Find at least two examples of figurative language in each of the texts in this unit (2 examples from “The Walrus and the Carpenter” and 2 examples from “The Cop and the Anthem). Examples of figurative language include similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, juxtaposition, etc. List each example and explain what each one means and why the author may have chosen to include them in the text. What purpose does it serve?
"The Walrus and the Carpenter":
1. "The night was dark as ink": This is an example of a simile, comparing the darkness of the night to ink. The author may have chosen this simile to create a vivid and atmospheric description of the night, emphasizing its darkness and the difficulty of seeing in it.
2. "And the sand was dry as bone": This is also a simile, comparing the dryness of the sand to a bone. The author uses this simile to emphasize the barren and desolate nature of the beach, highlighting the absence of moisture.
"The Cop and the Anthem":
1. "It is worse to be alone on a park bench in January than in any other month": This is an example of a hyperbole, exaggerating the sense of wretchedness and misery experienced by the homeless protagonist. The author uses this hyperbole to emphasize the extreme cold and the desperate situation faced by the character, highlighting the urgency of finding shelter.
2. "He was so used to seeing unbroken horizons that sharp outlines made him uncomfortable": This is an example of personification, attributing human feelings of discomfort to the unbroken horizons. The author employs personification to illustrate the character's mindset and perspective, emphasizing his preference for vast and unrestricted spaces and his aversion to confining surroundings.
The purpose of including figurative language in the text is to enrich the language, create vivid imagery, and evoke certain emotions or sensations in the reader. By using figurative language, the authors make the descriptions more engaging and memorable, adding depth and nuance to the storytelling. The figurative language assists in creating atmosphere, conveying the characters' emotions, and immersing the reader in the narrative.