Similes!

WHAT IS A SIMILE?

A simile is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often introduced with the words like or as.

A simile is NOT a metaphor, which is almost the same thing, but doesn’t use the words like or as.

Why Does It Matter??

Similes are used everywhere!

They make writing more interesting.

It helps the reader visualize what the writing was trying to express.

Helps reader identify situations.

Similes in The Outsiders

In Hinton's novel, the protagonist uses similes to help his readers identify with his situation.  So I sat there like a bump on a log. When Pony Boy describes Darry

as, “eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice,” meaning they are sharp and cold.

Similes in The Giver

Lois Lowry doesn’t use similes as often as other authors. Her writing technique is more direct, and to the point. Example: When the snow gathers on the

back of Jonas’ hands; he compares it to cold fur.

Similes in Fahrenheit 451

Bradbury tends to use metaphors more often than similes in his writing. However, Bradbury uses many similes to describe Clarisse. Example: Her face was bright as snow.

Similes in Merchant of Venice

Shakespeare uses similes very often to describe love and beauty. Example: His reasons are as two grains

of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff.

Similes in Pop Culture

People use similes all the time. It helps us describe what we are trying to get through.

Some examples are: She’s as busy as a bee. It is as easy as pie! You smell like a pig. That boy is as thin as a toothpick.

Homework!

Find a simile from your AR book, or something from pop culture. Explain why it is a simile and what it means.

Questions??