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Figurative Language and other literary devices

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WHAT IS FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE? A DEFINITION

We most often associate figurative language with poetry, but we find figurative language widely used in many other contexts too. We find it in use in everything from fiction and folk music to drama and our daily speech.

The term figurative language refers to any use of language that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words themselves. In many instances, the phrase also refers to instances where the use of sounds, syntax, and word order deviate from what is considered the normal patterns of use. It is this definition that we will explore in this guide.

WHY DO WE USE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE?

In both regards mentioned above, figurative language represents a sophisticated, creative use of language to convey meaning and mood among other effects. It represents an important tool in the writer's toolbox.

These creative applications of language help readers to visualize the writer's intended meaning, as well as establish atmosphere, rhythm, and other stylistic effects. The use of these literary devices creates an effective and beautiful way to communicate through the written and spoken word.

Using figurative language helps speak to a reader's emotions, as well as to articulate more abstract and complex concepts in a relatable way. How a writer uses figurative language in their work constitutes a large element of their style.

TYPES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Figurative language is a broad category that encompasses all types of figures of speech, including sound devices and imagery.

There are lots of different types of figures of speech, but broadly speaking these can helpfully be divided into two groups: tropes and schemes.

In this article, we will look at various examples of figures of speech within these two categories. We will define them, provide an example of how they are used, and provide a straightforward activity that requires minimal preparation and will allow students to practice these in class.

FIGURES OF SPEECH: TROPES AND SCHEMES

I. TROPES

A trope is a figure of speech that uses words or phrases in a way in which the intended meaning extends beyond the literal meaning of the words used. Some of the most commonly used tropes include metaphor, simile, and personification. But, there are many others. We will take a look at some of the main ones below.

HYPERBOLE:

We have a complete guide to hyperbole in literature which can be found here

IDIOM:

Definition: An idiom is a figurative use of language that cannot be understood from a literal understanding of the words alone. Idioms are a part of the language and each language develops its own unique idioms over time. Idioms are similar to other figures of speech except that while most other figures of speech can be the original conceptions of the writer, idioms are already in existence within the language. Many of Shakespeare's figures of speech have become crystallized in the language as the idioms of today.
Kick the bucket / Gave up the ghost / Passed away'
Task: You can help students bridge the gap between their understanding of figures of speech and idioms through this activity. Provide students with a list of idioms on various themes. Discuss these and ensure they have a sense of their meaning. Challenge the students to compose their own figures of speech on each of these themes using the sample idiom as a starting point.

METAPHOR:

Task: Metaphors are commonly used in speech, poetry, plays, songs, and stories. To give your students practice identifying metaphors in a range of contexts, organize them into groups and provide them with a range of the types of reading materials listed above. Have students read and listen to these materials and identify examples of metaphor in each, compiling a list as they go.

OXYMORON:

Definition: Oxymorons combine two opposing elements into a single phrase or sentence. They can be used to create a range of effects, comedic, dramatic, or thought-provoking.

Task: Oxymorons are very common in our daily speech, for example 'seriously funny', 'random order', and 'pretty ugly'. Organise the students into groups and challenge them to come up with as many other common examples as they can. As an extension exercise, ask the students to compose some original oxymorons too.

PERSONIFICATION:

Definition: Personification is a special type of metaphor where human actions or feelings are ascribed to a non-human thing. When we talk about something that isn't human as if it was, then we are personifying it - that is, making it into a person. This figurative use of language is most commonly associated with poetry and literary fiction, but we can often find it in our daily speech too.

Organize the students into pairs. Instruct Partner 1 to compile a list of 10 nouns, these can be inanimate objects such as a pencil, a chair etc or natural phenomenon such as moon, stars, sun etc. Have Partner 2 compile a list of 10 verbs associated with the actions of human beings, for example laugh, tell, sing etc. When both partners have completed their lists they can use their nouns and verbs to write their own personification sentences.

SIMILE:

Definition: Similes make comparisons between two seemingly unrelated elements by using 'like' or 'as' to highlight a common quality or characteristic both things share.Similes make a comparison by suggesting a similarity between two things, rather than making a comparison by stating that one thing is something else - such as we find with metaphors.

