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140 Unit 2 ■ Analyzing Comparisons and Representations
INTRODUCING THE WORKSHOP Writers make comparisons primarily through two types of figurative lan-
guage: similes and metaphors.
TRM Lit Links. You may open the lesson by
playing Katy Perry’s song, “Firework,” or another
song that presents a visual comparison. Similes
Distribute the lyrics to the song as well. Ask Similes use words such as like or as to make an explicit comparison between two
students to identify the similes and metaphors. objects or concepts. This kind of figurative language calls attention to the act of
More importantly, have students identify the comparing.
specific aspects (e.g., characteristics, traits,
Copyright (c) 2023 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Uncorrected proofs were used with this sample chapter.
parts) that are being compared. Have a The boy hurried away like a frightened puppy.
discussion on why the lyricist chose those (main subject) (comparison subject)
specific points of comparison. What do those
aspects reveal about the character? What values • The old lighthouse stood firm as an anchor against the waves.
are associated with the comparisons? You may • My mother’s words were smooth and sweet as honey.
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.
conclude the lesson by showing the music video
for the song, asking students whether or not Metaphors
the choices in the video convey their own
interpretation. The music video and lyrics are Metaphors are another type of comparison between two seemingly unlike things.
available through the Lit Link. But in contrast to similes, metaphors imply comparisons through the forms of the
verb be. That is, writers equate the two things in a way that reveals or emphasizes
one or more of their characteristics.
WORKSHOP RESOURCES That book was a roller-coaster ride.
TRM All of the following resources for this (main subject) (comparison subject)
section can be found in the Teacher’s Resource This metaphor highlights how a novel’s suspense, surprises, and figurative plot
Materials on the digital platform and individually twists are similar to the literal course of a roller coaster.
at point of use.
Graphic Organizer: Explaining the Function of • When her name was called at graduation, her heart roared with pride.
Comparisons • I can’t find anything because the website is just a maze of links!
• My younger siblings were sheep, blindly believing whatever I told them.
Writers choose comparison subjects with careful thought and intention. In
®
AP CLASSROOM RESOURCES turn, attentive readers should be able to determine what specific aspects, qualities,
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AP Daily Videos and traits are being compared. For example, if a writer compares love to a rose,
close readers should ask, “What exactly about the rose is being compared to love?
®
AP Topic Questions The thorns? The petals? The color?” If readers understand different aspects of the
comparison subject, they can make a more informed interpretation.
Moreover, interpretations of a comparison are contextual. All interpretation
draws upon the experiences and associations that readers have with the objects
and concepts being compared. Similar to historical references, literary quotations,
or pop culture allusions, comparisons may rely on the audience’s cultural under-
standing of an idea or object.
Sometimes comparisons can lose some of their meaning when the audience
or time frame changes. Especially when reading texts that were written in another
time frame or for another culture, close readers must consider, Does this compar-
ison still hold meaning for this audience?
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140 Unit 2 Analyzing Comparisons and Representations
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