JBHM 34: Figurative Language

World LitMs. Logan

What is figurative language?

Figurative language is what you use to make a comparison and firm up

relationships in your reader’s mind. We don’t all have the same experiences, therefore we don’t all have the same

connotations with words. However, a good piece of figurative language can bring us

much closer to the intended understanding.

Most oft-used figurative language

• Symbolism• Metaphor• Simile• Personification• Hyperbole• Oxymoron• Idiom• Allusion

Using it effectively

• Can change the mood and tone of a work• IDENTIFYING the figurative language and

slapping a label on it is not the only step• Can you figure out how the purposely

manipulate works, and how authors are doing so?

Although he is no Shakespeare, Daniel has won several writing competitions.

Which sentence uses the allusion to Shakespeare in a similar way?a) Matt’s life reads like a tragedy from one of Shakespeare’s plays.b) Beth loves the dramas of Shakespeare and has several posters from performances.c) Our town is celebrating the writings of Jon Simms, our own Shakespeare.d) Max writes plays with themes that are very similar to Shakespeare’s plays.

Although he is no Shakespeare, Daniel has won several writing competitions.

Which sentence uses the allusion to Shakespeare in a similar way?a) Matt’s life reads like a tragedy from one of Shakespeare’s plays.b) Beth loves the dramas of Shakespeare and has several posters from performances.c) Our town is celebrating the writings of Jon Simms, our own Shakespeare.d) Max writes plays with themes that are very similar to Shakespeare’s plays.

Sample 1: Many schools are now beginning to introduce service learning projects asa positive way for students to become involved in their communities. However,service learning is old news to the students at Mayweather High School. For yearsMayweather’s students have worked to help the elderly and to beautify their town.“We already know how valuable it is to contribute to our community,” said one tenthgrader, who was diligently working on a mural to decorate the local clinic.

How does the oxymoron old news contribute to the tone of each passage?a) It shows determination in learning about the past.b) It shows pride in already knowing about something.c) It shows that the past and future can come together in positive ways.d) It shows that students and gardeners know some important truths.

Sample 2: The rumor that the newly opened Manor Hotel is haunted is old news tothe former employees of the old manor house, which was converted into a hotel lastyear. The ghost of little Miss Emily was so well-known to one old-time gardener thathe reportedly treated her as just another one of the family’s children.

Sample 1: Many schools are now beginning to introduce service learning projects asa positive way for students to become involved in their communities. However,service learning is old news to the students at Mayweather High School. For yearsMayweather’s students have worked to help the elderly and to beautify their town.“We already know how valuable it is to contribute to our community,” said one tenthgrader, who was diligently working on a mural to decorate the local clinic.

Sample 2: The rumor that the newly opened Manor Hotel is haunted is old news tothe former employees of the old manor house, which was converted into a hotel lastyear. The ghost of little Miss Emily was so well-known to one old-time gardener thathe reportedly treated her as just another one of the family’s children.

How does the oxymoron old news contribute to the tone of each passage?a) It shows determination in learning about the past.b) It shows pride in already knowing about something.c) It shows that the past and future can come together in positive ways.d) It shows that students and gardeners know some important truths.

Sample 1: The clown had a smile wider than a mile as he lowered the twisted balloonto the giggling child. With a chuckle that could be heard by all, the clown beganstretching another balloon like an elongated piece of taffy.Sample 2: The crowd in the stands hushed like a still morning as they waited for thestart of the band to play the national anthem. The blast of the brass instruments was acannon’s fire of music as the first notes resounded through the air.

How does the authors’ use of figurative language enhance the writing?a) In neither sample does the author use figurative language to add to the tone ormood.b) In both samples the author uses figurative language to lighten the tone andmood.c) In only one sample does the author use figurative language to create aconfrontational atmosphere.d) In only one sample does the author use figurative language to affectcharacterization and atmosphere.

Sample 1: The clown had a smile wider than a mile as he lowered the twisted balloonto the giggling child. With a chuckle that could be heard by all, the clown beganstretching another balloon like an elongated piece of taffy.Sample 2: The crowd in the stands hushed like a still morning as they waited for thestart of the band to play the national anthem. The blast of the brass instruments was acannon’s fire of music as the first notes resounded through the air.

How does the authors’ use of figurative language enhance the writing?a) In neither sample does the author use figurative language to add to the tone ormood.b) In both samples the author uses figurative language to lighten the tone andmood.c) In only one sample does the author use figurative language to create aconfrontational atmosphere.d) In only one sample does the author use figurative language to affectcharacterization and atmosphere.