Simile and Metaphor in Descriptive Writing

Literary Devices That Create Emotional Hooks for Readers

Oct 11, 2009

Literary devices, also called figurative language, are used in writing fiction to create memorable imagery. Simile and metaphor are two of the easiest to learn.

Bestselling authors have the talent to draw readers into a story, creating an emotional hook that keeps them turning page after page. Invariably, these writers use literary devices that make connections with the readers. Two of these, simile and metaphor, are often confused and misused, but they needn’t be.

What is a Simile?

Simply stated, a simile makes a comparison between two things using the words like or as. The words like or as are the distinguishing characteristic of a simile.

Both of these similes are simple, yet they leave a picture in the readers mind. This is the goal of a simile. Creating a word picture that appeals to readers makes an emotional connection that draws them into the story.

What is a Metaphor?

A metaphor also compares two things, but a metaphor does not use the words like or as. Instead, the metaphor makes a comparison as if the two things are one and the same. The simile examples above are turned into metaphors by changing a few key words.

Misuse of Simile and Metaphor

Poor word choice often results in misuse of similes and metaphors. The connotations of the comparison need to be considered when creating these literary devices. One example of a misused metaphor might be:

Unfortunately, the image this creates is a toilet bowl flushing, or water going down a drain, probably not what a writer would intend in most cases. A better metaphor, although clichéd, would be:

Reading similes and metaphors aloud to another person helps detect these types of problems.

Use Simile and Metaphor to Make Emotional Hooks

Readers naturally are interested in things to which they can relate. Creating experiences and imagery that makes a connection is better descriptive writing and it grabs the reader with an emotional hook. An adept fiction writer will create imagery that is interesting, true to life, and emotionally intriguing.

The first sentence describes the air in the room, and creates a picture for the reader. It denotes sweat beading on surfaces and a certain amount of heat.

By adding a metaphor in the second sentence, the writing takes on a new life. Now the reader can see that the air has become more than simply humid. With this metaphor, not only is the mood in the room defined, the mood of the story has been elevated, the air an indicator of tension and problems to come in the story. The second description is more interesting, it has an emotional element tied into it, and this makes it more powerful.

Simile and metaphor add depth and excitement to fiction writing. There is a simple rule to remember them.

Remembering this simple rule will help a story writer use them and use them well. Don’t just write a good story. Use figurative language to write a zip line ride of a story, readers strapped into their harnesses, hanging on to the plot like a lifeline, rushing to the end.

The copyright of the article Simile and Metaphor in Descriptive Writing in Writing Techniques is owned by Suzanne Pitner. Permission to republish Simile and Metaphor in Descriptive Writing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.