Literary Terms by Katelyn Morgan
A Dark and Stormy Night
Simile: A simile is a comparison of two or more things using the words "like" or "as".
Rainsford's impulse was to hurl himself down like a panther. In this simile Rainsford's instinct was compared to a panther that is about to leap after its prey. www.visualphotos.com
Metaphor: A metaphor is a comparison of two or more things without using the words "like" or "as".
I undid it just so much that a single thin ray fell upon the vulture eye. The phrase "vulture eye" is a metaphor that compares the old man's eye to that of a vulture's eye. photo.net
Personification: Personification is when you take an object and give it human characteristics.
The wash from the speeding yacht slapped him in the face. The wash or waves can not actually slap Reinsford in the face because that is a trait humans posses but not water. nees.oregonstate.edu
Simile
Through a screen of leaves almost as thick as tapestry. The comparison in this simile is between a wall of leaves and the density of tapestry. www.123rf.com
Metaphor
The cry was pinched off short as the blood-warm waters of the Caribbean Sea closed over his head. The phrase "blood-warm waters" compares the water of the Caribbean Sea to the warmth and texture of human blood. germaniza.deviantart.com
Personification
Where the sea licked greedy lips in the shadows. In this example of personification the author gives the sea the human-like ability to lick its lips. www.wikihow.com
Simile
Down like a dog on the highway. The author is comparing the Highwayman's dead body to that of a dog who got hit by a car on the highway. thistooshallpass.aminus3.com
Metaphor
The lights of the yacht became faint and ever-vanishing fireflies. This metaphor compares the lights on the yacht to fireflies that dim in the darkness. www.tumblr.com
Personification
Death in approaching him had stalked with his black shadow before him, and enveloped the victim. This is an example of personification because the author gives death the ability to approach, stalk, and envelope a victim, just like humans can. nativeaudiogrrrl.blogspot.com