Figurative Language

Figurative Language is not literally true. Four common figures of speech are simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole. I have been reading the Hunger Games and have found many examples of Figurative Language. 
 
Simile: A Simile is a comparison between two unlikely things by using the words “like” or “as”.
Example in the book: “But it’s lovely, deep down under the water, like being in a different world.” Page 253. This compares the underwater as being so spectacular it is like living in another world because it is so different. The use of simile shows how amazing it is and how it is not the same, it’s comparing it to something unreal. 

Metaphor: A Metaphor is similar to a Simile, yet it states something as something not just like it. It describes something as “It is” or “I am”.
In the book, Katniss is referred to as “Katniss, the Girl on Fire”. She isn’t really on fire. The metaphor shows her as being on fire to show how rebellious she is and she is the spark that is willing to set the district alight with the idea of change. The use of this metaphor shows her character as very courageous and brave, giving her this nick name.

Personification: Personification is a technique of giving a non-human thing a human quality such as hearing feelings, talking, and making decisions.
 …"still nights when we go to bed with our stomachs growling." Page 9. This personification is showing the stomach as growling like what a bear does when it sees its prey. The use of personification is representing them as being extremely hungry as their stomach has powers that are not human.


Hyperbole: Hyperbole is an exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe that the statement is true. Hyperboles can be used to exaggerate something so much that it is humorous.
  “The laughter drains from those eyes, and they are staring so intensely into mine." Page 254. The use of hyperbole is shown when it says “so intensely”. This exaggerates the fact that they are staring; it is very intense which makes it more interesting as the hyperbole create a scarier and more interesting mood. The use of hyperbole is very effective at setting the mood to be very dark and mysterious.