Use the poem to answer the question.
Fast as a cheetah,
I run through the field. The wind
sings words of support.
Name the three types of figurative language in the poem. Then, choose one example of figurative language and analyze the effect it has on the poem.
The three types of figurative language evident in the poem are:
1. Simile: The comparison made using "as" ("Fast as a cheetah") compares the speaker's speed to that of a cheetah, which is renowned for its incredible speed. This enhances the reader's understanding of the speaker's own swift movement.
2. Personification: Attributing human qualities to non-human entities (“The wind sings words of support”), which gives life and a sense of animation to the environment, suggesting that the wind is encouraging and actively supporting the speaker.
3. Imagery: The use of visually descriptive language that appeals to the senses ("run through the field"). Even though it's usually not classified as figurative language, it creates a vivid picture of the speaker running through an open space.
Analyzing the effect of simile ("Fast as a cheetah") on the poem: This simile immediately provides the reader with a recognizable image that conveys speed and agility. The comparison to a cheetah not only helps to quantify the speed of the speaker's running but also lends characteristics of the animal to the speaker, such as grace and power. The use of this simile sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is one of swift motion carried out with ease. It suggests a sense of freedom and fluidity in the speaker's actions, likely intended to evoke a feeling of exhilaration in the reader. The simile also contributes to the overall theme of unity with nature, as it bridges the gap between human and animal, implying a kinship between the speaker and the natural world.