Figurative Language-Average Joes

Figurative Language

Background-Humor: language that is used imaginatively rather than maturity is called figurative language. Writers often use language to make their ideas more vivid and rich. Since figurative language involves surprising contrast, writers also use it to make their writing funny. In this memoir, Dumas uses three types of figurative language—metaphor, simile, and hyperbole—to add zest her to her story.

Task 1: Define and write an example for each of the following terms. The examples should be original: from your head, not the internet or the text.

1. Metaphor-a figure of speech, “I fell in a black hole of sadness
2. Simile-a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind---tough as a bear, brave as a tiger
3. Hyperbole-exaggerated statements not meant to be taken seriously---The baseball team won like 1000 to 6.

Task 2: Read the examples of figurative language from the text, “With a Little Help from my Friends.” Determine which type of figurative language each is and then explain the effect that each use of figurative language has on the story/idea.

1. My life became one long running Oprah show, minus the free luxury accommodations in Chicago, and Oprah (paragraph 1). A simile, because she is comparing her life to an oprah show.
2. I tried my best t be a worthy representative of my homeland, but, like a Hollywood celebrity relentlessly pursued by paparazzi, I sometimes got tired of the questions (paragraph 9).A hyperbole because she is comparing her life to the life of a hollywood celebrity.
3. This  avalanche of kindness did not make our impending departure any easier (paragraph 16).Metaphor because she is using “avalanche” as a figure of speech saying that they were receiving so much kindness.
4. If someone had been able to encapsulate the kindness of the second-graders in pill form, the pills would undoubtable put many war correspondents out of business (paragraph 15).Hyperbole because it’s saying that a kindness pill to give people the kindness of the 2nd graders would put an end to wars.