Literal vs. Figurative
Meaning in Short Fiction
Learn to distinguish between what a text literally says and what it figuratively means: a foundational skill for close reading and literary analysis.
What Is Literal Meaning?
Literal meaning is the straightforward, dictionary definition of words in a text. It is exactly what the words say on the surface: no hidden layers, no symbolic weight, no interpretation required.
In fiction, literal meaning establishes the concrete reality of the story: setting, physical actions, dialogue as spoken, and sensory details the reader can take at face value.
What Is Figurative Meaning?
Figurative meaning goes beyond the surface. It is the implied, symbolic, or metaphorical significance of words: what an author suggests rather than states directly.
Figurative meaning emerges from context, patterns, and literary devices: metaphor, symbolism, irony, imagery, and connotation all push language beyond its literal surface.
Why Does the Distinction Matter?
The Core Principle
The Spectrum of Meaning
Meaning isn't binary. Language operates on a spectrum: from purely denotative (literal), through connotative shadings, to fully figurative (metaphor, symbol, allegory).
Literal vs. Figurative: Side by Side
| Literal | Figurative | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | What the words actually say | What the words imply or suggest |
| Source | Dictionary / denotation | Context, devices, patterns |
| Reader Action | Comprehension | Interpretation |
| Example | "He broke the glass." | "He broke her heart." |
| AP Question Cue | "According to the passage..." | "The author most likely suggests..." |
Common Figurative Devices in Fiction
How to Distinguish the Two
Worked Example: The Open Window
Worked Example: Darkness and Light
Worked Example: Ironic Meaning
Decision Flowchart: Is It Figurative?
Connotation: The Bridge Between
Connotation is often where literal meaning begins to shade into figurative. An author's word choice carries emotional and cultural weight that nudges the reader toward interpretation.
Common Mistakes
Summary: Reading for Two Levels
| Element | Literal Question | Figurative Question |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Where and when does this happen? | What mood or theme does the setting evoke? |
| Character Action | What does the character physically do? | What does the action reveal about inner conflict? |
| Dialogue | What words are spoken? | What is left unsaid, implied, or ironic? |
| Objects / Details | What is described? | Could this object function as a symbol? |
| Imagery | What senses are engaged? | What emotional pattern does the imagery build? |
Question 1 of 5
"The walls of the old house groaned in the wind, and the shutters clapped like weary hands."
The language in this sentence is best described as:
Question 2 of 5
"She carried the weight of her family's expectations on her shoulders as she walked to the podium."
The phrase "weight of her family's expectations" is an example of:
Question 3 of 5
In a story, a character repeatedly waters a dying plant on her windowsill throughout the narrative. By the final scene, the plant has bloomed.
The dying plant that eventually blooms most likely functions as:
Question 4 of 5
A character says to a friend who has just betrayed her: "Thank you so much for your loyalty."
The gap between what is said and what is meant in this line is best identified as:
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following best describes the relationship between literal and figurative meaning in short fiction?