Figurative Language

that Compares
Grade Eight
Prepared by
Ms. Maha Katerji

Literal and Figurative Language

Literal means straightforward or factual; the dictionary
meaning of a word. When someone says I mean that
literally, they mean exactly -- just the facts!
A figurative meaning conveys not just the facts but an
idea. It encourages us to use our imaginations. Here is an
example:
Mervin runs like a duck.
Were using figurative language in this case a figure of
speech called a simile. By comparing the way Mervin runs
to the way a duck runs. If we wanted to be literal, we
would say, Mervin is awkward and he waddles when he
runs.

 Writers often create images or enhance

meaning by comparing one thing to
another for special effect.
The four main uses of figurative language
are:
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole

Simile
A simile is a figure of speech in which
an explicit comparison is made
using the comparative words like,
as, resembles, than. Similes are
easy to spot.
My heart beats like a drum.
We were as quiet as frightened mice.

Metaphor
A metaphor also compares, but a
metaphor is a bit more sophisticated
than a simile.
For one thing, in a metaphor, the words
like or as are missing. So readers have
to recognize the comparison on their
own without those easy words which
help us to spot a simile so quickly.

Metaphor (continued)
In a metaphor, a poet writes that X is
Y. Readers understand that we are
not to take the comparison literally,
but that the metaphor helps us to
see X in a new way.
Example:
My brother is an angel.

Implied Metaphor
Metaphor lacking the actual to be verb (is,
am, are, was, were and other such forms of
the verb to be) is called
an Implied Metaphor
What is implied here about the speakers love?
My love has petals and sharp thorns.
I placed my love into a long-stemmed vase.
And I bandaged my bleeding thumb.

Personification
Another kind of comparison is called
personification. Here, animals,
elements of nature, and abstract
ideas are given human qualities.
The stars smiled down on us.

Hyperbole
A hyperbole is a type of figurative
language. It is often confused
with a simile or a metaphor
because it often compares two
objects. The difference is a
hyperbole is an exaggeration.
For example:

His feet were as big as a

barge.

What is the figurative language in

each of the following examples?
Richard was a lion in the fight.
metaphor

The subway coursed through the arteries of

the city.
- metaphor

Her eyes are dark emeralds. Her teeth are

pearls.
metaphor

Time is the subtle thief of youth.

Personification

Continue
The teams center looked like a skyscraper.
Simile
I nearly died laughing.
Hyperbole
An angry wind slashed its way across the
island.
Personification
His scream could wake the dead.
Hyperbole