Scribd
Upload
96 views

Similes and Metaphors

This document discusses similes and metaphors, two commonly used literary devices. It defines a simile as comparing one thing to another using "like" or "as", such as "Your hands are as cold as ice." A metaphor directly states that one thing is another, such as referring to someone as a "solitary dove among crows" rather than saying they are like a dove. The document provides examples of each and an assignment for readers to practice identifying similes and metaphors.

Uploaded by

api-203814269
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
96 views

Similes and Metaphors

This document discusses similes and metaphors, two commonly used literary devices. It defines a simile as comparing one thing to another using "like" or "as", such as "Your hands are as cold as ice." A metaphor directly states that one thing is another, such as referring to someone as a "solitary dove among crows" rather than saying they are like a dove. The document provides examples of each and an assignment for readers to practice identifying similes and metaphors.

Uploaded by

api-203814269
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Self-Directed Learning

Similes & Metaphors

You may already be somewhat familiar with similes and metaphors, the mostly
commonly used terms when talking about poetry. But if you aren’t, let’s back up a little
bit and explain. Metaphors and similes are also the mostly commonly mixed up terms in
poetry, so let’s look at what each means.

sim*i*le (pronounced similee)

When one thing or idea is described as being similar to another. Similes usually
contain the words “like” or “as.”

ex: “Your hands are as cold as ice.” In this case, someoneʼs hands are being
compared to ice. This gives us a better idea of how cold the personʼs hands
really are, but of course it doesnʼt mean that the hands are made of ice.

The easiest way to tell the difference between a simile and a metaphor is to look for
the words “like” or “as.” IF the words “like” or “as” are there AND IF something/
someone is being compared to something/someone else, then it is a simile.

However, it is important to remember that it is not automatically a simile just because


you see the words “like” or “as.” For example, the statement “I like pizza” is NOT a
simile - in this case “like” is being used as a verb to describe how someone feels about
pizza, not to compare him/herself to a pizza. Similarly, the statement “As I hopped out
of the shower, the phone rang” is not a simile either. In this case, “as” is being used to
demonstrate time. It is not comparing the shower or the person showering to a
telephone.

But, the phrase “he has cat-like reflexes” IS a simile - the person is saying that he has
reflexes LIKE those of a cat. Also, the phrase “She is as beautiful as a rose” is also a
simile - the person is comparing her beauty to that of a rose.

Now let’s look at metaphors.

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 58


Self-Directed Learning

met*a*phor

When one thing or idea substitutes for another; may contain a statement
saying it IS the second thing, or spoken about AS IF IT IS the second thing.

ex: In Romeo & Juliet, Romeo says Juliet “is a rich jewel.” This statement is a
metaphor to demonstrate Julietʼs worth. Romeo is not saying she literally is a
jewel - just that she is as valuable to him as if she WERE a jewel.

Romeo also says Juliet “is a solitary dove among crows.” Neither is he saying
she IS a bird, but that she is the only beauty (dove) among far less attractive
women (crows).

The easiest way to tell if it’s a metaphor is to look for the words “like” and “as.” If
they are NOT there, AND if something/someone is being compared to something else,
then it is a metaphor.

Again, you must be careful. Just because you DON’T see the words “like” or “as”
doesn’t mean it’s automatically a metaphor, either. For example, take the statement “The
sun is a burning ball of fire.” There is no “like” or “as” in this statement. But is
something being compared? You may think so at first - but think again! The sun IS a
burning ball of fire - that’s science! Therefore, it can’t be compared to itself! This
statement is a fact, not a metaphor.

However, if you were to say “The sun is the lifeblood of our planet,” that would be a
metaphor. While it certainly brings life to all plants and animals on the planet, it is not
blood, and the metaphor highlights its importance with respect to all life on Earth.

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 59


Self-Directed Learning

Assignment 1: Similes and Metaphors

For each of the statements below, identify whether it is a simile or a metaphor. You do
not need to use full sentences for Part A of this assignment.

PART A (10 marks):

1. My love is like a red, red rose. ___________________________


2. It looks like a bomb went off in here! ___________________________
3. That test was so easy - it was a breeze! ___________________________
4. That goalie stood on his head last night - he was amazing! ______________________
5. That truck is solid as a rock. ___________________________
6. Have you ever tried to map your family tree? ___________________________
7. As I was walked into her room, I thought “what a pig sty!”
___________________________
8. His smile was as warm as the sun. ___________________________
9. You are the sunshine of my life. ___________________________
10. This house is like a prison! ___________________________

PART B (6 marks):

Now it’s your turn. Write 3 of your own similes and 3 of your own metaphors. Please
make it clear which 3 are which!

Assessment Break #1
This assignment is out of 16 marks and this unit is worth 10% of your final mark. In
this case, the marking scheme is fairly straightforward - each item is worth 1 mark each,
so make sure you understand the definitions of simile and metaphor before doing this
assignment! If you understand them, you will be sure to do well! In Part B, you will
receive 1 mark for each of your 3 metaphors and 3 similes.

Property of: Portage la Prairie School Division 60

You might also like