Begin this activity by asking students to compile a list of say 10 nouns and 10 adjectives. Challenge the students to form original similes utilising the nouns and the adjectives on their list to set up a simile comparison. For example, if they choose the noun cat and the adjective smart they must generate the final element to complete their simile, for example, The cat is as smart as a computer. They should do this until they have completed a simile for all items on their lists. Encourage them to strike a balance between the similes that use like to make the comparison and those that use as.

SYNECDOCHE:

Definition: This figure of speech most often occurs when a part of a thing is used to represent the whole of a thing. However, it can also occur when the whole of a thing is used to stand for a part of a thing. The first type is called microcosm and the second, macrocosm. This trope is better conveyed through illustration than explanation.

All hands on deck! (microcosm) / The United States declared war. (macrocosm)

Task: Organize students into groups and give out copies of old newspapers. Challenge the students to spot examples of synecdoche in the various articles and then highlight them. They may wish to use two separate colors for identifying the two different types mentioned above.

II. SCHEMES

Schemes are a figurative use of language that deviates from the usual mechanics of a sentence. This may be in terms of syntax, sound, or word order. Writers can use schemes to create rhythm, musicality, or to draw comparisons or contrasts within a text. They are particularly associated with poetry, as they often work on a rhythmic basis or through sound. Unlike tropes, schemes operate on a sense level more than an intellectual level.

ALLITERATION:

Definition: The repetition of the initial consonant sound of consecutive or near consecutive words for effect. Alliteration is also referred to as head rhyme or initial rhyme.

Task: Read some tongue twisters as a class and then challenge the students to produce their own examples.

ASSONANCE:

Definition: The repetition of vowel sounds within a group of words. As with alliteration, it is the repeating sounds that are important, not the letters.

Assonance can be used to convey different moods. For example, repetition of long, broad ' o' and ' a' sounds can express sadness or melancholy. Challenge your students to write a line that uses assonance to express a selected mood.

CONSONANCE:

Definition: The repetition of consonant sounds anywhere in the words that are near each other. This should be distinguished from alliteration, where the repetition is limited to the sounds at the beginning of words. Alliteration is a special type of consonance, so all alliteration is a form of consonance, but not all consonance is alliteration.

Task: Give out a worksheet with a mix of unmarked examples of alliteration, consonance, and assonance and have the students sort them into the correct categories. You may want the students to use a Venn diagram so they can more easily categorize those that fit into more than one category.

ONOMATOPOEIA:

Definition: Onomatopoeia refers to words that sound like the thing they describe. Onomatopoeia is most commonly seen in poetry where its use serves as a powerful tool for the imagination as it imitates the sounds of the things described themselves. A common example of onomatopoeia can be seen in the names of the sounds various animals make.

To get your students thinking about onomatopoeia, give them a theme and challenge them to list as many onomatopoeic words as they can around that theme. This can easily be differentiated for various age groups. For example, younger kids can work on animal sounds like those above, while older students can work on a theme such as that of water ( drip, splish, splosh, splash, plop etc). For stronger students, simply provide them with a theme and task them with creating their own related and original onomatopoeic words.

PARALLELISM:

Definition: This scheme is also known as a parallel structure and applies to sentences or phrases that employ an identical or very similar structure. Parallelism is often used to bring clarity and emphasis, as well as create a memorable rhythm. Some of history's most memorable speeches and statements used parallelism to great effect and these have stayed with us for many decades as a result. Neil Armstrong's reported words on the moon landing and Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech being prime examples.

That's one small step for a man. One giant leap for mankind. by Neil Armstrong.
Do you prefer spicy chicken, pork, or salty fish for the main course?
Task: Provide students with sample sentences that do not use a parallel structure within them. Challenge the students to rewrite the sentences to incorporate a parallel structure into the new sentences. For example, give the students the following sentence:
Do you prefer spicy chicken, sweet pork, or salty fish for the main course? Go Figure!
Students should work to recognize that the underlying structure involves an adjective preceding two of the food options and should rewrite the sentence to include one for the pork. Answers will of course vary, but all are valid as long as they conform to the pattern. For example:

These are just some of the various ways that language is commonly used figuratively. There are many more of course, though some of these can be quite rarely used. It's best to start with these more common ones first, before moving onto some of the more complex literary devices available.

