Simile and Metaphor: Figurative Language Techniques Quiz

Simile and Metaphor: Comparing Figurative Language Techniques

Definition of Simile

A simile is a literary device used by writers and poets to compare two unlike things in order to create a vivid image in readers' minds. This figurative language technique employs the use of like or as, usually accompanied by a verb. For example, in this quote from Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," we see a simile being employed:

"She doth teach the torches to burn bright"

In this quote, Juliet is being compared to a teacher, which is an unlike thing. She is not actually teaching torches to burn bright, but the simile creates a vivid image in the reader's mind of her being a teacher in a poetic way.

Examples of Simile

Similes can be found in various forms of literature, from poetry and prose to drama. Here are some examples:

• "Her eyes were like twin stars shining bright."
• "He ran like a cheetah through the grass."
• "Her smile was as warm as the sun on a summer day."

Comparison between Simile and Metaphor

While both simile and metaphor are figurative language techniques used for comparison, they differ in their structure and usage. Similes use the words like or as to compare two unlike things, while metaphors compare two things directly and do not use connecting words like like or as.

For instance, consider this simile: "Her smile was as warm as the sun on a summer day." This simile compares her smile to the warmth of the sun on a summer day.

Now, consider this metaphor: "Her smile is a ray of sunshine." This metaphor directly compares her smile to a ray of sunshine, without using the words like or as.

Types of Metaphor

There are several types of metaphors, each with its own unique characteristics. Some common types include:

• Concrete Metaphor: These metaphors compare two concrete objects or ideas, such as "The streets were a river of tears" or "The wind howled in the night like a pack of wolves."
• Abstract Metaphor: These metaphors compare abstract concepts with concrete objects or ideas, such as "His anger boiled over like hot water."
• Extended Metaphor: An extended metaphor uses one central idea throughout a piece of writing, creating a consistent theme or meaning, such as "The city was a jungle of chaos and destruction."

Examples of Metaphor

Metaphors can be found in various forms of literature, from poetry and prose to drama and everyday speech. Here are some examples:

• "Life is a journey."
• "Her eyes were pools of sorrow."
• "Love is a rose with its thorns."

Test your knowledge on simile and metaphor, two common figurative language techniques used in literature. Learn about how similes compare two unlike things using like or as, while metaphors directly compare two things without using connecting words. Explore different types of metaphors like concrete, abstract, and extended metaphors with examples from various literary works.