Similes, Metaphors, Personification

Figurative language is writing or speech that is not meant to be taken literally.

Example: The cold wind cut through my jacket like a knife.

The wind didn’t ACTUALLY cut through my jacket, but it felt like it.

Figurative language is used to express ideas in a more exciting and imaginative way.

Example: Which is more interesting?The cold wind cut through my jacket like a

knife.

Or…It was windy.

A simile is a the comparison of one thing to another that uses like or as. (A is like B)

Examples: The goalie was like a rock. Her smile is like the sun. My brother is as dirty as a pig.

Thunder threatensLike a sound that rolls around and aroundIn a mean dog’s throat.-Martha Sherwood

A metaphor is a the comparison of one thing to another without the use of like or as. (A = B)

Examples: The goalie was a rock. Her sunshine smile lit up the room. My brother is a pig.

None of these things are ACTUALLY true, but we understand what they mean.

ThumbThe odd, friendless boy raised by four aunts.

-Phillip Dacey

Personification is when human characteristics are given to non-human things. Tip: Notice that PERSONification means to

make something like a person.

Example: The ice cream was begging me to eat it.