The standard dictionary definition of a metaphor--a word or phrase applied to an object or concept that it does not literally denote in order to suggest comparison with another object or concept--is inadequate in that it does not deal with whole sentence metaphors and that it provides no way of distinguishing between a metaphor and a semantic…

Based on the proceedings of a two-week seminar about Afro-American literature, this book is designed as a carefully orchestrated presentation of the central ideas that sparked the meetings and made them significant. The essays are arranged in sections that discuss Afro-American literary history, black figurative language, Afro-American literature…

THESE TWO TESTS--"TWENTIETH CENTURY LYRICS" AND "SCIENCE AND POETRY"--WERE DESIGNED BY THE OREGON CURRICULUM STUDY CENTER FOR A 10TH-GRADE LITERATURE CURRICULUM. THEY ARE INTENDED TO ACCOMPANY CURRICULUM UNITS AVAILABLE AS ED 010 819 AND ED 010 820. (MM)

A series of strategies called the "Synectics Model," can be used by teachers in helping students to break away from usual thought patterns and to make new connections. Its purpose is to increase creativity and to produce lateral thinking. The activities employed involve the use of metaphor. Examples of the model are provided that were…

Both the method of the New Critics and the modern student's interest in "macro-questions" are briefly discussed by way of introduction. The primary concern of the essay, however, is for an ampler conception of metaphor. Instances of "advanced metaphorical thinking," among them More's "Utopia," Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason," and Pascal's…

Students can learn to write verse by (1) perceiving that poetic materials are inside and all around them and making lists of items that appeal to their senses, (2) organizing their material through the use of imagery, (3) experimenting with various meters, particularly the ballad stanza, until they can arrange words in rhythmic patterns (4)…

This article supports the view that it is not only possible but also essential that literature be taught in elementary schools, arguing that literature belongs at the center of a school's language arts curriculum. The question of how literature may be taught and learned is discussed, and explicit suggestions for its study are delineated. Specific…

This paper argues that instead of getting "back to basics" (correct usage, spelling, capitalization, etc.) teachers of writing should be concerned with the fundamentals of writing well. These include an attention to the composing process; experience with producing a variety of writings (spontaneous writing, the persuasive essay, the critical…

This study explored the relationship of metaphor content and the perceived credibility of the person using the metaphor. The subjects were 190 persons attending Western Illinois University who were exposed to two credibility inductions, each including a figurative statement, and then were asked to rate the credibility of each source. The…

"Archy and Mehitabel," a collection of 48 newspaper columns by Don Marquis on the aspirations and foibles of man, can be used effectively to spark the interests of today's students. Marquis' delightful dialogue between the humorous and learned cockroach, Archy, and his cliche-ridden but lovable friend, Mehitabel the cat, are written in free verse.…

This curriculum guide describes a quinmester course which provides a workshop for students interested in writing poetry and which emphasizes the encouragement of individual writing styles. Student performance objectives which are listed include: expressing ideas about words, phrases, pictures, sounds, and/or emotional experiences in a poetic…

The value of poetry is discussed. The term "poetry" is used to refer not only to verse but to imaginative literature in general. It is conceded that poetry deals with a value-structured world and that judgment of it is subjective. It is also pointed out that students, even high school students, can be taught some objective standards for evaluating…

Explores the use of figurative language in children's literature to convey morality and specific truths about life. (HTH)

Describes the ubiquitous and insidious nature of oxymorons to raise awareness level vis-a-vis oxymorons. Indicates the potential detrimental effects of the use--intended or unintended--of oxymorons in business communication. Addresses seven points that attempt to articulate these dangers. (JD)

Forty students aged 9-18 were asked to explain the meanings of lexically ambiguous advertisements from magazines, newspapers, and brochures. Older subjects explained the meanings correctly more frequently than younger subjects. The psychological meanings of the ads were found to be more difficult to explain than the physical meanings. (Author/JDD)