Spending some time working on figurative language in isolation will help students to understand how to use the various figures of speech in their own writing.

But, to use them in a confident and unselfconscious manner will require lots of reinforcement in their use throughout the school year.

While early attempts to weave them into their own writing may seem stilted and unnatural, with time and practice they will become part of a student's personal style and help enable them to articulate and express their thoughts in an artistic and coherent manner.

A COMPLETE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE UNIT FOR STUDENTS

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Content for this page has been written by Shane Mac Donnchaidh. A former principal of an international school and university English lecturer with 15 years of teaching and administration experience. Shane's latest Book the Complete Guide to Nonfiction Writing can be found here. Editing and support for this article have been provided by the literacyideas team.

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Figurative Language: A Complete Guide for Teachers and Students

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We most often associate figurative language with poetry, but we find figurative language widely used in many other contexts too. We find it in use in everything from fiction and folk music to drama and our daily speech. The term figurative language refers to any use of language that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words themselves.

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LaQuinta Inns and Suites TV Commercial, 'Tip-Top Shape'

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When this stays at LaQuinta, he has hotel employees everywhere to help him. Someone in the elevator to give him his belt, someone outside to encourage him, someone to fix his tie, someone to give him his coffee. With all that, he' got his ducks in a row.

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Holiday Commercial - La Quinta Inns & Suites - A Game - Wake Up On The Bright Side

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Figurative language is a word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning. It is used by the writer for the sake of comparison or dramatic effect. Authors use similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and personification to make their stories more interesting.

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Figurative language is an important aspect of writing and reading comprehension. Use these helpful resources for teaching and practicing how to understand and utilize figurative language.

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Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

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Image Credits

blue circles with figurative language definition and example sentences

Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary

Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary

If you tell someone "You look like a million bucks," you're not saying that they look like a stack of cash. You're using figurative language to say that they look really good. So why not just say that? What does figurative language add to our conversations and writing - and how many types of figurative language do you encounter every day?

What Is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is non-literal wording that adds creativity or rhetorical meaning to your writing. It invites the reader to use their senses or prior knowledge to understand your meaning.

For example:

This coffee shop is an icebox!

She's drowning in a sea of grief.

She's as happy as a clam.

I move fast like a cheetah on the Serengeti.

The sea lashed out in anger at the ships, unwilling to tolerate another battle.

The sky misses the sun at night.

I've told you a million times to clean your room!

Her head was spinning from all the new information.

She was living her life in chains.

When she saw the dove soar high above her home, she knew the worst was over.

None of these phrases are literal, but you still understand what they mean. They use your senses or experiences to make a point rather than directly explaining what they mean.
Why Use Figurative Language?

Depending on which figurative language you use, you can create different images or arguments for your reader. It's all about choosing the correct wording for what you want to say.

You look like a million bucks. (You look wonderful.)

You look like an angel. (You look beautiful.)

You look like something the cat dragged in. (You look terrible.)

You look like you've seen a ghost. (You look terrified.)

You look like death warmed up. (You look sick.)

You look like a spring morning. (You look refreshed and healthy.)

You look like an old mop. (You're not attractive.)

Examples of Figurative Language: The 9 Types

Any time you're using language that shouldn't be taken literally, you're using figurative language. You can group most examples of figurative language into nine different types.

Examples of Allusion

Allusions reference something famous that readers likely know about. They can refer to written works, songs, famous people, historical events, mythological figures, or even television shows.

