Figurative Language

Writers use figurative language to derail their pieces of writing from monotonous, literal language to metaphorical, imaginative language that communicates ideas and feelings beyond the denotation of words. To use figurative language is to communicate the story to the reader through means of senses, exaggeration and connotation of words, and other similar means. Some common examples of figurative language are metaphors, personifications, similes, and hyperboles. In the dramatic play Hamlet, Shakespeare frequently utilizes figurative language to add to the mood and tone of the scenes and to further help the reader familiarize himself with the plot and circumstances in the scenes. For instance, to describe Hamlet's supposed reaction to the afterlife, the Ghost of his father affirms that Hamlet's hair would stand stiff "like quills upon the fretful porpentine." Through the addition of a simile, Shakespeare's play communicates to the reader a sharper, distinct image of Hamlet's hair standing sharply stiff and emphasizes the fear that Hamlet would experience if he were to be told of the afterlife.