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Figurative vs. LiteralTo understand

figurative language

figurative

one has to understand the difference between

& literal

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Literal

I mean exactly what I say.

Here’s an example.I’m tired and going home.

This means “I’m tired and I’m going home” there is no other meaning other than what is said.

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Figurative

I’m not suggesting we get into the freezer.

To be figurative is to not mean what you say but imply something else.

For example:If, I tell you: “let’s go chill!”

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Figurative continued

It has nothing to do with temperature.

“let’s go chill” …

…means let’s relax together and do something fun.

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Figurative Language

Figurative Language does not always mean what is being said or read, but rather, authors use it to describe things in a more interesting way.

Simile

Simile: Simile is the comparison of two unlike things using like or as.

Examples:

He eats like a pig. She runs like the wind.

                                                       

                                                                        

                                                                  

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch by Dr. Seuss

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.You really are a heel.You're as cuddly as a cactus,You're as charming as an eel.Mr. Grinch.

Metaphor

A metaphor states that one thing is something else. It is a comparison, but it does NOT use like or as to make the comparison.

Example:You are such a pig.Anthony Davis is a

monster on defense.

You're a bad bananaWith a greasy black peel.

You're a monster, Mr. Grinch.Your heart's an empty hole.Your brain is full of spiders,You've got garlic in your soul.Mr. Grinch.

Is it a Simile or a Metaphor?

The baby was like an octopus, grabbing at all the cans on the grocery store shelves.

As the teacher entered the room she muttered under her breath, "This class is like a three-ring circus!“

The giant’s steps were thunder as he ran toward Jack.

The pillow was a cloud when I put my head upon it after a long day.

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Create your own simile or metaphor using these starters. Then, label each one as a simile or a metaphor.

The cat was a ___________.The night is ____________.The moon is like _________.He dances like __________.

Joyet 2004

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Brian was a wall, bouncing every tennis ball back over the net.

This metaphor compares Brian to a wall because ________.

a. He was very strong.b. He was very tall.c. He kept returning the balls.d. His body was made of cells.

Joyet 2004

15The poor rat didn’t have a chance. Our old cat, a bolt of lightning, caught his prey.The cat was compared to a bolt of lightning because he was _______.

a. very fast b. very brightc. not fond of fleas d. very old

Joyet 2004

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We would have had more pizza to eat if Tammy hadn’t been such a hog.

Tammy was being compared to a hog because she _________.

a. looked like a hog b. ate like a hogc. smelled like a hogd. was as smart as a hog

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Personification is a figurative language technique in which

human characteristics are given to nonhuman things.

Personification

Examples:

The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky.

The waffle jumped up out of the toaster.

                                                            

The sun smiled down on the children at play.

As he stood there the sky over the house screamed.

The sycamore trees whispered in a little night breeze.

Check out these examples of personification from these classic novels.

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Complete your custom example of personification using one of the starters below. Include it in your notes.

The windThe leaves The moonThe starsThe door

Figurative Language Flashback

MATCH the examples to the correct type of figurative language.

A.Personification B. Simile C. Metaphor

1. We would have had more pizza to eat if Tammy hadn’t been such a hog.

2. The angry waves beat against the beach.3. The soccer player was a flash of light, running past all the

other players.4. Because I could not leave until 5 p.m., my office was like a

small prison with no windows.

5. The baby was a loud, screaming siren, hurting my ears.6. The moon winked at me through the blinds of my windows.

Exit Slip

Create a simile or metaphor describing the class’s behavior today. Underline the two things being compared.