sense
• usually describes something through the use of
  unusual comparisons
• is used to make writing interesting
• is used to make descriptions clearer by creating
  interesting images

What are literary devices?
Literary devices are techniques used by authors
to create an effect.
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Types of Figurative Language
We will study (be able to identify, use, and
appreciate) the following types of figurative
language and literary techniques.

• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Pun

• Hyperbole
• Alliteration
• Onomatopoeia
• Idiom

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Simile
A simile is a comparison between two unlike
objects. A simile always uses the word like or
as to make the comparison.

• Examples
• Her eyes were like saucers, round with surprise.
• 2) Mike was as mad as a hornet when he heard the
  news.

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Think of your own simile to describe your best
friends laugh.
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Metaphor
A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike
objects. A metaphor is written so that one object
becomes another.
Example 1)Her eyes were mirrors, reflecting the
wonder of the world around her. 2)Mikes angry
words were arrows, aimed right at my heart.
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Think of your own metaphor describing someone's
hair.
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Idiom
An idiom is a common expression in which the
words used are very different from the accepted
meaning of the expression.
Examples 1) Im really in hot water because of
my report card. (means in trouble) 2) I was on
pins and needles waiting to see who would win
the race. (means restless and excited)
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Think of an idiom you have heard your parents
use. What does it mean?
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Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration in writing.
Examples 1) Im so hungry I could eat a
horse. 2) Heres the story of a girl who cried a
river and drown the whole world.
Try one of your own about being tired, hot, or
angry.
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Try one of your own hyperboles about being
tired, hot, or angry.
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Personification
A writer uses personification when he gives a
non-living object emotions, feelings or other
living qualities.

• Examples
• The angry wind blew through town,
• destroying everything in its path.
• A generous Mother Earth provides for her children.

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Write your own personification about the moon or
sun
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Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the
sound something makes.

• Examples
• The increasing crash and boom of the thunder told
  us the storm was approaching quickly.
• 2) Buzz, buzz came the sound of the bees from the
  busy hive.

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Write your own example of onomatopoeia.
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Alliteration
Alliteration is the repeating of a sound in a
phrase or sentence to create a specific effect.

• Examples
• Seven slimy snakes slithered silently through the
  savannah.
• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

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Write an alliteration using your first name.
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Pun
Pun is the use of more than one meaning of a word
or phrase to create humor.

• Examples
• No one wanted to see the naked banana. I guess it
  just lacked appeal!
• Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the
  hallway. One hat says to the other, 'You stay
  here I'll go on ahead!

Do you know any puns?
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Can you finish these puns?
Ive been to the dentist lots of times, so I know
the _______________
I was going to look for my missing watch, but I
could never find _____ ______
What did the grape say when it got stepped on?
Nothing - but it let out a little _________