Examples of Figurative Language

Contribution to Overall Effect of the Poem

Simile – like krill fleeing the maw of an advancing whale

The intensity of the image adds to the effect of the snowstorm

Metaphor – run of white plankton

Builds on the image of the sea; snow is white

Metaphor – undersea creature

Enhances the sea feeling – protected, enveloped in the taxi (almost Jonah-like)

Hyperbole – tons of water, tons of people

Adds to the heavy feeling of the storm

Personification – race of snow

Adds more force to the situation of the storm

Irony – he just happened to be in the taxi when the snow storm hit

His safe place is in the undersea creature, the taxi, while the snow rages outside

Symbolism – taxi represents the poet’s view of life as an observer

There is calm inside despite the raging snow storm outside – just like life