Identifying Figurative Language from Edgar Allan Poe
Directions:Write which technique is being used on the line. Then, explain how you know your answer.
Answers:Simile, Metaphor, Personification, and Hyperbole1. Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth.
What technique is being used? Hyperbole
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
It is an exaggeration to claim that he heardallthings.
2. A single dim ray, like the thread of the spider, shot from out the crevice.
What technique is being used? Simile
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
The ray of light is compared to spider thread using "like."
3. Yes, he was stone, stone dead.
What technique is being used? Metaphor or personification
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
His state is compared to that of a stone's without using the word "like" or "as." Also, the stone is given the human characterstic of death.
4. Death has reared himself a throne / In a strange city lying alone
What technique is being used? Personification
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
The idea of death is given human characteristics.
5. It increased my fury, as the beating of a drum stimulates the soldier into courage.
What technique is being used? Simile
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
It is being compared to a drum beat using the word "as."
6.Allthat we see or seem / Is but a dream within a dream.
What technique is being used? Hyperbole or Metaphor
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
It is an exaggeration to claim that "all" is but a dream. Also, everything is being compared to a dream.
7. The rosemary nods upon the grave; / The lily lolls upon the wave;
What technique is being used? Personification
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
Rosemary is given the trait of nodding and lily is given the ability to loll.
8. The breeze� the breath of God�is still
What technique is being used? Metaphor
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
The breeze is compared to the breathe of god.
9. It was a low, dull, quick sound�much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton.
What technique is being used? Simile
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
The sound is compared to the noise of an enveloped watch.
10. Noweach visitor shall confess / The sad valley's restlessness.
What technique is being used? Personificatoin or hyperbole
Simile, Metaphor, Personification, or Hyperbole
How do you figure?Explain how you got your answer
The valley is given the trait of sadness, and it is an exaggeration to claim that each visitor will feel that.