Figurative Language
What is figurative language?
Language that is not literal and is used to create special meaning or effect.
What is imagery?
Words that appeal to the five senses.
What is tone?
The author’s attitude toward the subject.
What is a stanza?
A group of lines in a poem; like a paragraph.
What does the imagery in lines 9–10 suggest?
A. concerned
B. bothered
C. relieved
D. encouraged
D – encouraged by the changing weather.
Give an example of personification.
Any correct example (e.g., “The wind whispered through the trees.”)
If a poem describes “icy wind biting my cheeks,” what feeling does the imagery create?
Cold, discomfort, harsh weather.
What is mood?
The feeling the reader gets.
What is rhyme scheme?
The pattern of rhyming words.
The actions in stanza 1 suggest the speaker is—
F surprised
G hardworking
H carefree
J greedy
G – hardworking.
Identify the figurative language: “Her smile was sunshine.”
Metaphor
Why do poets use imagery?
To help readers visualize and feel the poem more deeply.
If the tone is hopeful, what mood might the reader feel?
Encouraged or optimistic.
Short lines in poetry often create what feeling?
Fast pace, lightness, energy.
The poet’s use of line length contributes to the poem’s—
A change in tone
B vivid imagery
C rhythm
D alliteration
C – rhythm.
Identify the figurative language: “The leaves danced across the yard.”
Personification
What sense does this imagery appeal to?
“Warm cookies filled the air with sweetness.”
Smell.
Which word creates a sad tone?
A. joyful
B. bleak
C. confident
D. silly
B. bleak
What is repetition?
Repeating words or lines for emphasis.
The repetition in lines 6 & 15 emphasizes—
F willingness to join other birds
G confidence in surviving winter
H cheerfulness in new situations
J enjoyment of winter
G – confidence in surviving winter.
Explain the figurative language: “His backpack weighed a ton.”
Hyperbole; it means the backpack is very heavy, not literally a ton.
Explain what this imagery suggests:
“The sky burned orange at sunset.”
A dramatic, warm, vivid sunset — strong visual imagery.
Rewrite this line with a happier tone:
“The cold wind dragged across the lonely street.”
Any correct answer (e.g., “The cool breeze danced along the bright street.”)
How does rhythm help a poem?
It creates musicality and helps set mood or tone.
The imagery in lines 3–4 creates a sense of—
A loneliness
B affection
C acceptance
D security
D – security.