Figurative Language — Metaphor

Metaphor is stronger than simile — not 'like sunshine' but IS sunshine. 'Hope is the thing with feathers' (Dickinson). The compression is the power. Indirect aim: deeper rhetorical reading, poetic craft, understanding of linguistic economy.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Style & Figurative Language
• Level: Ages 7-9

Objectives

• Define metaphor as implicit comparison without 'like' or 'as'
• Identify metaphors in poetry and prose
• Compose original metaphors
• Explore extended metaphors

Materials

• Literature excerpts with metaphors
• Poetry journal
• Examples from Dickinson, Frost, modern lyrics
• Metaphor analysis worksheet

Instructions

1. Read Dickinson: 'Hope is the thing with feathers'. 2. Identify: hope = bird. No 'like'. 3. Discuss: why is metaphor stronger than simile? 4. Find metaphors in prose and poetry. 5. Compose: 'Loneliness is '. 6. Extend a metaphor over three sentences. 7. Share and revise. 8. File in poetry journal.

Educator tip

Dead metaphors ('the foot of the mountain') are everywhere in English. Identify some — it's a fun hunt.

Assessment

Observe metaphor identification, quality of composition, extension across sentences.

More from Language

• Figurative Language — Personification
• Comparative Research Report — Two-Subject Study
• Poetry — Form, Meter, and Original Composition
• Grammar Box 6 — The Verb with Full Presentation
• Grammar Box 7 — The Adverb
• Logical Agreement — Subject-Verb
• Active vs Passive Voice
• Word Study — Compound Words