Metaphor
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Metaphor
(Anthony Zick is working as the primary developer of this trope).
The word metaphor comes from Greek roots that mean "to transfer".
a cliche and some definitions
The big elephant in the room.
Writing can be a sea of troubles.
-A figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity.
-language that directly connects seemingly unrelated subjects.
-Also used in poetry to connect unlike things that have common qualities. Unlike similes though, they are used when a writer wants to make a close, more direct comparison. For instance, "He is the sky" is a more direct link than "He is like the sky". [1]
In Elements of Style
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White suggest that figures of speech, such as the metaphor, be used in moderation. Strunk & White warn that using metaphors in "rapid fire" succession can be confusing for readers, not informative. Additionally, Strunk & White suggest that metaphors retain their meaning throughout. For example, if one uses the above example, "the elephant in the room", they should not later use a metaphor saying the lion in the room, or the rat in the room. Elephant should remain in the metaphor. It is essential that metaphors be used for clarity, not confusion.
In Ancient Rhetorics
In Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students by Sharon Crowley and Debra Hawhee, metaphors are mentioned in the article discussing an aspect of style called ornament. Ornament is divided into three subcategories:
- figures of thought (Latin figurae sententiarum)
- tropes (Greek tropi, "turn")
- figures of speech (Latin figurae verborum)
It is stated in Ancient Rhetorics that metaphors fall into the category of tropes. Trivial classifications aside, a writer who wishes to employ a good metaphor into their work must be knowledgeable about what metaphors are meant to accomplish. Aristotle has said that metaphors are meant to capture the listener's (or reader's) attention and simply give us pleasure. It is also vital that a good metaphor appeals to the senses in some way. Below is an example of a metaphor relating to our sense of taste.
- After their unbeaten 2007 regular season, the New England Patriots finally were forced to chew on ther defeat in following Super Bowl XLII.
Different species of metaphors?
Metaphors have become very common in our every day speech. Perhaps you are familiar with phrases like "wrapping up your homework", or "I'm going to swing by the grocery store to pick up milk". One thing that makes metaphors such a difficult concept to gain command of is this apparent desensitization to them. It is sometimes shocking (like right here) to catch yourself impulsively firing them off and barely noticing reading or hearing them. It may also be very surprising to become aware of the different types or "species" of metaphors, below are a few examples of the subcategories of metaphor, accompanied by definitions and examples.
- Antithesis
- a device that places one object or idea against it's opposite in order to use the contrast for dramatic effect.
- Whether by 1 point or 100, a win is a win.
- Hyperbole
- Intentional exaggeration also used for emphasis.
- I've been waiting for a table forever'."
- Metonymy
- A word or phrase is substituted for something that is closely associated with it.
- "Count heads" for "count people."
- Synecdoche
- A literary device where the user uses a part to represent a whole.
- All hands on deck!
- Simile
- Like a metaphor, a Simile compares two or more things. However, similes allow both objects or ideas to keep their identities and keep the objects of ideas established as two seperate entities. However, similes use words such as "like" or "as" to bridge the comparison together.
- "I'm as fit as a fiddle."
In Style Toward Clarity and Grace
Metaphor is considered to be a component of Elegance. Williams states that "a metaphor invites us to look at two things in a new way. Similes do the same, but less intensely, the like or as moderating the force of the comparison" (Williams 164). Williams goes on to express that the literary tool can be used in all types of writing, and that like many other elements of writing it also has benefits and limitations.
References
"The Discovery of Poetry" [2]
