Creative Writing: Understanding Figurative (Metaphoric) Language
GENERAL METAPHOR: when a word or phrase denoting one
kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest
a likeness or analogy between them
SIMILE: a metaphor wherein a likeness between two unlike things
or ideas is suggested rather than stated outright, using “like”
or “as” or “as if” or “resembled”
PERSONIFICATION: a metaphor wherein an inanimate thing or
concept, or an animal, is given human qualities
When we use words, we usually mean exactly what we say. This is called using words LITERALLY.
For example:
The sky is blue.
I feel angry.
The train arrived at the station.
However, we may also choose to use language in a FIGURATIVE way. This is when the words we
use are not to be taken literally but instead as representations of the literal meaning. For example:
The sky shone like a brilliant turquoise gem.
I am so angry I could burst.
The train roared into the station.
Each case above contains a figurative element – a word or phrase that is not to be taken literally but,
through suggestion, connotes the meaning in a more concise way than the previous statements.
A word’s denotation is its dictionary definition, the literal definition. A word may, though
have additional connotation.... which suggests meaning beyond the literal, usually related
to tone and cultural context. Figurative language typically suggests much richer connotation.
The question is, why would a speaker or writer choose to speak figuratively? Let’s look at the three
examples. Pay attention to TONE and EFFECT.
The sky shone like a brilliant turquoise gem.
Exactly what is figurative? _________________________________
Which type of figurative language is this? ________________________________
What tone is established? ______________________________________________
Can you think of a time or place when it might be more helpful or effective to describe the
sky this way rather than simply saying it’s blue?
I was so angry I could burst.
Exactly what is figurative? _________________________________
Which type of figurative language is this? ________________________________
What tone is established? ______________________________________________
Can you think of a time or place when it might be more helpful or effective to describe anger
this way instead of simply saying you were angry?
The train roared into the station.
Exactly what is figurative? _________________________________
Which type of figurative language is this? ________________________________
What tone is established? ______________________________________________
Can you think of a time or place when it might be more helpful or effective to describe the
train’s action this way instead of simply saying it arrived?
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN POETRY
Note poet Marge Piercy’s use of figurative language in her famous poem, “To be of use.”
(The complete poem can be found on page 157 of Good Poems.)
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.