Figurative Language
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
Definition:
Saying something other than the literal meaning of the words in order to have a dramatic effect.
Provides emphasis, a freshness of expression, and a unique perspective.
ALLITERATION
Definition:
Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
Example:
Fast and furious they flew.
ASSONANCE
Definition:
The repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds within words, phrases, or sentences.
Example:
She seems to beam rays of sunshine with her eyes of green.
PERSONIFICATION
Definition:
Giving human characteristics to non-person things, such as an object, animal, or idea.
Example:
The days crept by slowly.
METAPHOR
Definition:
A direct comparison of two unlike things, stating that one is the other, or does that action of the other.
Example:
All the world’s a stage.
Her home was a prison.
SIMILE
Definition:
A direct comparison of two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Example:
Her eyes shine like diamonds.
Sensory Details
Definition:
Visually descriptive language that “paints a picture” and focuses on five senses. Also known as “sensory details.”
Examples:
Taste: The candy melted in her mouth and swirls of bittersweet chocolate and slightly sweet but salty caramel blended together on her tongue.
Scent:
She smelled the scent of sweet hibiscus wafting through the air, its tropical smell a reminder that she was on vacation in a beautiful place.
Touch:
After the long run, he collapsed in the grass with tired and burning muscles. The grass tickled his skin and sweat cooled on his brow.
Sight:
The night was black as ever, but bright stars lit up the sky in beautiful and varied constellations which were sprinkled across the astronomical landscape.
Sound:
Silence was broken by the peal of piano keys as Shannon began practicing her concerto.
SYNESTHESIA
Definition:
Sensations of touch, taste, see, hear, and smell are expressed as being intertwined or having a connection between them.
Example:
Her voice was as smooth as silk.
CONNOTATION Vs DENOTATION
Definition:
A feeling or idea that a word has, in addition to its literal or main meaning (the denotation). Often, a series of words can have the same basic definitions, but completely different connotations—these are the emotions or meanings implied by a word, phrase, or thing.
Example:
HOME Vs. HOUSE
The Author’s TONE creates the Reader’s MOOD
Definition:
Every written piece comprises a subject matter. The manner in which a writer approaches the subject is the TONE. The feeling it evokes in the reader is the MOOD.
Example:
The “tone” can be formal or informal, serious or comical, sarcastic or serious, etc. The “mood” can be happy or sad, relaxed or anxious, grateful or jealous, etc.
PARALLELISM Vs. REPETITION
Definition:
Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is when phrases in a sentence have similar or the same grammatical structure. Repetition is the exact repeating of a word or phrase.
Parallelism Example:
That’s one step for man, one giant leap for mankind.