Overview: A Practical Guide Module

in Reading 1
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of the session, you will be able to:
1. understand how figurative language skill guides you in
reading;
2. apply the skill using figurative language in writing; and
3. reflect on one’s reading performance in the target skill.
 SKILL J:
FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
SKILL J: FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

As stated by New South Wales (Department of

Education), in this skill, the students create comparisons
by linking the senses and the concrete to abstract ideas.
 Cont’d…

Words or phrases are used in a non-literal way for

particular effect, for example simile, metaphor, and,
personification.
 Cont’d…
Figurative language may also use elements of other
senses, as in hearing with onomatopoeia, or in
combination as in synesthesia
(http://education.nsw.gov.au)
 INVICTUS by William Ernest Henley
(Poetry Foundation, 2018)

Out of the night that covers me, Beyond this place of wrath and tears,
Black as the pit from pole to pole, Looms but the horror of the shade,
I thank whatever gods may be And yet the menace of the years
For my unconquerable soul. Finds and shall find me unafraid.

In the fell clutch of circumstance It matters not how strait the gate
I have not winced nor cried aloud How charged with punishments the scroll,
Under the bludgeonings of chance I am the master of my fate,
My head is bloody, but unbowed. I am the captain of my soul.
 Elaboration
Words/lines from the Figurative Language Explanation
Poem Used
 Out of the night that  Metaphor symbolism  The night is compared to the pain and
covers me suffering.
 Personification
 The night is covering the speaker.

 Black as the pit from  Simile  The use of as comparing the pole to pit.
pole to pole  The “p” in pit, pole and, pole.
 Alliteration
 The pit symbolizes darkness.
 Symbol
 Cont’d…
Words/lines from the Figurative Language Explanation
Poem Used
 In the fell clutch of  Alliteration  The “c” in clutch and circumstance.
circumstance
 Personification  Circumstance is acting like a person in
doing the clutching.

 I have not winced nor  Imagery  It shoes the speaker remains strong even
cried aloud after all the pain and suffering.
 Cont’d…
Words/lines from the Figurative Language Explanation
Poem Used
 Under the bludgeoning  Personification  Chance is acting like a person giving blow-
of the sun by-blow punches.

 My head is bloody but  Imagery  It shows that even he was having difficult
unbowed time, he still managed to keep is head up.
 The place is likened to a place full of wrath
 Beyond this place of  Metaphor and tears.
wrath and tears
 Cont’d…
Words/lines from the Figurative Language Explanation
Poem Used
 And yet the menace of  Metaphor  It means the coming of age.
the years
 Personification  Years is menacing the person.

 It matters not how strait  Symbolism  The gate symbolizes one’s path in life.
the gate
 The speaker is in-charge of his life and his
 I am the master of my  Symbolism decisions.
fate, I am the captain of
my soul