Analyze Figurative Language

Introduce

Figurative language is language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meaning of the
words. Writers use figurative language to develop descriptions and explain unfamiliar or
difficult ideas for readers.

Learn

Writers use figurative language to emphasize and explain complex ideas and descriptions in
both literary and nonfiction texts.

In literary texts, figurative language contributes to mood, or the feeling or atmosphere created
by the writer. In nonfiction texts, figurative language helps establish the writer’s tone, or
attitude toward a subject.

The two old friends faced each other,
arms crossed, their stares as icy as the
glasses of water that stood between
them on the table.
By comparing their stares to icy
glasses of water, the writer
develops the description of two
angry friends, creating a tense,
hostile mood.

As news of the plague spread, people By comparing the behavior of

fled the towns. Like dogs darting
under beds at the sound of thunder,
they ran from their homes and took
shelter in barns across the
countryside.
people to that of panicking dogs,
the writer illustrates and
emphasizes a complex idea, creating
a terrified and disturbed tone.
Here are a few common types of figurative language:
Type Definition
Simile Similes compare two unlike things
by using the words like or as.
Metaphor Metaphors compare two unlike
things by saying that one thing is
another, but metaphors do not use
like or as.
Personification Personification is a type of
figurative language in which an
object, animal, or idea is given
human qualities.
Idiom Idioms are common expressions
that can’t be understood from the
meaning of their separate words.
Example and Explanation
Having a cat is like having a best
friend.
The comparison emphasizes the idea
that a cat can provide
companionship and love.
The Internet, for people who have
never used it, is just a confusing
maze of twists and turns leading
nowhere.
The comparison emphasizes the
sense of frustration and confusion
people may feel when first using the
Internet.
A dictionary quite happily assists
anyone who needs to know a word’s
meaning.
A dictionary doesn’t have human
emotions, and it doesn’t want to
help anyone. However, the use of
personification creates a friendly and
positive tone.
Sometimes, it’s difficult for two
people to see eye to eye.
The expression see eye to eye, makes
little sense on its own, yet English-
speakers may hear it so often that
they no longer even notice it.
A few common idioms in English
include—
 Type Definition Example and Explanation

 see eye to eye (agree)

 let the cat out of the bag
(reveal a secret)
 a piece of cake (something
easily done)

Hyperbole Hyperbole is the use of A bad comedy tries to create humor

exaggeration for effect. by having a character make millions
and millions of mistakes as the plot
develops.

The exaggeration emphasizes the

idea that comedies may rely on a
character’s foolish behavior far too
often.
Practice and Apply

As you read any type of text—a poem, short story, article, or argument, for example—look for
and consider the meanings and purposes of the figurative language it includes.

First, identify the title and genre (or type) of text you’re reading. Then, note examples of
figurative language that you discover. Finally, explain the meaning and effects of each instance
of figurative language you’ve noted. Analyze both a literary and a nonfiction text.

Literary Text

Title:

Genre:

Example Meaning and Purpose

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Idiom

Hyperbole
 Nonfiction Text

Title:

Genre:

Example Meaning and Purpose

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Idiom

Hyperbole