Figurative Language

Figurative language is the use of language to give words meaning beyond their literal definitions. For example, a simile is a comparison of two things using the words “like” or “as.” “Her heart is as soft as a cloud.” is a simile. Other figurative language includes metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and alliteration. Check out our figurative language anchor chart resources too!

Sword Fight

This passage from Act III, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the sword fight between Mercutio, Romeo’s friend, and Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. As the scene opens, Mercutio is in the a public square with Benvolio and some servants when Tybalt and his friends arrive. An argument starts,…

Stickeen

Naturalist John Muir went to Alaska in 1879 to explore the area. He was joined by Rev. Young who had a small black dog named Stickeen. Stickeen was a quiet, independent, and intelligent dog. Early one morning Muir went to explore a nearby glacier. Stickeen followed him, and together they…

A Pirate’s Life for Me

Most babies’ first words are something like “Dada” or “Mama” or “ball.” Mine was “Ahoy!” But that was considered normal when you’re born and raised on a pirate ship. My father was the first mate on the fearsome sailing ship known as the Salty Dog. He was the trusted friend…

Thumbelina Meets the King of the Flowers

“Oh, no. Oh, no,” cried Thumbelina. “I don’t want to marry Mr. Mole.” Chipper the field mouse shook his head. “But, it’s your wedding day! There’s no way of getting out of it now.” SWWOOOOOCCCCHH. Bluebird swooped down. “Thumbelina, my dear friend. It’s been a long time. How have you…

Primary Source: Comanche, the Army Horse and Hero

On June 25, 1876, the U.S. Army 7th Calvary under the command of Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer engaged in battle with Native Americans, including the Lakota, the Dakota, and the Arapaho tribes. The army troops were vastly outnumbered. All the soldiers with Custer when the battle began, totaling five…

All the World’s a Stage

All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms. And then the whining school-boy,…

In the Old Graveyard

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is the story of Tom, an orphan boy living with his aunt in Missouri in the mid-1800s. Tom is a little wild and full of mischief, but his friend Huckleberry Finn is more wild and more mischievous. In the passage, Tom and Huck sneak out…

Charlie Meets His Match

A chipmunk twitched his tail as he lay hidden deep under the fallen leaves. It was cold outside, wintertime was approaching, but he was snug in his den in the woods, tucked underground beneath a fallen log and covered by a crunchy carpet of faded autumn leaves. Charlie had a…

The Homesick Connecticut Yankee

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court is the story of Hank Morgan, a 19th century Connecticut man, who suffers a blow to the head and is transported back centuries to the time of King Arthur. Once there he has many adventures while he struggles to apply 19th century American…

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

The little bird perched itself on the tree branch outside Vanessa’s bedroom window. It trilled an energetic song as the first pale yellow rays of sunshine peeked over the horizon. “Oh my gosh, what is that noise?” she complained to herself, pulling her bed sheets over her head in an…