Figurative language in poetry


Figurative language – We call language figurative when the words do not really mean what they say, but have a hidden or extra meaning. Look at this example from the poem Africa, my Africa. Example: “Your … blood that irrigates the fields.” It is not really the blood of Africa that is irrigating the fields, because Africa is not a living person or animal. Personification – In the poem you will read, the poet is personifying Africa. Personification uses characteristics of human beings. The poet is using personification to make Africa seem like a human being. Metaphor – Personification is a special type of metaphor. Metaphors compare one thing to another. They do not use words such as, as or like. Example: “Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the field.” Water, not blood, is used for irrigating fields but, in the poem Africa, my Africa the poet compares blood to water by using blood as the subject of irrigate.


Activity 2: Read a poem The poem you are going to read is written by a West African poet.


Before reading Complete the following activities. 1 Look at the picture. How do you know this scene is set in Africa?


Remember, if we use as or like, it is a simile.


2 Read the Glossary on the next page. 3 Find a word in the Glossary which describes the landscape in the picture.


While reading Take note of the following while you read.


1 Notice how the poet expresses his feelings about his home. 2 Look out for any figurative language. 3 Take note of the imagery that the poet uses.


26 Term 1: Weeks 3–4


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