Uses similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, etc. to describe something; often through comparison with something different.
-The dog is as soft as a cloud.
-The storm was an apocalypse.
-The kettle screamed.

Figurative

Means exactly what is says.
-The dog is soft.
-It's stormy today.
-The hot water in the kettle was ready.



Source: NCTE

​Literal

Literal vs. Figurative

Allusion
Allegory
Imagery
Alliteration

Metaphor
Simile
Personification
Onomatopoeia

Types of Figurative Language

What is actually being compared?
-Comparing him to a bird that is only awake at night.
-Comparing the world to a place where theater/concerts are performed.
-Comparing the classroom to a place where wild animals are kept.

Literal Metaphor

-He is a night owl.
-The world is a stage.
-The classroom is a zoo.

Metaphor

Examples of Metaphors

​Themes

A central, unifying idea in a piece of writing
-Presents ideas, deeper questions and conflicts about identity, philosophy, or morality
-NOT a judgement on how to live your life (that's a moral or message)
-Author's job to show the world's difficult questions, not answer them
Examples:
-Coming of age -Friendship -Love
-War -Survival -Revenge
-Family -Good vs. Evil
-Redemption -Justice

Source: Oregon State University