Simile

As explained in the previous post, simile and metaphor are related in that they both are a comparison of two seemingly unrelated things. However, simile is easier to identify because it uses the terms like and as.

Bob Seger's Like a Rock is a perfect example of a simile. The comparison between himself and a rock is made throughout the song. Similar attributes include strength, lean, solid, and many others. After viewing the video see if you can find other comparisons!

Lets look at some poetry! There are many classic examples of similes. A well known poem that makes use of the element is:

A Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load

Or does it explode?

-Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes makes use of simile by exploring the idea of what happens to a deferred dream.

What are some of the things he compares to a deferred dream? What would you compare to a dream deferred?