FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Simile

A simile is a rhetorical device used to draw a resemblance or make a comparison between two unlike
things. By using words such as "like" or "as," a simile establishes a connection between the objects being
compared, often emphasizing a specific quality, trait, or action. The purpose of a simile is to enhance
communication by evoking sensory experiences, emotions, or familiar associations in the reader or
listener's mind.

Examples:

For example, in the simile "Her laughter was like music to my ears," the comparison is made between
laughter and music. The simile suggests that the sound of her laughter was pleasant and enjoyable, just
like the sound of beautiful music. By using this comparison, the writer conveys the joy and delight
experienced when hearing her laugh.

 Her eyes sparkled like diamonds.

 He ran as fast as a cheetah.
 The baby slept as peacefully as an angel.
 The waves crashed on the shore like thunder.
 The old man's voice was as rough as sandpaper.
 The students were as busy as bees in the library.
 The mountain peaks were as white as snow.
 The basketball player jumped as high as a kangaroo.
 The room was as hot as an oven.

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is
another. In a metaphor, the comparison is implied rather than explicitly stated using words such as
"like" or "as" (as in a simile). Instead, a metaphor asserts the similarity between the two things being
compared. By equating one thing with another, a metaphor helps the reader or listener to understand
the characteristics, qualities, or essence of the subject in a more profound or imaginative way.

For example, in the metaphor "Life is a journey," life is being compared to a journey. This metaphor
suggests that life, like a journey, involves progress, challenges, and experiences along the way. It allows
the listener or reader to perceive life as a series of stages, pathways, and destinations, offering a deeper
understanding of its complexities and transitions.

Metaphors are powerful linguistic tools that bring richness and depth to language, enabling writers and
speakers to convey abstract concepts, emotions, and perspectives through creative and imaginative
associations.
Examples:

 "Time is money." In this metaphor, time is equated with money, emphasizing the value and
importance of time.
 "The world is a stage." This metaphor suggests that life is like a theatrical performance, where
individuals play different roles and have their moments in the spotlight.
 "Her voice is velvet." This metaphor compares the quality of someone's voice to the softness
and smoothness of velvet, emphasizing its richness and pleasantness.
 "He has a heart of stone." This metaphor suggests that someone lacks compassion or empathy,
comparing their emotional state to a solid and unfeeling material.
 "Love is a battlefield." This metaphor equates love to a battlefield, highlighting the conflicts,
challenges, and emotional turmoil that can arise in romantic relationships.
 "The classroom was a zoo." This metaphor compares a chaotic and disorderly classroom to a
zoo, emphasizing the noisy and unruly behavior of the students.
 "Her words were daggers." This metaphor suggests that someone's words were sharp and
hurtful, comparing them to a weapon that inflicts emotional pain.
 "Life is a rollercoaster." This metaphor likens life to a rollercoaster ride, highlighting its ups and
downs, unexpected twists, and thrilling experiences.
 "His ambition is a burning fire." This metaphor compares someone's ambition to a blazing fire,
emphasizing its intensity, passion, and unyielding nature.
 "She is a shining star." This metaphor suggests that someone possesses exceptional talent,
beauty, or success, comparing them to a radiant and prominent celestial body.

Personification

In personification, inanimate objects or abstract concepts are treated as if they have human abilities,
emotions, or intentions. By attributing human qualities to these entities, personification adds depth,
imagery, and a sense of personality to the subject being described. It helps create a more engaging and
expressive form of communication.

For example, consider the sentence, "The flowers danced in the gentle breeze." In this personification,
the flowers are given the human quality of dancing, which is an action associated with humans. By
attributing this movement to the flowers, the sentence paints a vivid picture of the flowers swaying and
moving gracefully in response to the breeze. It involves giving non-human things human-like
characteristics to bring them to life and make them more relatable or vivid.

Examples:

 "The sun smiled down on the earth." (The sun is given the human quality of smiling.)
 "The wind whispered secrets through the trees." (The wind is personified as it is described as
whispering.)
 "The waves crashed angrily against the shore." (The waves are attributed with the human
emotion of anger.)
 "The flowers danced in the meadow." (The flowers are personified by being described as
dancing.)
  "Time flies." (Time is personified as it is given the ability to fly.)
 "The stars winked at me from the night sky." (The stars are personified by being described as
winking.)
 "The old house groaned and creaked in the wind." (The house is personified with the action of
groaning and creaking.)
 "The moonlight kissed her face." (Moonlight is personified by being described as kissing.)
 "The fire crackled and roared with delight." (The fire is personified by being described as
crackling and roaring with delight.)
 "The river wept as it overflowed its banks." (The river is personified with the human action of
weeping.)

Activity:

a) Read the passage and underline the figurative language of metaphor(M),

personification(P) and simile(S)

The city streets were like a giant maze, full of tall buildings that stood like watchful
guards. The windows of the buildings shimmered, as if they were curious eyes observing
everything. The cars moved through the streets like a busy network of veins, giving life
to the city. As the sun set, the city's skyline sparkled with lights, turning it into a magical
starry sky made of buildings.

In this revised passage:

 The metaphor compares the city streets to a maze, highlighting their complex
and confusing nature.
 The buildings are described as watchful guards, using personification to give
them a sense of awareness and vigilance.
 The cars moving through the streets are likened to veins, using a simile to
emphasize their role in keeping the city alive and active.
 The city's skyline is metaphorically transformed into a magical starry sky made of
buildings, creating a sense of wonder and beauty.
a) Identify whether the following sentences contain a metaphor (M), personification (P), or
simile (S).

b) The wind whispered through the trees, sharing its secrets. [ ]

c) Her smile was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. [ ]
d) Time flew by as we laughed and danced. [ ]
e) The moon smiled down on the peaceful night. [ ]
f) Life is a journey, full of ups and downs. [ ]
g) The leaves danced in the autumn breeze. [ ]
h) The raindrops played a soothing melody on the roof. [ ]
i) His heart was a stone, cold and unyielding. [ ]
j) The mountain peak reached for the sky, like a giant's outstretched hand. [ ]
k) The flowers bloomed, painting the meadow with vibrant colors. [ ]

b) Write one sentence each using a metaphor, personification, and simile. Be creative and
imaginative!

1. Metaphor:
_________________________________________________________________

2. Personification:
____________________________________________________________

3. Simile:

_________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Part 2: Examples
P (Personification)
M (Metaphor)
S (Similar)
P (Personification)
M (Metaphor)
P (Personification)
P (Personification)
M (Metaphor)
S (Similar)
P (Personification)

Part 3: Create Your Own

(Answers may vary)
Metaphor: Her laughter was a bubbling fountain of joy.
Personification: The sun greeted the morning with a warm smile.
Simile: He ran as fast as a cheetah chasing its prey.