Jack Dablemont

Mrs. Mahony

English 2

27 July, 2010

Figurative Language

Figurative language is an effective tool for creating vibrant, clear, and detailed descriptions. Authors use
figurative language to create a vivid picture in your mind without explaining every detail. Figurative
language appeals to your imagination, which helps keep you interested in the novel. Three common forms
of figurative language are similes, metaphors, and personification.

Look at the FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE CHART. Read and identify the type of figurative language used
in each quotation. Then, describe the picture it creates in your mind. The first one has been done for you.

Type of Figurative
Image / Idea / Picture
Quotation Language
It creates in your mind
(simile or metaphor)

“Ladies bathed before noon, after

their three-o-clock naps, and by
Women that are tired and nap throughout
nightfall were like soft teacakes Simile
the day, but stay awake at night.
with frostings of sweat and sweet
talcum.”
“In spite of our warnings and
A moon over the ocean waves during the
explanations, it drew him as the Simile
evening.
moon draws water…”

“Atticus said no…that there were

other ways of making people into Metaphor A person dying and becoming a ghost.
ghosts.”

“Walter looked as if he had been

Simile A boy with a sick look on his face.
raised on fish food…”

“Jem’s head at times was

Metaphor Invisibility.
transparent.”
 “The sun said twelve noon.” Metaphor A talking sun clock hanging on a wall.

“She [Miss Maudie] was a

Metaphor Somebody with multiple personalities.
chameleon lady.”

“Jem waved my words away as if

Simile Smashing gnats outside.
fanning gnats.”

Now, you’ll write some figurative language on your own. In the following WRITE YOUR OWN
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE CHART, you will find ordinary sentences that contain very little description
and no figurative language. Rewrite them so that they included similes, metaphors, or personification.
Create at least three examples of similes and three examples of metaphors. You may want to include at least
one form of personification. Then, name the type of figurative language that you have used for each. The
first three have been done as examples.

Ordinary Sentence Figurative Language Type of Figurative Language

Jem suddenly
His grin shone as brightly as the sunshine outside. Simile
grinned at him.
Walter stood where
Walter’s feet were rocks. Metaphor
he was.
The alarm clock
The alarm clock frantically screamed, “Wake up!” Personification
went off.
Jim glared at me like he was angry with his stone cold Simile
Jim scowled at me. eyes.
I observed my area of rest like a donkey. Simile
I looked at the bed.

The silence stole Jem’s tongue. Personification

Jem was silent.

That spring was a My favorite season has come to an end like death Simile
good one.
Calpurnia put her She laid her branch-like arm on top of my shoulder. Metaphor
hand on my
shoulder.
He stood beside the While he was next to the table, it was like he was Simile
table. waiting for a bus to come.

The swing was That swing there was alone. Personification

empty.
I led him down the He followed me down the happy hallway. Personification
hall.