Figurative+Language

Definition:
Figurative language gives a meaning that goes beyond the exact meaning of the words used in order to achieve a special effect. In "screaming headlines," the word "screaming" is figurative in use. Dannie Abse uses a figure of speech (personification) when he writes that 'snowflakes whitewash the shed roof and the grass' in Imitations (p.70). Obviously snowflakes are not people who can wield pots of whitewash and brushes, so this makes no literal sense, but it is packed"with figurative meaning. Figurative language can include hyperbole, metaphor, simile, personification, and other figures of speech that enrich description and create meaning.

Example Poem:
"A Dream Deferred" -- Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore - And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over - Like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sages Like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

How Figurative Language Is Used:
Figurative language is used in this poem by making it in a formatic way it makes the poem more mysterious than it should be. The words the poem has makes the people think this makes it more intresting.