Literal vs. Figurative Language

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE AND LITERARY DEVICES When people use literal language, they mean exactly what they say, but when they use figurative language, they are not using words in their everyday, normal meaning. Instead, they mean something else. Using figurative language in writing makes it more interesting than just writing examples and facts. It’s very common in music and poetry. Type of Figurative Language Metaphor Simile Personification What it does A comparison between two different things that is made directly or indirectly to make something that is unfamiliar more familiar by comparing it to something the reader knows about A comparison between two different things by using “like” or “as” to make something that is unfamiliar more familiar by comparing it to something the reader knows about Giving human qualities to something that isn’t human Example . My heart’s a stereo. It beats for you so listen close. (A heart isn’t a stereo, but this comparison shows that they have something in common.) Life is a highway. I want to ride it all night long. Don’t treat me like a toy. I’m like a bird. I’ll only fly away. Now I’m floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee. You’ve got a smile that could light up this whole town. The clocked warned me that time was up. Hyperbole An exaggeration that shows something is more than it really isTypically this is for humor. I’ve been wandering in the desert for a thousand days. My bag weighs a ton! Alliteration The repetition of *consonant sounds, usually at the beginning of words Whisper words of wisdom and let it be. They paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Consonance The repetition of *consonant sounds in words and phrases that follow one another to create a rhyme- Typically this repetition is at the end of words. The repetition of *vowel sounds in words or phrases that follow one another in order to create a rhyme What if we run away? What if we left today? We will be safe and sound if we are never found. Assonance The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plains. I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed. Anaphora The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of sentences, paragraphs, etc. Cliché A creative word or phrase (even a metaphor or similes) that refers to something but that is overused, and thus, not good for writing- Try to avoid them. An expression that means something different from what its literal meaning is- Difficult for ESL I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She spilled the beans! Symbolism Using a symbol to create a deeper meaning, and this is often difficult to see A heart stands for love. A graduation hat represents education. Allusion A reference in writing to something well known, like a person, a book, a movie, etc. I want to be your Romeo. If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman? Paradox A statement that contradicts itself but that creates a clearer meaning by doing this This is permanently temporary. I hate that I love you. A statement that makes something people don’t like to talk about sound better He passed away (to die). I’m going to have to let you go (to get fired). Idiom Euphemism . Life is an adventure. Life is a love. Life is struggle. Life is a promise. Light as a feather. I’m going bananas! Practice makes perfect. *Vowels are the letters a, e, i, o, u. *Consonants are every other letter except vowels, such as b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, etc. Practice: Write the name of the literary device or type of figurative language used next to each example. Not all types are used in the examples below. 1. _______________ My computer hates me. 2. _______________ I am nobody. 3. _______________ Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. 4. _______________ I’m so hungry that I could eat a horse. 5. _______________ You snooze you lose. 6. _______________ He is a big-boned person. 7. _______________ The money is as green as grass. 8. _______________ New York is a jungle. 9. _______________ The house was so big that the whole town could fit in it. 10. ______________ That house must have cost an arm and a leg.