He was the Romeo to her Juliet. (Refers to Romeo and Juliet)

I made a Herculean effort this year. (Refers to the myth of Hercules)

You always want the forbidden fruit. (Refers to the story of Adam and Eve)

This job is my white whale. (Refers to Moby Dick)

Red velvet cake is my kryptonite. (Refers to the Superman comics)

Cupid's arrows always seem to miss me. (Refers to the Roman god Cupid)

Don't be such a Scrooge this Christmas. (Refers to A Christmas Carol)

Make sure not to tell he-who-shall-not-be-named. (Refers to Harry Potter)

Examples of Hyperbole Examples of Idioms Metaphor Examples

Metaphors make comparisons between two things that share one attribute. They state that one thing is another thing. But like all figurative language, metaphors aren't literal. You need to think about each thing to figure out how they are alike.

You're likely to find metaphors in poems and poetic language, but they also appear in everyday speech.

Metonymy Examples

In metonymy (met-ON-oh-me) a word becomes linked with a larger concept to the point where it can stand for that concept.

Personification Examples Simile Examples

A simile compares two things using the words like or as. Unlike metaphors, they explicitly state the quality they're comparing between two things.

Symbolism Examples Synecdoche Examples

A synecdoche (sin-ECK-doh-key) uses part of a noun to represent the whole thing. It can also use the whole noun to represent part of a noun.

You've Hit the (Figurative) Jackpot

Using figurative language is like finding buried treasure. (See what we did there?) Once you know how to use the different types of figurative language, your writing will engage readers even better.

But figurative language isn't just a writing tool - it can be an effective way to make your point in different types of writing. You can even use figurative language as a rhetorical device to convince your audience to agree with you - for better or for worse.

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Figurative Language Examples: Guide to 9 Common Types

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Image Credits blue circles with figurative language definition and example sentences Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary If you tell someone "You look like a million bucks," you're not saying that they look like a stack of cash. You're using figurative language to say that they look really good.

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Definition of Figurative Language

Figurative language is any figure of speech which depends on a non-literal meaning of some or all of the words used. There are many types of figurative language, including literary devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, and many pun examples, to name just a few. The definition of figurative language is opposite to that of literal language, which involves only the "proper" or dictionary definitions of words. Figurative language usually requires the reader or listener to understand some extra nuances, context, allusions, etc. in order to understand the second meaning. However, figurative language is such a common part of regular speech that adult native speakers of a language can just as easily interpret figurative language as literal language.

Types of Figurative Language

So many literary devices qualify as figurative language that the following list is certainly not exhaustive. These are the main examples of figurative language:

Simile: A comparison between two unlike things through the use of connecting words, usually "like" or "as."

Metaphor: A rhetorical figure of speech that compares two subjects without the use of "like" or "as."

Extended Metaphor: Sometimes known as a conceit or sustained metaphor, an extended metaphor is a metaphor that an author develops over the course of many lines or even an entire work of literature.

Hyperbole: The use of obvious and deliberate exaggeration.

Understatement: A way of speaking which minimizes the significance of something.

Metonymy: A figure of speech in which something is called by a new name that is related in meaning to the original thing or concept.

Paradox: The juxtaposition of a set of seemingly contradictory concepts that reveal a hidden and/or unexpected truth.

Oxymoron: A figure of speech in which two seemingly opposing and contradictory elements are juxtaposed.

Allusion: A literary device used to reference another object outside of the work of literature.

Pun: A play on words which usually hinges on a word with more than one meaning or the substitution of a homonym that changes the meaning of the sentence for humorous or rhetorical effect.

Personification: The projection of characteristics that normally belong only to humans onto inanimate objects, animals, deities, or forces of nature.

Onomatopoeia: A word that phonetically mimics or resembles the sound of the thing it describes.

Common Examples of Figurative Language

Most examples of idiom in English are also figurative language examples, such as the following:

Actions speak louder than words.

The ball is in your court.

You can't judge a book by its cover.

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

I'll play devil's advocate.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

You've hit the nail on the head.

It happens once in a blue moon.

She stole my thunder.

Significance of Figurative Language in Literature

Ancient philosophers such as Aristotle (Greek) and Quintilian (Roman) were some of the first to theorize about the use and function of figurative language. Aristotle argued that figurative language was not merely an embellishment, but instead mirror the way humans actually process information, which is to say by comparing it to things we already know. Thus, when we use the simile, "Her fleece was white as snow," this isn't to provide a trivial comparison but instead to help the reader or listener imagine the purity of Mary's lamb's fleece.

