METAPHOR
![]() |
Dr. Hareshwar Roy |
INTRODUCTION:
Metaphor is a
figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to a person, idea, or
object to which it is not literally applicable. It is an implied analogy or
unstated comparison which imaginatively identifies one thing with another. This
device is used by authors to turn or twist the meaning of a word. They use them
to make their writing more interesting or entertaining. Metaphors are the most
often used figure of speech. Other rhetorical
comparative figures of speech, such as metonymy,
parable,
simile,
Antithesis,
hyperbole and synecdoche are species of metaphor.
SHORT HISTORY OF METAPHOR:
Metaphor is present in the oldest written Sumerian
language
narrative.The term is from the Greek metaphora, meaning
“transference”. It is formed by
combining meta, meaning “over” and pherein, meaning “to carry.” The idea of metaphor can also be traced back to Aristotle
who says “Metaphor is the application of a word that belongs to another thing:
either from genus to species, species to genus, species to species, or by
analogy.” The Greek plays of Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides, are full of metaphors. In short, any theme in literature is a metaphor. It is viewed
as an aspect of speech and writing and it qualifies as style too.
STRUCTURE:
I.A. Richards
reports that metaphor is in two
parts: the tenor and the vehicle. The tenor is the subject to
which attributes are ascribed. The vehicle is the subject whose attributes are
borrowed. Other writers employ the general terms ground and figure
to denote tenor and the vehicle. Consider the All the world's a stage monologue from As You Like
It:
All the world’s a
stage,
And all the men and
women merely players;
In this metaphoric example, "the world" is compared to a stage,
describing it with the attributes of “the stage”; "the world" is the tenor, and "a stage" is the vehicle; "men and women" is
a secondary tenor, "players" is the secondary vehicle.
COMMON TYPES:
The
metaphor contains some common types. A dead
metaphor is one in which the sense of the transferred image is absent.
An extended metaphor establishes
a principal subject and subsidiary subjects. The quotation of As You Like It
is a good example. The world is described as a stage and then men and women are
subsidiary subjects. Allegory and Parable are categorized as extended
metaphors. A mixed metaphor is
one that leaps from one identification to a second identification inconsistent
with the first. Catachresis is a mixed metaphor.
CONCLUSION:
The simplest and also the most
effective poetic device is the use of comparison. It might almost be said that
poetry is founded on two main means of comparing things: simile and metaphor.
We heighten our ordinary speech by the continual use of such comparisons. When
Robert Burns wrote "My love is like a red, red rose" he used a
simile. When Robert Herrick wrote "You are a tulip" he used a
metaphor. Emily Dickinson used comparison with great originality. She
mixed similes and metaphors superbly .Thus, because of comparison and
association, familiar objects become strange and glamorous.
Before reading this blog I have no idea what the term is used for. Thanks for sharing such informative things. I like to take help from such kinds of blogs whenever I have to learn something. I recently get a link for macroeconomics assignment help from one of the blogs and it helped me a lot.
ReplyDeleteDifferent type of thing should be discussed so everyone can get knowledge. I am here sharing about the leed gold certification points that is something interesting.
ReplyDeleteI was browsing for Plastic and PVC Pipes when I came across this page. I'm not sure why this keeps happening to me. but after read this your blog helped me a lot to learn about different topics.
ReplyDeleteNeed essay writing help then you must have to visit the cheap essay writing service in manchester which is Uk's leading writing service.
ReplyDeleteI'm extremely inspired along with your writing skills as neatly as with the format in your blog. Is that a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to look at a great blog like this one today.. Smart Mirror
ReplyDeleteSave with very discount code and voucher codes. Today's top very UK offer: 20% off. Find very discount vouchers and deals at voucherpro.
ReplyDeleteI'm extremely inspired by your writing skills as neatly as by the format in your blog. Is that a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to look at a great blog like this one today. but today I am found out the best Assignment Help Online service it helps many people. they complete people's work quickly.
ReplyDeleteI will help you if you are looking for an essay writer, I have one in mind and this is a company (bidforwriting.com/essay-help) that deals with essay writing
ReplyDeleteI'm quite inspired by your writing style and how well your blog is organized. Is that a purchased topic or was it something you created yourself? Anyway, keep up the amazing work; these days, it's types of blog not found easily. but today I discovered the best best report writing service that benefits many of individuals. they swiftly finish people's work
ReplyDeleteNice posting. This is a cheap content writing service in dubai company that has been leading for many years in UAE giving its best services of content writing services, E-commerce content, forum writing, technical writing, SEO content, article writing, copywriting, copyediting, product reviews, product description, social media writing.
ReplyDeleteGreat. They are providing airport limo service near me
ReplyDeleteIt was a really nice post but you have to take help from experts.
ReplyDeleteHey, I was finding someone to help with my online exam, and I found this article. I don't know how. But then I start reading it. It was so informative and interesting. I enjoyed reading this.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and nicely post; keep it up. Keep blogging and looking to reading your next post. It’s a very interesting to read. Thanks so much for sharing. eksu jupeb admission form closing date
ReplyDeleteInteresting and nicely post; keep it up.
ReplyDeleteAt the point when you really want solid transportation to the air terminal, a conference, corporate occasion and so on Corporate Transportation
ReplyDeleteDream Classic Limousines staff will ensure your utmost care and satisfaction. Whether we are providing you with limousine around Atlanta, limo transportation to the airport
ReplyDeleteProm Limo Service near me
This is the ideal vehicle for a four-person family or small group of friends or lovers. the first choice for business travelers looking for airport transportation atlanta cabs service
ReplyDeleteRide more easily with the latest BMW & Mini Navigation Updates
ReplyDeletebmw & mini navigation updates