SIMILES, METAPHORS AND SENSORY LANGUAGE

Where do we commonly find examples of figurative language?

What is a Simile? A comparison made between two things

using the words “like” or “as”

Getting the lead role in the play was like trying to win the lottery.

Getting the lead role in the play was unlikely to occur.

Simile Examples

Edward Cullen’s ghastly face was as pale as the moon.

Edward Cullen’s ghastly face was pale.

Simile ExamplesMs. Conroy’s mind absorbed every detail of the book, The Giver.

Ms. Conroy’s mind was like a sponge that absorbed every detail of the book, The Giver.

What is a Metaphor? A comparison between two things, NOT

using “like” or “as.”

Nick is the best swimmer on his swim team.

Nick is the Michael Phelps of his swim team.

How can we change the sentence from using a simile to using a metaphor?

Ms. Conroy’s mind was like a sponge that absorbed every detail of the book, The Giver.

Ms. Conroy’s mind was a sponge that absorbed every detail of the book, The Giver.

Sensory Language Writing or speech that appeals to one or

more of the five senses.

SightHearingTouchSmellTaste

Telling: While John began reading his poem in front of the class, he became nervous.

Showing vs. Telling

Showing: While John began reading his poem in front of the class, his heart started pounding. His cheeks, as red as cherries, burned like fire. His hands began to sweat, which left greasy finger prints on his paper. His voice, shaky and quivering, was almost inaudible.

Showing vs. TellingTelling: The pizza was delicious.

Showing: The sizzling cheese melted like butter in my mouth as the creamy tomato sauce dripped down my cheek. The pizza’s pungent aroma of garlic and basil reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen. My teeth crunched into the crisp, brown crust and I savored every last bite.

UB40’s Cover of The Temptation’s “The Way You Do the Things You Do”

Let’s Answer the Questions! Identify at least 5 similes/metaphors/sensory language within

the lyrics.

What is the meaning of the figurative language that you identified?

What is the metaphor within the line, “If good looks were minutes, you know you could have been an hour?” What is the line’s meaning?

What is the overall message of the song? How does the figurative language help convey the song’s overall message?

What are the benefits of using metaphors, similes and sensory language instead of simply stating emotions? Support with examples from the song lyrics.

Works Cited Category. "Figures of Speech. Figurative vs Literal language.." Special

Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. <http://specialed.about.com/od/literacy/a/figurative.htm>.

  "EDSITEment - Lesson Plan." EDSITEment - The Best of the Humanities on the

Web. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. <http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=608>.

"Sensory language." Changing minds and persuasion -- How we change what others think, believe, feel and do. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. <http://changingminds.org/techniques/language/persuasive/sensory_language.htm>.

" YouTube - Ub40 - The Way You Do The Things You Do ." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYjpAdBf7NY>.