Song library
2 songs
Figurative Language
DEFINITION: Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they are. HOW TO: One of the best ways to really understand the concept of figurative language is to see it in action such as with these examples: Alright, the sky misses the sun at night. The poorest man is the richest, and the rich are poor. Hear the mellow wedding bells. - Edgar Allen Poe Out of reach, I pull out with a screech. I move fast like a cheetah on the Serengeti. Her head was spinning from all the new information. The toast jumped out of the toaster. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. The Sea lashed out in anger at the ships, unwilling to tolerate another battle. The Redcoats are coming! I’ve told you a million times to clean your room! Everyday Use: Figurative language can be found in literature and poetry where the writing appeals to the senses. It can do this by giving a word with a specific meaning, by comparing two things in such a way that you find the comparison interesting or by using words that have unusual constructions or sounds.
Metaphors and Similes
DEFINITION: Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics. In other words, a resemblance of two contradictory or different objects is made based on a single or some common characteristics. A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”. Therefore, it is a direct comparison. HOW TO: An example of a metaphor is “The basketball player had springs for feet”. This is a way of so the basketball player jumps really high but his feet are not really springs. An example of a simile is “He ate like a pig”. He is not really a pig but he eats like one. The use of the word “Like” shows that the statement is a simile. Everyday Use: Metaphors and Similes are used every day in the songs we hear, on tv, in books we read and in every day conversation.