Maniac Magee is full of figurative language: similes, metaphors, and hyperbole.
In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal and figurative portrayal of the language.
The sentence, “The Cobras figured that Maniac would get out of East End in about as good shape as a bare big toe in a convention of snapping turtles” shows that the Cobras believe Maniac will meet a lot of trouble in the East End.
The sentence, “His smile was so wide he’d have to break it into sections to fit it through a doorway”, shows that Grayson is very happy.
“Would Finsterwald’s long, bony hand dart out, quick as a lizard’s tongue, and snatch poor Maniac?” This sentence shows the kids are worried that the mysterious Mr. Finsterwald will kidnap Maniac.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows illustrations of figurative language from Maniac Magee.
Teachers can first give students the definitions of simile and metaphor and why such figurative language is used within the text.
Students can identify some examples on their own from the text and analyze what kind of figurative language is used. Teachers can also give different and easier examples to get the students started. These examples can also be based on real-life situations so the students can understand easily.
A common indicator for the use of similes is the use of “as” and “like”. It might not always be the case but it happens most of the time. Teachers can introduce these short tricks with concepts to students for their ease. In comparison, metaphors are more imaginative and involve direct comparison.
Students can write some metaphors and similes of their own based on their interests or daily life and read them in front of the entire class. As an activity, the rest of the class will identify if the figurative language used is a metaphor or a simile. This activity can be carried out individually or in small groups.
Teachers can give students a few phrases each day to practice and test themselves.
Figurative language is a literary technique that gives a work depth and imagery. It entails the utilization of terms or words that transcend beyond their strict interpretation. Metaphors, personification, hyperbole, similes, and idioms are examples of figurative language that is frequently used.
Practice by carefully reading the text and marking any passages that appear to employ figurative language. Pay attention to any words or phrases that strike out as being particularly imaginative or non-literal. Talk about your discoveries with others or look up more examples in study materials or instructor resources.
Exaggeration used for emphasis is known as hyperbole. You might come across phrases like "I've told you a million times" or "he ran a thousand miles" in "Maniac Magee."
When two different items are compared, similes use the words "like" or "as." Examples like "fast as a cheetah," "strong as an ox," and "bright as the sun" can be found in "Maniac Magee."