Name That Figure
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
What type of figurative language is this?
Personification
What two words usually help you identify a simile?
Like or As
“The sun was bright.”
Change this into a simile.
Possible Answer: The sun was bright like a spotlight .
If the author writes, “The river welcomed her home,” what does that show about how Sacajawea feels?
Possible Answer: She feels comforted or connected to the river.
“The snow sparkled like a field of diamonds.”
What type is this?
Simile
What makes personification different from other types?
It gives human qualities to nonhuman things.
“The river moved quickly.”
Change this into a metaphor.
Possible Answer: The river was a racing horse.
“The prairie stretched endlessly before her.”
What feeling might this figurative language show?
Possible Answers: Freedom, possibility, or maybe loneliness.
The classroom was a zoo.”
What type is this?
Metaphor
How is a metaphor different from a simile?
A metaphor says one thing is another; a simile uses like or as
“The trees were tall.”
Change this into personification.
Possible Answer: The trees stretched their arms toward the sky.
“The strangers’ words were sharp arrows.”
What type is this and what might it show?
Metaphor; it shows their words hurt her.
“The mountains stood proudly against the sky.”
What type is this?
Personification
Why would an author use figurative language instead of literal language?
To create stronger images, emotions, and deeper understanding.
“The night was dark.”
Change this into a simile.
Possible Answer: The night was dark as ink.
If nature is described kindly but people are described harshly, what might that suggest?
Possible Answer: She trusts nature more than people.
“The Missouri River was a twisting snake.”
What type is this?
Metaphor
How can figurative language help us understand a character’s point of view?
It shows how the character sees and feels about the world.
“The wind blew loudly.”
Change this into personification.
Possible Answer: The wind howled in anger.
Why might an author use personification when describing the land Sacajawea travels through?
Possible Answer: To show her deep connection to nature.