Function of Simile: Poetry - AP English Literature and Composition

Which function best fits a simile that repeats a similar comparison across a poem?

Reinforces a motif that supports the poem's central meaning. Repeated imagery patterns unify and deepen thematic significance.
What is a common function of a simile in clarifying complex ideas?

To explain the unfamiliar by comparing it to the familiar. Known references help readers grasp new concepts.
Which word most reliably signals a simile: "as," "was," or "seems"?

"As". Often paired with adjectives to form comparisons.
What is a common analysis error to avoid when explaining a simile's function?

Only paraphrasing the comparison instead of stating its effect. Analysis must explain purpose, not just restate the comparison.
Which function best fits this simile: "The classroom was quiet as snow"?

Establishes a hushed, subdued mood. Snow's silence creates peaceful, muted atmosphere.
Which function best fits a simile that makes an abstract idea concrete?

Clarifies abstraction by making it vivid and specific. Concrete imagery helps readers grasp intangible concepts.
What is the most defensible way to state a simile's function in a thesis?

Explain how the comparison develops meaning, tone, or theme. Moves beyond identification to analyze literary purpose and effect.
What is the most precise way to state a simile's function in an essay?

Name its effect (tone/mood/theme/character) and the key connotation. Specificity shows analytical understanding of the device.
In "His mind was like a locked room," what is the vehicle?

A locked room. The vehicle provides the image for comparison.
What is a common function of a simile in characterization?

To reveal traits by linking a person to a telling image. The comparison's qualities transfer to the character.
Identify the tenor in the simile: "His mind was like a locked room."

His mind. The subject being described through comparison to the locked room.
What two elements must a simile contain to count as a comparison?

A tenor (subject) and a vehicle (image of comparison). These terms distinguish what's being described from how.
What is a common function of a simile in establishing tone?

To shape the emotional attitude through the comparison's connotations. Word associations in the comparison affect reader feeling.
Identify the figure of speech: "Her voice was velvet."

Metaphor. Direct statement of equivalence without comparison words.
What two parts must a simile contain to be complete?

A tenor (subject) and a vehicle (image of comparison). The tenor is what's described; the vehicle provides the comparison.
Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was sunrise."

Metaphor. Direct equation without comparison words makes it metaphor.
Which function best fits this simile: "He argued like a prosecutor"?

Characterizes the speaker as relentless and adversarial. Prosecutor image suggests aggressive, systematic approach.
Identify the most likely function: "His apology fell flat like a rehearsed line."

Suggests insincerity and undermines the apology's credibility. Performance comparison reveals hollow, practiced delivery.
What is a common function of a simile in creating mood?

To build atmosphere by guiding the reader's sensory expectations. Comparisons evoke specific sensory and emotional responses.
Which function best fits a simile that links a character to animal imagery?

Characterizes by implying traits through the comparison. Animal comparisons reveal personality or behavior patterns.
Which function best fits a simile that makes a target seem ridiculous?

Creates irony or satire by undercutting the subject. Deflating comparisons expose flaws or critique subjects.
Identify the figure of speech: "Her voice was like velvet."

Simile. "Like" signals the comparison between voice and velvet.
Identify the vehicle in the simile: "His mind was like a locked room."

A locked room. The comparison image that characterizes the tenor (mind).
Identify the most likely function: "Hope is like a thin flame in wind."

Emphasizes hope's fragility and precarious persistence. Flame imagery conveys vulnerability and tenuous survival.
What is a common function of a simile in poetry regarding imagery?

To make an abstract idea vivid through concrete sensory detail. Concrete images help readers visualize abstract concepts.
Identify the simile in this sentence: "The fog crept in like a thief."

"like a thief". The phrase compares fog's movement to a thief's stealth.
Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was like sunrise."

Simile. "Like" signals the comparison between smile and sunrise.
What is the key difference between a simile and a metaphor?

Simile uses "like/as"; metaphor states identity without them. The presence of comparison words distinguishes them.
Which question most directly tests whether your simile analysis explains function?

How does this comparison shape meaning, tone, or characterization. Focuses on literary impact rather than mere identification.
Which revision best turns this into a simile: "Grief is an ocean"?

Grief is like an ocean. Adding "like" transforms the metaphor into a simile.
Which function best fits this simile: "Grief hung on him like wet wool"?

Conveys emotional weight through tactile imagery. "Wet wool" creates physical sensation of burden.
In "His mind was like a locked room," what is the tenor?

His mind. The tenor is what's being described in the comparison.
Which word most reliably signals a simile: "like," "is," or "becomes"?

"Like". The most common simile marker in English.
Which function best fits a simile that creates a disturbing image for the reader?

Establishes mood and shapes the emotional response. Vivid comparisons evoke specific feelings in readers.
What is a common function of a simile in developing theme?

To reinforce a central idea by recurring or pointed comparisons. Repeated or significant comparisons emphasize meaning.
Identify the most likely function: "The city roared like a hungry beast."

Personifies the city to create menace and urgency. Beast comparison makes the city threatening and alive.

Study these flashcards