What is a Metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that implicitly compares two very different things with each other in order to evoke a vivid image. It does not use obvious words of comparison such as “like” or “as”. Rather, the metaphor declares that one thing is another even though, on the surface, there seems to be no connection or similarity between them whatsoever. It is a rhetorical device.
For instance, saying “He is a shark” does not necessarily mean that an actual shark is being discussed (unless the context says otherwise). Instead, the person being spoken about is being compared to a shark. He is being described as having qualities similar to those associated with a shark, such as being ruthless, determined, and/or devious.
Similarly, saying that a person has a silver tongue does not mean that their tongue is literally made of silver. Rather, it means that they are very well spoken and exceptionally good at persuading people to accept their point of view.
Using metaphors is an effective method to describe precisely and evoke the right response from the reader. Metaphors effortlessly paint a picture in words in a manner that makes the writer’s thoughts easily accessible to the reader.
Metaphors are a common part of English speech and language, so much so that several are used in everyday conversation without needing much pondering to be understood. These include, among several others, time is money, laughter is the best medicine, and having cold feet or a heart of gold.
Metaphors are often used in literature and rhetorical writing as they dramatize the language and make it graphic, drawing in the reader.
Simile vs. Metaphor
Similes are another figure of speech that, similar to metaphors, describe using comparisons. However, they are different from metaphors on the basis of their form. Similes are more obvious comparisons, and thus, may not have the same intensity of effect that metaphors do. They use comparison words – such as, like, and so on. Because of this, they are easier to identify as well.
“She was clean as a whistle” is a simile. On the other hand, “He had blood on his hands” is a metaphor. The former does a good job of getting across the idea that the subject is free of any guilt or suspicion, but it does not particularly grab attention. Meanwhile, the latter draws a sensational portrait that excites the imagination.
Metaphors and similes are closely related – close enough that similes are often considered to be a kind of metaphor. While all similes are metaphors, not all metaphors can be similes.
Types of Metaphors
Metaphors differ slightly in the manner in which they work. Based on this, they can be divided into the following types.
1. Standard Metaphors
These are the most common types of metaphors. They make a direct comparison and are relatively more obvious.
Example: All the world’s a stage.
2. Implied Metaphors
The comparisons in implied metaphors are not direct but are implicit instead.
Example: John barked at them to keep the noise down.
A bark is a sound associated with dogs rather than with humans. Here, John is being compared to a dog but not directly. The comparison is implied with the use of the word “barked”.
Another example: She caved in to the pressure.
The person is being compared to a substance such as a rock. People themselves do not literally cave in. However, by using the term here, the writer is describing the mental state and actions of the person by referencing the breakdown of a substance that is, physically, a great deal stronger.
Implied metaphors are much more subtle and can be harder to recognize than standard metaphors.
3. Extended Metaphors
Extended metaphors aren’t often used in speech but appear regularly in literature, speeches, and song lyrics. The comparison is not static and compact, but is sustained over the course of multiple lines, paragraphs, stanzas, or even sections.
Extended metaphors are a figurative device that allow the writer to play with the language and creatively use it to paint deeply evocative pictures. The resulting descriptions are starker and more complex than those conjured up by standard or implied metaphors.
One of the most well-known examples of extended metaphors is from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet:
But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief.
Here, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun. Extending the metaphor over the next few lines, Shakespeare not only describes Juliet’s beauty but also fleshes out the ardor Romeo has for her. The moon, so commonly associated with beauty, pales in comparison to Juliet for Romeo.
4. Dead Metaphors
These are metaphors that no longer function as metaphors are supposed to – they do not evoke images. They’ve been in use for a very long time, but the actual imagery originally associated with them is either no longer relevant or has shifted meaning.
It may also be that their usage over such a long period of time has reduced their evocative ability. They’ve become an entrenched part of English speech and language and are likely to be considered as cliché.
Kicking the bucket, laughing stock, groundbreaking, time running out are all examples of dead metaphors.
5. Mixed Metaphors
Mixed metaphors are often the result of a mistake, when the writer has confused two completely different metaphors that usually don’t go together, such as dancing around the bush or to spread your wings and blossom.
However, they can also be used intentionally to great effect, most often a comic one. For instance, this quote from Irish politician Boyle Roche, “Mr. Speaker, I smell a rat. I see him floating in the air. But mark me, sir, I will nip him in the bud.”
Understanding metaphors and using the right kind elevates a piece of writing considerably. Besides being a descriptive aid, metaphors make reading the piece enjoyable as well.
