Figurative Language
“See, when I play ball, I’m on fire.”
What type of figurative language is used in this line?
Metaphor: It is comparing the speaker’s basketball performance to being “on fire” to show excellence.
“In this game of life your family is the court and the ball is your heart”
What does this metaphor suggest about the speaker’s view of family?
It shows family is central to one’s life (the court), and one’s heart (emotions) is deeply connected to family relationships.
“Mom tells Dad that he has to sit in the top row during my games.”
What narrative perspective is used in this line?
First-person point of view.
“Dribble, fake, shoot,—swish.”
What sound device is used in this line?
Onomatopoeia: ”swish” mimics the sound of the ball going through the net.
“Filthy McNasty was my father’s favorite jazz musician./Like jazz,/I an smooth and cool.”
What is the tone of this poem?
Playful and Confident: the speaker embraces his nickname with pride and rhythm.
“His feet are the wings of Mercury.”
What type of figurative language is used in this line, and what does it mean?
Allusion and Metaphor: It references Mercury, the Roman god known for his speed, comparing the character’s quickness to Mercury’s wings.
“Basketball rule #3: Never let anyone lower your goals.”
What is the significance of this rule in the context of the story?
It shows the importance of maintaining high golas/dreams and not allowing others to take away your ambitions.
“I am not paying attention to the score; I’m too busy watching the ball soar.”
Identify the literary device in this line.
Rhyme: “score” and “soar”
“The gym is packed with cheering fans, /buzzing like a swarm of bees.”
What sound device is used in this line?
Simile and onomatopoeia: “buzzing: imitates the sound of bees, and the simile compares the noisy crowd to a swarm of bees.
“Dad is the light and the thunder./The sun and the storm.”
What is the tone of this description of the father?
Respectful and Admiring: the speaker sees his father as a powerful and influential person.
“Filthy McNasty is a MYTHical MANchild.”
What figurative language is present in this description?
Alliteration: Repetition of the ’M’ sound in ”MYTHical MANchild.”
“Filthy McNasty is my claim to fame.”
What does the nickname “Filthy McNasty” signify for the speaker?
It’s a nickname that represents the speaker’s reputation on the basketball court.
“JB’s eyes are ocean wide.”
What literary device is used here, and what does it suggest?
Hyperbole; it emphasizes the wilderness of JB’s eyes, showing surprise and amazement.
“The ball is alive… I let it fly.”
What sound device is used in the structure of this excerpt?
Enjambment: the sentence carries over multiple lines without a pause, creating a fast, flowing rhythm.
“JB stops smiling. / He looks at me like I am crazy. / Then he walks away.”
How does the tone shift in this moment?
Lighthearted to Tense: the change in JB’s reaction shows conflict between the brothers.
“The hoop’s for sale, and I’m the buyer.”
What figurative device is used here?
Metaphor: Implies the speaker’s intention to dominate the game by “buying” the hoop.
”Dad’s tears are like star showers.”
What does this simile show about the father’s emotions?
It suggests that his tears are rare and precious, showing deep emotion.
“The ball is a orange blur, a streak of light.”
What literary device is used here?
Metaphor: Comparing the ball to an “orange blur” and a “streak of light” without using “like” or “as.”
”I’m on fire/ When I shoot, I inspire.”
Identify the rhyme scheme.
End rhyme: “fire” and “inspire” rhyme at the end of the lines.
“Losing is like medicine/That tasted bad/ But makes you better.”
What is the tone of this reflection on losing?
Reflective and Accepting: the speaker acknowledges that loss is painful but it can also be beneficial.
“Our feet are the speakers, delivering boom-shaka-laka.”
Identify the figurative language in this line.
Metaphor and Onomatopoeia: Feet are compared to speakers; “boom-shaka-laka” mimics the sound of movement.
“The crossover dribble is a basketball move.”
Beyond its literal meaning, what might “crossover” symbolize in the story?
It could symbolize transitions or changes in life, such as growing up or facing new challenges.
“The gym is a loud, crowded circus.”
Identify the literary device in this line and its effect.
Metaphor: It compares the gym to a circus, emphasizing the energetic atmosphere.
“Zip. Zip…Swish”
Identify the two sound devices in this excerpt.
Onomatopoeia and Repetition: “zip” and “swish” mimic the sounds of the ball moving and repetition the repeated “zip” emphasizes speed and movement.
“I see Dad./ He is lying still./ Too still.”
What is the tone?
Worried and Fear: the short sentences create tension and fear about the father’s condition.