Similes:
* "The Giving Tree": This classic poem contains several similes, such as "The boy was like a little bird" and "She was like the sun, shining on him." While the tree is the main focus, the boy's actions are compared to animals to highlight his changing needs.
* "The Giraffe": This poem uses a simile to describe the giraffe's neck: "His neck was long, like a crooked ladder."
* "The Crocodile": Silverstein compares the crocodile to a "green machine" and a "big brown rug," emphasizing its powerful, imposing nature.
Metaphors:
* "The Giving Tree": The entire poem uses the tree as a metaphor for unconditional love and sacrifice.
* "The Crocodile": While the crocodile is described literally, the line "He was a monster, a big, green monster," uses a metaphor to emphasize its fearsome nature.
Personification:
* "The Giving Tree": The tree is personified throughout the poem, displaying human emotions like love, sadness, and longing.
* "The Giraffe": The giraffe is given human-like characteristics, like "He wore his long neck like a scarf."
* "The Crocodile": The crocodile is personified as having intentions and thoughts, "He smiled a smile that stretched a mile," which makes him more sinister and menacing.
Poems about Animals:
* "The Giving Tree": While focusing on the relationship between the tree and boy, it uses animals to highlight different aspects of their bond.
* "The Giraffe": The poem solely focuses on a giraffe and its unique characteristics.
* "The Crocodile": This poem is a short, impactful story centered on a crocodile's personality and behavior.
* "Where the Sidewalk Ends": This collection of poems features several that have animals as protagonists, like "The Pig" and "The Tiger."
Important Note: Silverstein's work is full of imaginative wordplay and symbolism. Many poems could be considered "about animals" even if they don't directly mention them. For instance, "The Monster" can be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of fear and the unknown, which can be applied to animals as well.
It's worth exploring Silverstein's collections to discover the many ways he uses literary devices to create imaginative and engaging stories about animals.