File

Figurative Language
Keywords
Literal
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole
Definition, Notes, Examples, and
Illustrations
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Literal
taking words in their usual
or most basic sense; (of a
translation) representing the
exact words of the original
text
SIMILE
A comparison between two unlike things using like, as, or than
“Circus” by Britney Spears
All eyes on me in the center of the ring
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip, everybody gon’ trip
Just like a circus
“I’m Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado
I’m like a bird, I’ll only fly away
“Hot and Cold” by Katy Perry
You change your mind
Like a girl
changes clothes!
METAPHOR
An implied comparison of two seemingly unrelated things
“Everything” by Michael Buble
You’re a falling star, you’re the getaway car.
You’re the line in the sand when I go too far.
“Firework” by Katy Perry
‘Cause baby, you’re a firework
“Titanium” by David Guetta
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won’t fall
I am titanium
“Mean”
by Taylor Swift
“You with your words like
knives...”
This simile compares words to
knives. It expresses the power
of words; negative words have
the power to slice us to shreds
and wound us deeply.
“Stereo Hearts”
by Gym Class Heroes
“My heart’s a stereo. It beats for you
so listen close.”
This metaphor compares a stereo
to a heart. It shows the effect his
lover has on him. His heart beats
loudly and sings for the person he
loves.
Shrek: Ogres are like onions.
Donkey: They stink?
Shrek: Yes. No!
Donkey: They make you cry?
Shrek: No!
Donkey: You leave them out in the sun,
they get all brown, and start sprouting
little white hairs.
Shrek: No! Layers! Onions have layers!
Ogres have layers!
Draw a family tree.
Write a simile or metaphor for each
of your immediate family members.
Explain your figurative language in one sentence.
Underline what is being compared.
Include a small picture to accompany
your figurative language.
Figurative Language
Family Tree
My dad is like the North Star.
He lovingly guides me in the right direction.
My mom is as sweet as honey.
She is the most loving person I know.
Michael is kinder than a saint.
He never complains, but he is always sacrificing for others.
Marie is as precious as a diamond!
She is beautiful inside and out!
Chris is a battery.
He is so full of life and is always bursting with
non-stop energy!
My husband is the sun.
He is the center of my world;)
PERSONIFICATION
Giving human characteristics to animals, things, or ideas
“Concrete Jungle” by Bob Marley
No sun will shine in my day today
The high yellow moon won’t come out to play
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
You try to scream but terror takes the sound
before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right
between the eyes
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael
I’m never gonna dance again
Guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend. I know you’re not a fool...
...Time can never mend...
To the heart and mind...ignorance is kind
Here are some examples of
personification:
The$sailboat$danced$gracefully$across$the$sea.
The$flames$ate$hungrily$at$the$burning$house.
The$once$proud$trees$kneeled$before$the$storm.
The$big,$fat$rock$sat$lazily$by$the$stream.
Hyperbole
The use of exaggeration to make a strong impact
“To the Moon and Back” by Savage Garden
I would fly to the moon and back if you’ll be...
If you’ll be my baby
“So Happy I could Die” by Lady Gaga
So happy I could die
Be your best friend
Yeah, I’ll love you forever
“Back to Back” by Amy Winehouse
We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
Hyperboles can also be
other types of figurative language
You$snore$as$loud$as$a$freight$train!
simile
She$is$the$internet$of$knowledge!
metaphor
My$crying$heart$shattered$into$a$million$pieces.
personification
Are these examples of figurative
language?
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She is better at chess than she was last year.
He has laser eyes that can see through the darkness.
She is like a busy bee who works all day long.
He is the king of the playground!
She is the key to my heart!
He is as happy as a child in a candy store!
Show What You Know
Step 1: Find song lyrics that show two
examples of figurative language.
Step 2: Write the lyrics on the cover of your
foldable. Indicate the song title and artist.
Step 3: Provide a literal illustration of the
lyrics you chose.
Step 4: Identify the types of figurative
languages used in the lyrics and interpret
what is being said.
*Choose appropriate examples.
Cover
“Perfection is a
disease of a
nation. Pretty
hurts.”
Pretty Hurts
By: Beyonce
Inside
These lyrics are examples of a metaphor
and personification, “Perfection is a
disease of a nation” is a metaphor that
compares the pursuit of perfection to
something sickening and harmful. “Pretty
hurts” is an example of personification that
gives “pretty” a human emotion. Because
perfection is unattainable, people who
strive for it will suffer as they doubt
themselves and do anything it takes to be
flawless.