Activity Overview
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn uses several examples of figurative language including personification and idioms. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal and/or figurative portrayal of the language.
"a white to make a body sick"
The first example is personification, which describes how Pap looks when he arrives, “There waran’t no color in his face, where his face showed it was white; not like another man’s white, but a white to make a body sick, a white to make a body’s flesh crawl – a tree toad white, a fish belly white.”
"slap down a line"
The second example describes the poetic creativity of Emmeline Grangerford, “He said she would slap down a line, and if she couldn’t find anything to rhyme it with she would just scratch it out and slap down another one, and go ahead.”
"thick as thieves"
The last example demonstrates the King and Duke’s close friendship and how they got drunk together on the raft; “So the King sneaked into the wigwam, and took to his bottle for comfort; and before long the Duke tackled his bottle; and so in about a half an hour they was as thick as thieves again, and the tighter they got, the lovinger they got…”
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies and illustrates literal or figurative language in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three different examples of figurative language.
- Put the quote in the description box.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations of Literal and Intended Meanings | Illustrations show both the literal meaning of the text and the intended meaning of the figurative language. | Illustrations show either literal meaning or intended meaning, but not both. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
Activity Overview
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn uses several examples of figurative language including personification and idioms. In this activity, students can display their understanding of figurative language by identifying the examples and creating a literal and/or figurative portrayal of the language.
"a white to make a body sick"
The first example is personification, which describes how Pap looks when he arrives, “There waran’t no color in his face, where his face showed it was white; not like another man’s white, but a white to make a body sick, a white to make a body’s flesh crawl – a tree toad white, a fish belly white.”
"slap down a line"
The second example describes the poetic creativity of Emmeline Grangerford, “He said she would slap down a line, and if she couldn’t find anything to rhyme it with she would just scratch it out and slap down another one, and go ahead.”
"thick as thieves"
The last example demonstrates the King and Duke’s close friendship and how they got drunk together on the raft; “So the King sneaked into the wigwam, and took to his bottle for comfort; and before long the Duke tackled his bottle; and so in about a half an hour they was as thick as thieves again, and the tighter they got, the lovinger they got…”
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies and illustrates literal or figurative language in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify three different examples of figurative language.
- Put the quote in the description box.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples of Figurative Language | There are three examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | There are two correct examples of figurative language in the description boxes. | Only one of the examples of figurative language is correct. |
| Types of Figurative Language | All three examples are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Two examples of figurative language are correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). | Only one example of figurative language is correctly identified as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or personification (or other). |
| Illustrations of Literal and Intended Meanings | Illustrations show both the literal meaning of the text and the intended meaning of the figurative language. | Illustrations show either literal meaning or intended meaning, but not both. | Illustrations do not make sense with the examples chosen. |
How Tos about Elección de palabras en aventuras de Huckleberry Finn
Organize a classroom discussion on figurative language in Huckleberry Finn
Encourage students to share their interpretations of figurative language from the novel. Facilitating discussion helps students build confidence and explore multiple perspectives.
Model identifying figurative language with a think-aloud
Read a passage aloud and explain your thinking as you spot figurative language. Demonstrating the process makes abstract concepts more concrete for students.
Invite students to find new examples in the text
Challenge students to search for fresh examples of figurative language in other chapters. This activity encourages close reading and independent analysis.
Guide students to illustrate figurative versus literal meanings
Ask students to draw or act out both the literal and figurative meanings of phrases. Visual or kinesthetic approaches deepen understanding and engagement.
Support peer feedback on figurative language interpretations
Have students share their findings in pairs or small groups and offer constructive comments. This process builds classroom community and sharpens analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elección de palabras en aventuras de Huckleberry Finn
What are examples of figurative language in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn features figurative language such as personification and idioms. Examples include describing Pap’s appearance in a way that brings objects to life and using phrases like "as thick as thieves" to show strong friendships.
How can students identify figurative language in Huckleberry Finn?
Students can identify figurative language by looking for phrases that are not meant to be taken literally, such as similes, metaphors, personification, and idioms. They should highlight and discuss specific quotes that use creative comparisons or vivid imagery.
What is an easy classroom activity to teach figurative language from Huckleberry Finn?
An effective activity is to have students create a storyboard or comic strip. They select examples of figurative language from the novel, illustrate each quote, and explain its literal and figurative meanings. This makes abstract language more accessible and memorable.
Why is figurative language important in literature like Huckleberry Finn?
Figurative language adds depth and emotion to literature. In Huckleberry Finn, it helps readers connect with characters, understand themes, and visualize scenes more vividly, making the story engaging and meaningful for students.
What is the difference between literal and figurative language in Huckleberry Finn?
Literal language states things exactly as they are, while figurative language uses creative expressions to convey ideas or emotions. In Huckleberry Finn, figurative language often appears in character descriptions and dialogue, adding color to the text.
More Storyboard That Activities
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The
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