This document defines and provides examples of several types of figurative language that are often used in poetry: similes, metaphors, hyperboles, personification, and idioms. It discusses each technique and includes short poems demonstrating their use, highlighting the specific figures of speech in brackets. The overall purpose is to familiarize readers with these literary devices.

1. Similes, Metaphors,
Hyperboles, Personification,
& Idioms in Poetry
Oklahoma 5th Grade Reading
PASS Objective 4.3.b

2. These are all figures of speech, that once we start to
look at them, you will find even you use them quite
often.
Before we can see how each of these would/could be
used in poetry, we have to know what exactly each of
them is....so, let’s look at them!

3. What is a Simile?
A simile is an easy way to compare two things using
the words “like,” “as,” or “than”. As long as you
compare one thing to another, even if they’re not alike,
it is considered a simile.

4. Some Similes...
He’s as tall as a tree.
She’s as smart as a whip.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what
you’re going to get.
I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses.

5. Simile in Poetry
Your teeth are like stars;
They come out at night.
They come back at dawn
When they’re ready to bite.
by Denise Rogers

6. Simile in Poetry
Your teeth are like stars;
They come out at night. Where is
They come back at dawn the simile?
When they’re ready to bite.
by Denise Rogers

7. Simile in Poetry
Your teeth are like stars;
They come out at night. Where is
They come back at dawn the simile?
When they’re ready to bite.
by Denise Rogers

8. What is a Metaphor?
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied
to an object or action to which it is not literally
applicable (comparison between two dissimilar things).

9. Some Metaphors
The assignment was a breeze.
The defense was a rock.
She is drowning in money.
He really ruffled her feathers.

10. Metaphors in Poetry
Tranquility
Time slides
a gentle ocean
waves upon waves,
washing the shore,
loving the shore.
by Star Fields

11. Metaphors in Poetry
Tranquility
Time slides
a gentle ocean
Where is
waves upon waves,
the metaphor?
washing the shore,
loving the shore.
by Star Fields

12. Metaphors in Poetry
Tranquility
Time slides
a gentle ocean
Where is
waves upon waves,
the metaphor?
washing the shore,
loving the shore.
by Star Fields

13. What is a Hyperbole?
Another type of figurative language that is often
confused with similes and metaphors because it
compares two objects. The difference is, a hyperbole is
an exaggeration.

14. Some Hyperboles
His feet were as big as a barge.
I nearly died laughing.
If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times.
I was hopping mad.

15. Hyperbole in Poetry
The Christmas Tree by Natasha Niemi
Momma bought a tree bigger than Jack’s giant.
The branches were so long,
They gave each other huge bear hugs.
It took a million lights
To even make the tree seem half awake
And a thousand gifts to soothe
The giant’s appetite.

16. What is Personification?
A figure of speech where non-human objects (plants,
animals, etc.) are given human characteristics.

17. Personification Examples
Justice is blind.
Money is the only friend I have.
The sorry engine took it’s last breath.
The Halloween pumpkin smiled at me.

18. Personification in Poetry
Dinnertime Chorus by Sharon Hendricks
The teapot sang as the water boiled.
The ice cubes cackled in their glass.
The teacups chattered to one another.
While the chairs were passing gas,
The gravy gurgled merrily,
As the oil danced in a pan.
Oh my dinnertime chorus
What a lovely, lovely clan!

19. What is an Idiom?
Figurative language that becomes common speech
that doesn’t correspond to a literal meaning.

20. Idiom Examples
She is pulling my leg.
I cried my eyes out.
I wish you’d get out of my hair.
Joe is a pain in the neck.

21. Idioms in Poetry
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
I’ve looked up to the sky,
Counted all the clouds with a silver lining,
There are none.
Not one single trace of silver in the grey.