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How could you describe the peacock in the picture below?
You may have come up with an expanded noun phrase using adjectives to describe the bird like:
The majestic, colourful peacock with fanned feathers.
Metaphors
We can also use metaphors to describe the peacock.
Metaphors compare one thing to another but don’t use the words 'like' or 'as' - so not a simile but still a comparison!
Metaphors compare by saying one thing is actually something else.
We could say:
The bird’s feathers are vivid paintbrushes dipped in colourful ink.
Or
The bird was a majestic king with regal features.
If we just said the feathers were colourful, it’s a bit of a general description and doesn’t help the reader to really imagine the peacock.
By saying the feathers are paintbrushes dipped in colourful ink, it helps the reader understand how colourful the ends of the feathers are.
Personification
In additional to similes and metaphors, we can also use personification to add description to writing.
Personification is where we bring an object, or part of an object, to life by giving it human features.
We could say:
The arrogant peacock showed off his feathers.
We have personified the peacock by giving it a human personality - arrogant and enjoying showing off.
In this activity, you’ll be on the hunt for metaphors and personification and start to think about the impact, or effect, on the reader. If you are ready, let's get started.
