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Figuratively Speaking

Edgard Allan Poe was a master at using figurative language to create vivid imagery and evoke deep emotional responses. Students will explore and illustrate some examples.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Paper
  • Pencil(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    Writers use figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, personifications, and other forms, in order to paint a deep and vivid mental picture and evoke an emotional response. Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was considered a master of figurative language. Have students look for examples in his writings. In "The Raven," for example, Poe makes use of alliteration in phrases such as "weak and weary" and "followed fast and followed faster," In "The Tell-Tale Heart" Poe uses a metaphor when saying "...he had the eye of a vulture," and in "The Fall of the House of Usher" the physical house is personified to stand for the Usher family. Have students discuss uses of figurative language they recall from readings of Poe or other authors.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to depict one of these literary devices in a drawing. They might choose a work by Poe or another writer of their choice. Encourage them to use colors and drawing techniques that evoke the mood of the passage. For example, if they draw a raven saying the word "nevermore" they might use dark tones to convey the sense of loss and grief.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their drawings, describe the passage or phrase they depicted, the literary device it illustrates, and how they captured the feeling on paper.

Standards

LA: Apply knowledge of how language functions in different contexts to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading, writing, speaking, and/or listening.

LA: Add drawings or other visual displays to written text to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Adaptations

Challenge students to choose a topic or image and then describe it using a variety of figurative language techniques. For example if they choose "autumn" they might use alliteration: "Autumn is a fluttering flurry of falling leaves," simile: "Falling leaves are like whispers of autumn," or metaphor: "Autumn is a symphony of colors."

Ravens are common birds with deep symbolism for various cultures. Have students explore some of the associations with various peoples. For example, in Native American cultures, the raven is viewed as both a heroic figure and a creator as well as a trickster. In Celtic traditions, the bird represents chaos and death as well as the strength of a warrior.