Figurative Language and “The Scarlet Ibis”

Figurative Language and “The Scarlet Ibis” English I

Flash Review • A short story is a piece of writing that is shorter than a novel. • So far, we have learned about four literary elements that are found in short stories: • Plot: What happens during a story • 5 Parts: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution • Characterization: The information an author gives you regarding characters in a short story • Implicit/Explicit characterization, Static/ Dynamic character • Setting: When and where a story takes place • When: Time of day, time of year, and time in history • Where: Specific and general setting • Mood: How the story makes the audience feel • Emotions, not just “happy” or “sad”

Figurative/literal language • Literal is real, figurative is imaginary! • Literal language occurs when words function exactly as described. • Example 1: The car is red. • Example 2: The Eagles won the football game. • Figurative language occurs when the author wants to paint an image in the reader’s mind. The author uses words that have an implied (or alternate) meaning. • Example 1: I’ve got your back. • Example 2: Let’s go chill!

Figurative Language: Simile • A simile is a comparison of two objects using the words “like” or “as.” • Example 1: Anna is as busy as a bee . • Example 2: Harry and Jimmy are like two peas in a pod.

Figurative language: simile • Note: Using “like” or “as” in a sentence does not create a simile! A comparison must be made. • Not a simile: I like candy. • Simile: Mandy is sweet like candy.

Figurative language: Metaphor • A metaphor is a comparison made without using “like” or “as.” • Example 1: All the world is a stage. • Example 2: Men are dogs.

Figurative language: personification • Personification occurs when human traits are given to objects or ideas. • Example 1: The sunlight danced upon the water. • Example 2: She is a graceful swan.

Figurative language: hyperbole • A hyperbole uses exaggeration to show a strong feeling or effect. • Example 1: All hands on deck! • Example 2: My next class is a million miles away.

Figurative language: onomatopoeia • An onomatopoeia occurs when you use a word that “makes” a sound. • Example 1: Oink • Example 2: Buzz • Example 3: Pop

Figurative language: idiom • An idiom is a saying that isn’t meant to be taken literally. • Example 1: You are the apple of my eye. • Example 2: I wear my heart on my sleeve.

Figurative language: alliteration • Alliterationoccurs when a sentence or phrase begins with the same letter or sound. • Tongue twisters often use alliteration! • Example 1: She sells seashells by the sea shore. • Example 2: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Why use figurative language? • Figurative language is also known as descriptive language or poetic language. • Figurative language helps the writer paint a picture in the reader’s mind. This is called imagery.

James Hurst, author of “ibis”

Who is James Hurst? • James Hurst was born on January 1, 1922 near Jacksonville, North Carolina. • He attended Booker T. Washington high school in Atlanta, Georgia. • After graduating from high school, Hurst attended North Carolina State College where he studied chemical engineering. • After serving in the military during World War II, Hurst decided to become an opera singer and studied at the Julliard School of Music in New York. • Hurst decided to leave his singing career behind to become a banker in New York. Hurst enjoyed writing plays and short stories in his spare time.

What is a scarlet Ibis? • The Scarlet Ibis is a species of the ibis bird family that resides in South America and in islands of the Caribbean. • One feature that sets the Scarlet Ibis apart from other ibis birds is its brilliant red color, making the bird hard to miss! • If a scarlet ibis is in captivity (or

Resources • http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1254247775p5/59410.jpg • http://resources.waza.org/files/images/w(415)h(252)c(1)q(90)/ee8fc35ad33889e4e8228e54c4221419.jpg

Figurative Language and “The Scarlet Ibis”