A metaphor is the direct comparison of two unlike things. It is a form of figurative language (figure of speech) that actually says one thing IS another … though we know it’s not. Why say it is? Well, a metaphor is a creative way for authors to paint a picture with words. For example, it might get long-winded and tedious to describe the sharp rain during a storm, but a vivid metaphor can immediately bring it to the reader’s mind: “The rain came down in long knitting needles.” (Enid Bagnold, National Velvet)
There are many types of metaphors, including a dead metaphor (which is such a common part of the language that the referenced image no longer matters), a mixed metaphor (an expression that uses two separate references that clash), and an extended metaphor (an established connection that is carried throughout a text). Look up examples of these types of metaphor!
In addition to American Book Company’s books, here are some resources for learning more about metaphor:
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/metaphor.html
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/metaphor.html
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/metaphor/types-of-metaphor.html
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Word of the Week: Metaphor
