How to use figurative language effectively
Figurative language is a term used to describe language that extends beyond the literal meaning of words. It employs various techniques, like metaphors, similes, and hyperbole, to convey an idea or a feeling that’s more than the sum of its words. By contrast, literal language is straightforward, relying on the dictionary definitions of words.
The purpose of figurative language in fiction writing
Figurative language breathes life into otherwise mundane descriptions, making them entertaining. Figurative language can also make your writing poignant. It’s a tool for painting vivid settings, describing realistic sounds, amplifying humour, uncovering character traits, and intensifying contrast. It also can simplify complex ideas, making them relatable and accessible to the reader.
It’s more than decoration; figurative language can deepen the reader’s connection to the story.
Where figurative language doesn’t hit the mark
Even within fiction, it’s vital to use figurative language judiciously. Does a character’s dialogue sound authentic if it is littered with metaphors? Does it fit with the overall tone and style of your writing? While figurative language can spice up your writing, too much can overwhelm and distract readers.
Use this literary device judiciously to avoid confusion and maintain a coherent and compelling narrative. Always ask yourself whether your chosen figurative language enhances or obscures the story you’re trying to tell.
The power of ten: Common types of figurative language
Let’s explore some common types of figurative language, complete with examples from literature:
- Metaphor: A direct comparison between two things. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare wrote, “Juliet is the sun.”
- Simile: A comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee described the town as “hot as a black dog suffered on a summer’s day.”
- Personification: Giving human traits to non-human entities. Charles Dickens personified the city in A Tale of Two Cities: “hungry as the grave.”
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration for dramatic effect. In 1984, George Orwell wrote, “a hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledgehammer, seemed to flow through the whole group of people like an electric current.”
- Symbolism: Using an object to represent an idea or emotion. The green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby represents hope and dreams.
- Allusion: A reference to a person, place, or thing from literature, history, or culture. In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger alludes to the Robert Burns poem with the title itself.
- Onomatopoeia: Words that mimic the sounds they describe. Edgar Allan Poe uses it in 'The Bells': “How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, / In the icy air of night!”
- Oxymoron: Two contradictory terms used together. Shakespeare used an oxymoron in Romeo and Juliet: “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
- Irony: Saying one thing but meaning the opposite, often for humorous or emphatic effect. Jane Austen is known for her use of irony, as seen in Pride and Prejudice: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. J.K. Rowling often used alliteration in the Harry Potter series, as with Severus Snape.
Extra tips: Practice makes perfect
Want to get better at using figurative language? Try rewriting a paragraph from your favourite book, replacing the literal descriptions with figurative language. Or, take an everyday object and write a paragraph describing it using as many types of figurative language as you can.
Harnessing figurative language for your fiction
Figurative language is a potent tool in a writer’s arsenal. It can transform your prose from a simple description into a vivid, captivating narrative. So, sprinkle in metaphors, stir in some similes, and let your words dance with personification and hyperbole. Just remember to taste-test your narrative regularly to ensure it’s seasoned to perfection.
