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Figurative Language: Focus on Symbols
What is figurative language?
 Figurative language is non-literal language.
 Typically, a word or phrase parts from everyday literal language for the sake of comparison, emphasis,
clarity, or freshness.
Literary Device
Simile
Metaphor
Idiom
Hyperbole
Pun
Symbol
Taequine is smart as a whip.
All the world’s a stage. The men and women are merely players waiting for their
entrances and exits.
She has the upper hand in the relationship.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
Survive the drought, I wish you well
She’s a super star.
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A closer look: Symbols
A symbol is something that means more than what it seems.
 It is an object, a person, a situation, an action, or some other item that has
a literal meaning and non literal meeting
 Symbols usually signal their existence by emphasis, repetition, or position.
 A symbol may have more than one meaning.
Common Symbols
o A flag might be a symbol of a country, but it might also represent sacrifice,
independence, or freedom
Literal Object
Heart
Symbolic Meaning
Christmas tree
Star of David
Black Fist
Crucifix
Plant
Additional Notes
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Directions: Let’s take a look at a popular song for the meaning of literary symbols.
five examples of figurative language.
Circle
[Jay-Z (Rihanna)]
No clouds in my stones
What is the symbolic meaning?
Let it rain, I hydroplane into fame (Eh, eh, eh)
Coming down with the Dow Jones
Clouds____________________________________
When the clouds come we gone
Precipitation___________________________
roc-a-fella (Eh, eh, eh)
We fly higher than weather in G5's or better
Rainy Day_______________________________
You know me, in anticipation for precipitation
Stacks chips for the rainy day (Eh, eh, eh)
Dark_____________________________________
Jay
Shiny cars_______________________________
Rain man is back with little miss sunshine
What is little Miss Sunshine and allusion to?
Umbrella________________________________
Rihanna where you at?
[Verse 1:]
You had my heart, and we'll never be worlds apart
Maybe in magazines but you'll still be my star
Baby 'cause in the dark you can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share because
[chorus:]
When the sun shine we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath, I'mma stick it out 'til the end
Now that it's raining more than ever know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh)
[Verse 2:]
These fancy things will never come in between
You're a part of my entity
Here for infinity _________________________________________________________
When the war has took his part
When the world has dealt it's card _______________________________________________
If the hand is hard together we'll mend your heart because_________________________________
chorus:]
When the sun shines we'll shine together________________________________________
Told you I'll be here forever____________________________________________________
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath, I'mma stick it out 'til the end___________________________________
Now that it's raining more than ever know that we'll still have eachother
You can stand under my umbrella
You can run into my arms
It's okay, don't be alarmed
Come into me
There's no distance in between our love
So gonna let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more because