Figurative Language in Underground to Canada

The author uses many different types of igurative language throughout the story. Some examples of figurative language used include similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language in Underground to Canada. Teachers may want to give the students a list of examples, or have them do a “scavenger hunt” either as they read, or as an activity after reading.

Examples of Figurative Language from Underground to Canada

• Page 5: “A strangeness spread like an uneasy quiet before the storm.” (Simile)
• Page 6: “Her lips drew firm and her eyes pierced deep into Julilly’s. In them was the sting that a bull whip makes and the hurt of a wounded possum”. (Personification)
• Page 12: “Their little bodies twitched like a wild bird she had caught once.” (Simile)
• Page 14: “Julilly watched. The chain became a silver snake.” (Metaphor)
• Page 21: “One day was swallowed by the next. And then the next.” (Personification)
• Page 32: “Julilly felt the coldness creeping over her. It squeezed her throat and made her breathing come in jumps.” (Personification)
• Page 51: “The thoughts in her head jumped around like grasshoppers.” (Simile)
• Page 64: “They were silent, but their thoughts were a cord binding them closer and closer together.” (Metaphor)
• Page 89: “It didn’t seem real when the yelping noise of hound dogs entered the safety of the sun-drenched barn, shooting through the air like an arrow.” (Simile)

Due Date:

Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes three examples of figurative language in the text.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Write the example and page number in the description box. In addition, write what the author is intending to say, or the literal meaning.
3. Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
4. Save and exit when you're finished.