Literature · StudentHub Lesson
Literary Devices & Figurative Language
Identify metaphors, similes, and other figurative devices writers use to create meaning.
What you will learn
- Define metaphor, simile, and personification
- Distinguish figurative from literal language
- Explain how imagery creates sensory experience
- Identify symbolism in literary texts
- Analyze the effect of figurative language on tone
Watch the lesson
The art of the metaphor - Jane Hirshfield · TED-Ed
Watch on YouTubeTopic notes
Main Idea
Writers use figurative language and literary devices to express ideas beyond their literal meaning, deepening emotion and imagery in a text.
Key Concepts
- Figurative language creates comparisons and vivid images
- Metaphors state one thing IS another; similes use 'like' or 'as'
- Personification gives human traits to non-human things
- Symbolism uses objects to represent larger ideas
Definitions
- Metaphor: a direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'
- Simile: a comparison using 'like' or 'as'
- Personification: giving human qualities to non-human things
- Imagery: descriptive language appealing to the senses
- Symbolism: using an object/image to represent an idea
Structures / Templates
- Metaphor template: '[Subject] is a [comparison].'
- Simile template: '[Subject] is like/as [comparison].'
Examples
- Metaphor: 'Time is a thief.'
- Simile: 'Her smile was like sunshine.'
- Personification: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'
Common Mistakes
- Confusing metaphor and simile
- Overusing clichéd comparisons
- Missing symbolism because it isn't stated directly
- Treating figurative language as literal fact
Key concepts
Important terms
- Metaphor
- A comparison stating one thing is another, without 'like' or 'as'.
- Simile
- A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
- Personification
- Giving human characteristics to non-human things.
- Symbolism
- Using an object or image to represent a larger idea.
Quick revision
- Metaphor: direct comparison
- Simile: uses like/as
- Personification: human traits to objects
- Imagery: sensory language
- Symbolism: object represents an idea
- Figurative language deepens meaning
Check your understanding
Question 1 · Multiple choice
Which sentence contains a simile?
Question 2 · Multiple choice
'The wind whispered through the trees' is an example of:
Question 3 · True or false
A metaphor uses 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison.
Question 4 · Short answer
What literary device uses an object to represent a larger idea?
Question 5 · Multiple choice
Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses is called:
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