Types of Figurative Language

Unlike similes, metaphors compare two unlike things or ideas without the use of “like” or “as”; the connection between the two is more implied than explicitly expressed by the author. The purpose of a metaphor is to establish a deeper connection and another layer of meaning to a character, the plot, or the theme. A simple metaphor can be found in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, when the narrator observes, “And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor”, referring to the dying embers of the fire as turning into ghosts, much like the ghost of the memory Lenore, which will be visiting him soon.

Metaphors are often used in novels for younger readers as well. For example, in Fish in a Tree, the author uses the metaphor or a pawn becoming a queen in Chess, when telling readers not to give up and that anyone can be a leader.

An extended metaphor is more complex than a simple metaphor, in that it is typically expressed throughout the entirety of a work. Emily Dickinson is famous for using extended metaphors, such as in her poem “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”, which uses a journey with Death personified to mirror the typical journey of life from childhood to inevitable death. Extended metaphors are sometimes also called allegories, although allegories tend to be used with larger works and novellas, such as Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Personification

Personification is the assigning of human characteristics to an non human things such as an inanimate object, animal, or abstract idea. Personification is used to simplify a more complex concept, to provide humor, or to provide a more clear look at a complicated idea or situation. It is most often used in poetry to create an image or to help establish mood. Robert Frost uses personification in his poem “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” when he gives the horse human qualities: “He gives his harness bells a shake / To ask if there is some mistake.” Horses do not ask questions, but the horse’s confusion seems to mirror the narrator’s own confusion and reluctance to keep moving.

Personification is also a fun and interesting way to add humor to novels for elementary age readers. In When You Trap a Tiger, rather than simply stating that the floor boards were creaking, the author has Lily begging them to be quiet as they whine beneath her feet.

Symbolism

Symbolism uses objects, characters, and motifs to create a pattern of deeper meaning that stands out in the reader’s mind. It typically uses something physical to represent a broader, more abstract idea. Symbols typically illuminate the deeper message or theme in a work, and sometimes they access common archetypes to create a universal understanding of their meaning. In “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, the ibis itself represents little brother Doodle: traveled a long way to a place it doesn’t belong, elongated neck, crooked legs, and a red tinge that suggests a weakness that can’t be overcome.

Books taught in elementary and middle school classes often include symbolism, teaching students to think deeper early on. R.J. Palacio uses a lot of symbolism in her book Wonder. One example of symbolism is the mask; Auggie uses masks to cover up his face, disguising his feelings as well as himself.

Hyperbole

The literal meaning of hyperbole is, "An obvious exaggeration or overstatement to make a point". It is not meant to be taken seriously, and usually when explored, reveals a deeper meaning. Hyperboles occur most often in poetry, but they also appear in common clichés or sayings. Hyperbolic expressions move away from the literal sense of statements and incorporate more abstract ideas and language. For example, “The shot heard round the world” is a phrase used to describe the first shot fired by the British soldiers on unarmed Colonial citizens which began the Revolutionary War. While the actual gunshot was not heard around the world, the implications of that gunshot changed world history.

Macbeth also feels he will never be cleansed of his murderous deed of killing King Duncan in William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth laments, “Neptune’s ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand? No. This my hand will rather / The multitudinous seas incarnadine, marking the green one red.” In this scene, not even the oceans can wash Macbeth’s hands of King Duncan’s blood.

Imagery

Imagery accesses all of the reader’s senses in order to create powerful mental experiences and a clearer picture of characters and events, as well as emotional responses to those events. Imagery uses sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell descriptions to cue a reader in on mood, tone, and theme. Imagery is often created by others including metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia, symbolism, and personification. Imagery is also very important in poetry. For example, in the book Poet X, the author shows the reader how very sympathetic Xiomara is towards her mother by showing the reader what her mother’s long days consist of.

Oxymorons are simpler versions of paradoxes.

Paradox

A paradox is a statement containing two seemingly contradictory ideas, but is true nonetheless. It is a stronger version of an oxymoron in that it prompts the reader to see both sides of a truth at the same time. George Orwell uses paradoxes in his novel 1984, with the mantras of Big Brother: “War is Peace”; “Freedom is Slavery”; “Ignorance is Strength.” While these may not make sense in the current world, in Oceania, war maintains the status quo; those who follow the Party line are left alone, and those who don’t know too much don’t suffer from seeing all of the contradictions around them.

Onomatopoeia

Figurative Language Activity

Identifying figurative language is an important skill students must acquire and use in order to understand and appreciate the layers of meaning an author will set out for a short story, novel, or poem. Being able to distinguish their utility is also important when writing your own pieces. Using a template like the ones below, have students locate as many elements as possible in the work being analyzed, and have them create a visual depiction of the language being used.

You can also create figurative language worksheets for students to use digitally or offline. They can visually organize information, which can be perfect as a way to prepare for a short essay or paper. You can easily tailor the worksheets to the activity or project.

Copy This Storyboard

Copy This Storyboard

Copy This Storyboard

How to Use Figurative Language in Writing

Figurative language makes writing pop, and the ability to write figurative language is an artistic expression rather than an exact science. The concepts and literary techniques express how the expressions are shown but are not necessarily a manual on how to use them in individual works. Instead, understanding types can allow for more of a more genuine range of expression when it is called for. They can be considered an accepted convention or type of scaffolding for writers.

Example Activities of Figurative Language

Storyboard That has many activities that you can copy directly to your teacher account to use with your students. Here are three examples of activities.

Figurative Language

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Figurative Language

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Metaphors

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Common Core Standards

• ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
• ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama
• ELA-Literacy.L.6.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression

Frequently Asked Questions about Figurative Language

What is figurative language in simple terms?

Figurative language is a way of using words to create an image or describe something in a non-literal way. It is used to make writing more interesting and expressive by creating comparisons, evoking emotions, and painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Unlike literal language, which means exactly what it says, figurative language uses metaphors, similes, and other devices to suggest meanings beyond the literal definition of the words.

What are the 10 types of figurative language?

The ten common types of figurative language are simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, idiom, allusion, symbolism, irony, onomatopoeia and imagery.

What is figurative language with examples?

Figurative language is a powerful tool that writers can use to create a more engaging and memorable experience for their readers. One common type of figurative language is similes, which compare two things using "like" or "as." Similes are ideal for creating vivid and relatable imagery, as they help readers understand a concept by comparing it to something they already know. For example, "Her smile was as bright as the sun" is a simile that compares a smile to the sun to convey its radiance and warmth. Another type of figurative language is metaphor, which compares two things without using "like" or "as." Metaphors are ideal for creating a deeper and more complex understanding of a concept, as they suggest a hidden connection between two seemingly unrelated things. For instance, "Life is a journey" is a metaphor that implies that life is full of twists and turns, and that we must navigate its challenges and opportunities like a traveler on a journey. Other types of figurative language, such as personification, hyperbole, and idioms, can also be used to create specific effects and enhance the overall quality of a piece of writing.