Figurative Language (Graded)

Figurative language is imperative to producing relatable poetry. Without over-simplifying the meaning of each detail, the author is able to give the reader a great picture of the scene explained. Figurative language is the use of subtle comparison to reveal a greater significance of the incident or thought at hand. In the poem "Fast Break" by Edward Hirsch, there are many uses of figurative language through similes, metaphors, imagery, and personification. At the very commencement of the poem, Hirsch describes the basketball as "kissing" the hoop and "helplessly" hanging, giving it personified traits. With this, Hirsch is able to communicate to the audience the emotion invested in the path of the basketball in a tense game. His use of figurative language continues as he employs various metaphors and similes, sometimes intertwined. For example, he describes the basketball as "orange leather," metaphorically, and then compares it to a "cherished possession." This demonstrates the mixed use of metaphor and simile. Moreover, Hirsch continues to use an abundance of similes to describe the intense moments on the court. "in slow motion, almost exactly like a coach's drawing on the blackboard." (Hirsch 16). The comparison to writing on a blackboard displays the simplicity of the game, yet the overwhelming expectations of victory. Hirsch also uses auditory imagery to give the reader a sense of being at the game. With references to dribbling and "a single bounce hitting the hardwood..." the author places the reader, mentally, in an anxious moment at a basketball game with very real and imaginable sounds. Overall, Hirsch, with a good variety of figurative language, is able to pull the reader in to his story, which essentially, shows us the success of using suggestive diction rather than applying literal statements.