LA Notes

Symbolism - a symbol is a word or image that represents something else. The eagle is a symbol for the United States. The red maple leaf represents Canada. The dove is a symbol for peace. The colour white symbolizes purity.

Poets/songwriters use the symbol frequently because it often has a strong emotional impact as in the song Blackbird by Paul McCartney. The blackbird is not a bird at all, but represents the black race of people.

Simile – compares two or more unlike things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. Examples include: The elephant is like a rope. The ice was as smooth as glass. She is as tall as a giraffe. The teacher is like a drill sergeant.

Metaphor - compares two or more unlike things NOT using the words 'like' or 'as'. Examples include: The giraffe dunked the basketball. The noisy children were a carnival ride out of control. I am a brain in PRA.

Personification - giving human qualities to an idea, animal or object. Examples include: June bug plucking his guitar. The oversized coat swallowed me whole. The hole punch ate the sheet of looseleaf. The alarm clock was yelling at me this morning.