Simile- A Literary Device
(Intermediate to Advanced ESOL)
Purpose
In this activity, you will learn about similes by reading a quote from James Thurber the author of the story "The Unicorn in the Garden."
Definitions
In this activity, you will learn about similes by reading a quote from James Thurber the author of the story "The Unicorn in the Garden."
Definitions
- A simile is a figure of speech in which one object is compared to another using 'like' or 'as.'
- A figure of speech is a literary device or an expressive use of language in which words are used in other than their literal meaning to 'paint a picture' or suggest an image for a special effect.
- A literary device is a literary or linguistic technique.
Read the following quote:
"I loathe the expression ‘What makes him tick.’ It is the American mind, looking for simple and singular solution that uses the foolish expression. A person not only ticks, he also chimes and strikes the hour, falls and breaks and has to be put together again, and sometimes stops like an electric clock in a thunderstorm. "
James Thurber
Discussion
What is the simile in the quote? What is being compared?
What verbs are used to talk about people?
Do you agree with the quote? Why or why not?
Follow-up Activity
Create your own similes about people. Share them with the class.
Example- My sister is like a flower.
