Figurative Language Quiz Study Guide Part A: Analyze figurative language and nuance in a text to determine meaning. 4 I can correctly identify figurative devices and provide a thorough analysis of how they express meaning. 3 2 I can correctly identify figurative I can correctly identify devices and provide a basic figurative devices. analysis of how they express meaning. 1 I can define figurative devices You must be able to define these terms to get a (1) . Tone: the author’s feeling or attitude towards the subject or audience Figurative Language: language that means something more or something other than its literal meaning You must be able to match these terms to their definitions to get a (1): ●
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Simile: indirectly compares a literal term to a figurative term using “like” or “as” Ironic Simile: an indirect comparison that expresses a meaning opposite of its intended meaning Metaphor: directly compares a literal term to a figurative term Implied Metaphor: compares a literal term to a figurative term without directly stating one or more of the terms Extended Metaphor: a more developed comparison that contains multiple literal and/or figurative terms Mixed Metaphor: a comparison with multiple literal and/or figurative terms that are inconsistent Metonymy: a word is replaced with the name of something closely associated with it Synecdoche: a word is replaced with something that is a part or component of it Personification: inanimate objects are described as having human characteristics Symbolism: a concrete object represents an abstract idea Hyperbole; an extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect Onomatopoeia: words that sound like the sounds they describe You must be able to identify figurative devices to get a (2). Simile
The insult coursed through his veins like snake venom. You must be able to explain what is being compared and how it expresses meaning to get a (3) or (4). (3) The simile is used to compare an insult to snake venom because it hurts him the same way venom would. (4) The simile is used to compare an insult to snake venom. The insult isn’t really coursing through his veins like venom would if a snake bit him, but it is injuring him in an emotional way that is similar to the physical harm venom would inflict. This serves to emphasize the impact of this insult, so we understand he was really hurt by it. Part B: Use techniques such as diction, syntax, figurative language, and imagery to enhance creative writing. 4 I can use figurative devices effectively in my writing. 3 I can use figurative devices accurately in my writing. 2 1 I can use figurative language I cannot yet use figurative in my writing with some devices in my writing. flaws or misunderstandings. You must be able to complete a sentence using the figurative device specified. Quality determines score. Complete the sentence with an implied metaphor Your smile… (1) ...is happy. (not figurative) (2) ...is the sun. (figurative but not implied metaphor) (3) ...burns brightly (implied metaphor suggesting the sun or fire) (4) ...flickers enticingly at the end of a long dark road. (implied metaphor suggesting a candle burning in the window for a traveler on the road at night.) Part C: Analyze an author's choice of language (diction, figurative language, imagery, syntax) to determine its impact on meaning and tone. 4 3 2 I can provide a thorough and insightful analysis of how carefully considered language choices impact meaning and/or tone. I can provide a clear and accurate analysis of how specific language choices impact meaning and/or tone. I can provide a partial or somewhat flawed analysis of how general language choices impact meaning and/or tone. 1 I may be able to identify tone but I cannot yet analyze how language choices impact meaning and/or tone. Given a text, you should be able to identify the use of figurative devices and explain how the meanings expressed by the figurative language help you understand the feeling or attitude of the speaker. Moonlight Night: Carmel by Langston Hughes Tonight the waves march In long ranks Cutting the darkness With their silver shanks, Cutting the darkness And kissing the moon And beating the land’s Edge into a swoon. (4) The speaker uses the phrase “march in long ranks” to compare the waves
to soldiers. This use of personification is further developed by comparing the whitecaps of the waves to “shanks” or swords. This comparison of the waves to soldiers makes it seem like the speaker is impressed by the force and violence of the water. The next lines of the poem have the waves “kissing” the
moon, expressing that the waves are literally very tall but also suggesting the
speaker has a more romantic attitude. The speaker does not seem to be so much afraid of the violence of the waves as awed by their power. (3) The speaker compares the waves to a soldier using phrases like “march in long ranks” and “kissing” and “beating.” This is an example of personification. Comparing the waves to a soldier make the speaker’s tone seem a bit anxious and submissive because the waves, like soldiers, are so forceful and violent. (2) This poem compares waves to a person because it says they march and cut and kiss. Only people can do these things. The tone is scary because the
swords are cutting the darkness. (1) The poem is talking about the ocean at night. The darkness makes the tone scary.