Types of Figurative Language 

Ever heard of the term "figurative language" thrown around English class whenever you analyze themes, motifs, authorial choices, characters, and the like, especially in novels and plays? Confused about the difference between simile and metaphor? Don't worry you've come to the right place. Even better: we'll go deeper and discuss the distinctions between metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, allusion, oxymoron, and imagery. 

Metaphors

Definition: Drawing a COMPARISON between two things in order to help the reader better understand the character, setting, or plot. 📙

Examples

1. She was a beautiful rose adorned in red. 🌹

2. He became a lion when he realized that he was being lied to. 🦁

3. Her hair was a jungle waiting to be cut down. 🌳

Why do authors use it? Usually, authors use metaphors to help exaggerate the physical features or character traits of someone. It helps to draw comparisons with everyday objects that most readers understand to illustrate this. 🙋

Similes

Definition: Drawing a figurative COMPARISON between two things, usually through the words like and as. 📖

Examples

1. He was told to be as quick as an arrow. 🏹

2. She was as flimsy as a blade of grass. 🌿

3. They were like a pack of hyenas preying on their next target. 🐻

Why do authors use it? Similes are less dramatic than metaphors because they are not as direct. They help show subtleties that a character may possess. 🚴

Personification

Definition: A type of metaphor in which you give an INANIMATE object human characteristics. ☀️

Examples

1. The tree shook the earth and screamed in terror when lighting struck it in the middle of the night. ⚡

2. The water became upset and violently attacked the sides of the boat till it capsized. 💦

3. The wind whistled through the cold, breezy night while the white snow stomped on the roof above. 💨

Why do authors use it? By giving inanimate objects human characteristics, the author can exaggerate different aspects. It helps the reader imagine the setting more clearly. For example, in example three we note that “the white snow stomped on the roof above.” If we simply said that the white snow fell on the roof above, it would not be as vivid and dramatic, which is precisely the purpose that personification serves. 🎭

Hyperbole

Definition: The author EXAGGERATES a trait of an object or person. This could be a physical aspect of an object, the frequency of an event, or the magnitude of action. 💥

Examples

1. I had never seen a ruby as red as the one I saw in the Cave of Treasures. 💎

2. I am so tired from the football game. I could sleep forever! 😴

3. I am convinced that Usain Bolt is faster than the speed of sound. 🔊

Why do authors use it? By exaggerating an aspect of an object or human, the author tries to emphasize that trait. Frequently, they exaggerate qualities that help define the person and set them apart from the crowd—for example, their intelligence or athletic ability. If the author highlights that trait, it's essential to pay attention to it throughout the text since it is probably crucial to the plot. Authors also use hyperbole to exaggerate the danger of a threat. ❗

Allusion

Definition: The author makes REFERENCE to something famous. This could be politically, socially or historically significant. 🗽

Examples

1. “Your spine is as crooked as the Leaning Tower of Pisa,” the chiropractor told me. 🗼

2. You are as cunning as Machiavelli himself. 🧔🏻‍

3. He is my Romeo and I am his Juliet. 

Why do authors use it? Authors use allusions to help give the reader a comparison or reference. Since they reference famous and significant people, ideas or objects, allusions make it easier for them to understand the author's message to the readers. They may also make references to literary works that influenced authors which is important when assessing the point of view presented in the novel. 📚

Oxymoron

Definition: These are two CONTRADICTING words placed right beside each other. 😠

Examples

1. A cold fire consumed her as she saw her best friend hanging out with her archnemesis: Melissa. 🥶

2. The huge baby was impossible to carry. 👶

3. My favorite genre of books is historical fiction, and my favorite book is A Prayer for Owen Meany. 🦄

Why do authors use it? By using contradictory ideas, the author wants to emphasize the contrasting ideas they are presenting. They are trying to show nuance through the subtlety of a feeling or character by using oxymorons. 😀  

Imagery

Definition: The author creates a PICTURE in the mind of the reader by using words that relate to different senses. These senses are taste, smell, vision, smell, and feeling. 🖼️

Examples

1. The field of bright red and white flowers stood out from among the dull dying green grass which surrounded it. 💐

2. The apple tasted sweet with a bit of bitterness at the end. 🤢

3. The soft fur of the dog was much different from the hard and tough skin of the elephant. 🐕🐘

Why do authors use it? Humans are well aware of different senses because of their varied experiences. By appealing to these senses, the author is able to construct a more concrete and comprehensive picture of the situation. 

That's a Wrap! Are You Ready?

Figurative language is crucial to strong writing. Identifying these different elements will help you delve deeper into the motifs, themes, characters, and symbolism of the text. Who knows? You might acquire a more insightful appreciation of the literary texts you'll read in the future. Good luck! 🌟

Image courtesy of Reddit

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