Simile+and+Metaphor

Similes use the words “as” or “like” to make the connection between the two things that are being compared.
 * Similes**
 * Similes are comparisons** that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are similar in one important way. Similes are a way to describe something. Authors use them to make their writing more interesting or entertaining.

Examples: 1. Playing chess with Ashley is **like** trying to outsmart a computer. The activity “playing chess with Ashley” is being compared to “trying to outsmart a computer.” The point is that Ashley can think in a powerful manner that resembles the way a computer operates, not that she is like a computer in any other way. 2. His temper was **as** explosive **as** a volcano. His temper is being compared to a volcano in that it can be sudden and violent.

//Underline the word or phrase that is being described by each simile. Put parentheses around the word or phrase it is being compared to. The first three have been done for you.// 1. Mary frowned and said, “I believe that __taking drugs__ is like (playing with fire).” 2. I walked along the beach and listened to the ocean. My __sadness__ was as unending as the (waves). 3. Don’t tell Mother that her __cookies__ taste like (lumps of sand). 4. Sam waited impatiently for his older **brother** to calm down. “Bill, I think you are acting like a (baby),” he said. 5. **Karen** was offended when I said that she was as (flaky as a snowstorm). 6. Be careful when you go out. The **sidewalk** is as slippery as (greased glass). 7. I’m not comfortable about this situation. **I** feel like a bug sitting under a (magnifying glass). 8. I hoped our **play** would be a success and last for many performances. However, I guess it will last as long as a balloon in a (roomful of kittens). 9. I really like **Patty**. Her heart is as soft as a (feather pillow). 10. **Cheryl’s** smile is as sweet as a (lullaby).

**Metaphors are comparisons** that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are similar in one important way. Metaphors are a way to describe something. Authors use them to make their writing more interesting or entertaining. Unlike similes that use the words “as” or “like” to make a comparison, **metaphors state that something //is// something else.** //Read the statements that contain metaphors in italics. Then complete the statements that explain the metaphors.//
 * Metaphors**

1. //Brian was a wall//, bouncing every tennis ball back over the net. This metaphor compares Brian to a wall because __________. a. He was very strong. b. He was very tall. c. He kept returning the balls. d. His body was made of cells.

2. We would have had more pizza to eat if //Tammy hadn’t been such a hog//. Tammy was being compared to a hog because she __________. a. looked like a hog b. ate like a hog c. smelled like a hog d. was as smart as a hog

3. //Cindy was such a mule//. We couldn’t get her to change her mind. The metaphor compares Cindy to a mule because she was __________. a. always eating oats b. able to do hard work c. raised on a farm d. very stubborn

4. The poor rat didn’t have a chance. Our old //cat, a bolt of lightning//, caught his prey. The cat was compared to a bolt of lightning because he was __________. a. very fast b. very bright c. not fond of fleas d. very old

5. Even a child could carry my dog, Dogface, around for hours. //He’s such a feather//. This metaphor implies that Dogface __________. a. is not cute b. looks like a bird c. is not heavy d. can fly