A simile is one kind of figurative language. It compares two unlike things, usually with the words like, as, or than. Similes help readers visualize the meaning.
| EXAMPLE | He swept through the schoolyard like a slow-motion instant replay. |
This simile compares the way Ikarus moves to a sports video played at slow speed. The two things are alike because they both have slow, repeated movements. The simile can help you imagine what Ikarus looks like.
Interpret Similes Work with a partner. Find these similes. Copy and complete the chart.
| Simile | What It Compares | How They’re Alike |
|---|---|---|
| like the spirals on a seashell, p. 552 | ||
| like a leaf playing in the wind, p. 553 | ||
| like snow, p. 553 |
History
Many English words and phrases come from Greek myths—fictional stories of gods and heroes. The word atlas, for example, is named for the Titan Atlas, who had to carry the heavens on his shoulders. Many ancient Greeks held the belief that the stories were true.
A statue of Atlas
1 Conduct Research Use books or the Internet to find more examples of words and phrases from Greek myths. Choose one example and learn about the myth it comes from.
2 Share Your Findings Tell about the word or phrase you researched. Retell the myth. Include details about the characters, setting, and plot.