Chapters Seven-Nine - Figurative Language

Chapters Seven – Nine: Figurative Language Like sensory language, figurative language is used to evoke a mood in the reader. It not only helps the reader visualize the scene, but also creates the emotional connection within the reader. It is important to know not only what the author is comparing, but why. Types of Figurative Language The following are some common types of figurative language. • Simile- An indirect comparison of two things, usually using the words “like” or “as.” Example: “their dark brown bodies painted with white lines … ‘like asphalt tennis courts’” • Metaphor- A direct comparison of two things, saying that something is something else. Example: “huge feather diadems exploded gaudily round their heads” • Personification- using human qualities or actions to describe an object or an animal Example: “O brave new world that has such people in it.” Of these three types of figurative language, similes are the most common and some feel that they are the most powerful. In the table below are some similes from this section. For each one, write what is being compared and then explain why. Then, describe the effect on the mood that the comparison creates. An example has been done for you. Simile What is Being Compared? The mesa was like a ship becalmed in a strait of lion-coloured dust. (Ch. 7) The mesa is being compared to a ship stuck in the ocean with no wind. … the tall houses rose like stepped and amputated pyramids into the blue sky. (7) Houses are being compared to pyramids Suddenly it was as though the whole air had come alive and were pulsing, pulsing with the indefatigable movement of blood. (7) Blood and beating drums Why? Both are “stuck” and isolated. Both are tall and layered His hair is dark and coarse Effect The author evokes a mood of desperation and isolation. It reminds the reader of ancient times It is a primal, “savage” description Simile 1. What is Being Compared? Why? Effect His hair was like two black ropes… (8) Braids and ropes) His hair is dark and coarse It is a primal, “savage” description The strange words rolled through his mind; rumbled, like talking thunder; like the drums at the summer dances, if the drums could have spoken… (8) John’s mother’s stories are being compared with thunder and drums Thunder and drums have a rhythm like speech It reminds the reader that the stories were not necessarily comforting, but were familiar Joy flared up like fire within him. (9) Joy and fire A spark of joy is like a spark of flame There is a warmth to both fire and joy Very slowly, with the hesitating gesture of one who reaches forward to stroke a shy and possibly rather dangerous bird, he put out his hand. (9) Approaching Lenina is compared to approaching a bird; Lenina is compared to a bird Lenina is foreign, but also delicate and beautiful The reader appreciates John’s hesitation and care, but knows that he is drawn to her What are the advantages of using figurative language? What disadvantages could there be? The advantages of using figurative language are that you can compare something that the reader does not know in order to help the reader see it, you can draw an emotional comparison, and it makes the writing more interesting because readers can picture what you describe better. The disadvantages are that if you use too much figurative language readers can be turned off. Also, too much figurative comparison limits other types of comparison, and distances the reader from the subject. 2. What is the overall mood of these chapters? How does figurative language contribute to the mood? The overall mood of these chapters is both curious and depressing. The reservation is described as both a sad place and one that is freer than anything we’ve seen described in London. It is encouraging to know that some remnants of our society, and societies that predate ours, exist. It is also depressing to see how the people are taken advantage of. Figurative language contributes by helping characters like Lenina and John draw comparisons to help the reader picture what is going on. It also helps us understand their mindset and experiences more to see how they make comparisons to try to understand what is foreign to them. 3. Choose one of the examples from the table and rewrite the paragraph in which it is found literally, without using figurative language. How does the transition to literal language affect the paragraph? Students should rewrite the paragraph with only literal language and explain the effect. Students might suggest that the paragraph is more straightforward or less interesting.