Figurative Language

Similes, Metaphors, and Personification

Figurative Language• A writers tool• It puts a picture

in the readers mind

• It helps the reader better connect with the story.

• It helps the reader to better understand the story.

Simile• A simile is

used to compare two things

• It uses the words “like” or “as” to make comparisons.

Simile• Krissy is as

pretty as a picture.

• Her hair shines like the sun.

• Her eyes sparkle like the stars in the sky.

~ Your Turn ~• In your notes 2 examples of simile.• When both you and your partner

are done, share similes.• Did your and your partners similes:

compare 2 thingsuse either “like” or “as”

Metaphor• A metaphor is

used to compare two things

• Instead of saying something is “like” or “as” --- a metaphor states that it just IS.

Metaphor• John’s mind is

a computer.• My mom is a

workhorse.• Bob is a snake

in the grass.

~ Your Turn ~• In your notes 2 examples of metaphor.• When both you and your partner are

done, share metaphors.• Did your and your partners metaphors:

compare 2 thingssays one thing is the other did NOT use either “like” or “as”

Personification• Sometimes a writer will give

human characteristics to nonhuman things.

• Objects, ideas, places or animals may be given human qualities.

• They may perform human actions, have human emotions, or take on human physical characteristics.

Personification• The cunning fox

planned his next move.

• The rock waited patiently.

• The angry clouds tormented the town below.

• The hare was furious after losing the race.

~ Your Turn ~• In your notes 2 examples of

personification.• When both you and your partner are

done, share examples.• Did your and your partner’s

examples:give human qualities to something

nonhumancheck to be sure they’re not similes or

metaphors

Onomatopoeia • Imitation of sound in

words: the formation or use of words that imitate the sound associated with something, e.g. "hiss" and "buzz“

• By using onomatopoeia a writer can make their piece more fun, interesting, and/or vivid

Onomatopoeia •Buzz•Bang•Clunk•Swish

~ Your Turn ~• In your notes 2 examples of

onomatopoeia.• When both you and your partner

are done, share examples.• Did your and your partner’s

examples:name a sound that sounds like the

word?

Alliteration• A literary effect achieved

by using several words that begin with the same or similar sounds

• Commonly used in poetry• Adds a fun experience for

the reader

Alliteration• A way with words• Alice's aunt ate apples and

acorns around august• Baby Bobby bed bounced

better by bedtime before Billy bounced

~ Your Turn ~• In your notes 2 examples of

alliteration.• When both you and your partner

are done, share examples.• Did your and your partner’s

examples:use at least 3 words?use words that begin with the same

sound?

Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Alliteration, or Onomatopoeia?• Marty’s feet smell like rotten fish.

• Ginger is an angel.• The warm sun comforted them.• The dew on the grass glistened like

diamonds.• Hopefully, Hannah handed Ms.

Higgins her homework.• He was a raging bull when angry.• The bitter cold nipped at their ears

and noses.• Crash!