Understanding figurative LanguageWriting or speaking that is not meant to be interpreted literally.

Simile A simile uses like or as to compare two

apparently unlike items. Longfellow uses a simile in “The Village

Blacksmith” when he says, “his brawny arms/ Are strong as iron bands

=

metaphor Compares one thing to another without

using like or as. Madgett uses a metaphor in “Life” when she says “Life is but a toy.”

Life =

Extended Metaphor An extended metaphor is a metaphor

that continues past a phrase or sentence. The poem “Fog” develops an extended metaphor.

Pesonification Personification uses language that gives

human traits to an animal, object, or idea. In the poem “Loo Wit,” a volcano is personified as a woman.

Using Your Senses You can experience a poem more fully

using your senses. Use your imagination to put yourself in the scene, and think what you can taste, touch, see, smell, and hear.