We can find examples of figurative language in the majority of literary works. This is both because there are so many literary devices that qualify as figurative language and also because the human mind responds well to different types of figurative language. Indeed, many studies have shown that figurative language comes naturally to children and that it helps them understand new concepts. Therefore, when authors use examples of figurative language, they are trying to provide fresh or unique new ways of explaining things. However, they are also triggering a very important part of the human mind and creating new synapses.

Examples of Figurative Language in Literature

Example #1: Allusion

Are you then Virgil, the fountainhead
that pours so full a stream of speech?"
I answered him, my head bent low in shame."
O glory and light of all other poets,
let my long study and great love avail
that made me delve so deep into your volume.
You are my teacher and my author.
You are the one from whom alone I took
the noble style that has brought me honor."

( Inferno by Dante Alighieri)

Dante's Inferno is filled with examples of allusions, as one of the main purposes was to condemn contemporary Italians from Dante's day. The main allusion is to the poet Virgil, who serves as the guide to the underworld. Dante introduces Virgil in the above excerpt from the epic poem. Readers have to understand the character and importance of Virgil to understand the true meaning of this alliance; without this piece of figurative understanding the reader would miss out on many key aspects of the poem.

Example #2: Metaphor

JAQUES: All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances

( As You Like It by William Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare used numerous examples of figurative language in his plays and poetry. Indeed, most literary devices can be found somewhere in his texts. The above quote from his comedy As You Like It is one of the most famous examples of metaphor in all of literature. The character of Jaques is explaining to the Duke that life is much like actors in a play. Indeed, Jaques doesn't just say that the world is "like" a stage; he avers that life is indeed a stage. This is a powerful metaphor from Shakespeare's works as it explains what was most likely a truism for Shakespeare's own life.

Example #3: Metonymy

MARC ANTONY: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

( Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare)

Metonymy uses a part of the whole to refer to the whole. In this case, Marc Antony asks friends and Romans to "lend [him their] ears." He is using the metonymic understanding of "ears" to refer to the entirety of their attention. He is, perhaps, being a bit humble in this request, as his eulogy for Caesar turns out to be a feat of rhetoric. Marc Anthony uses many different examples of figurative language to build his emotional appeal and connect with the listeners.

Example #4: Personification

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing farther then he uttered-not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered "Other friends have flown before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said "Nevermore."

("The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe)

Edgar Allen Poe's diabolical bird in his famous poem "The Raven" is a good example of personification. The bird takes on emotions such as loneliness and concepts like a soul, as well as the ability to speak. This bird ends up being a window into the narrator's mind as he begins to go a bit insane. The personification is to show that not all is right with the narrator's world.

Example #5: Hyperbole

I'll love you, dear, I'll love you
Till China and Africa meet,
And the river jumps over the mountain
And the salmon sing in the street,
I'll love you till the ocean
Is folded and hung up to dry

("As I Walked One Evening" by W.H. Auden)

W.H. Auden uses many examples of hyperbole to describe his love in his poem "As I Walked One Evening." It is popular to use hyperbole in love poetry, as it demonstrates the depths of the speaker's love.

Test Your Knowledge of Figurative Language

1. Which of the following statements is the best figurative language definition?
A. Archaic language that was only used for embellishment.
B. A figure of speech that relies on the literal definitions of the words involved.
C. A statement that uses non-literal meanings of words.

2. Why might an author choose to use an example of figurative language?
A. To confuse their readers and challenge them to use parts of their brain they rarely use.
B. To explain things in a new and fresh way that might help readers compare what they already know to the new concept.
C. To create a way of defining things that is very alien to the way humans actually think.

3. Which of the following types of figurative language is displayed in the following quote from Shakespeare's Romeo?

But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

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Figurative Language Examples - Literary Devices

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Figurative language is any figure of speech which depends on a non-literal meaning of some or all of the words used. There are many types of figurative language, including literary devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, and many pun examples, to name just a few.