Metaphor, Simile And Symbolism
Metaphor
Definition
Metaphor is a
figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison
between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics. In
other words, a resemblance of two contradictory or different objects is made
based on a single or some common characteristics.
In simple
English, when you portray a person, place, thing, or an action as being
something else, even though it is not actually that “something
else,” you are speaking metaphorically. “He is the black sheep of the
family” is a metaphor because he is not a sheep and is not even black. However,
we can use this comparison to describe an association of a black sheep with
that person. A black sheep is an unusual animal and typically stays away from
the herd, and the person you are describing shares similar characteristics.
Furthermore, a
metaphor develops a comparison which is different from a simile
i.e. we do not use “like” or “as” to develop a comparison in a metaphor. It
actually makes an implicit or hidden comparison and not an explicit one.
Examples of Metaphor:
- My brother was boiling mad. (This implies he was too angry.)
- The assignment was a breeze. (This implies that the assignment was not difficult.)
- It is going to be clear skies from now on. (This implies that clear skies are not a threat and life is going to be without hardships)
- The skies of his future began to darken. (Darkness is a threat; therefore, this implies that the coming times are going to be hard for him.)
- Her voice is music to his ears. (This implies that her voice makes him feel happy)
Purpose of Metaphors
Expressions
are used to give effect to a statement. Imagine how bland a statement such as
“he was sad” is, compared to a statement describing a “sea of grief.” The
metaphor is sure to give the reader a better idea of the depths of grief in
this situation.
Similarly, who
would really spend time thinking of the vast differences between success and
failure if the metaphor was missing, and the statement was just “Everyone wants
to be successful, no one wants to be a failure?” That statement would be a
failure itself, in inspiring interest in the conversation!
Metaphors are
meant to create an impact in the minds of readers. The aim of this literary
tool is to convey a thought more forcefully than a plain statement would.
They are
exaggerated expressions no doubt, but they are exaggerated because they are
supposed to paint a vivid picture, or become a profound statement or saying.
Simile
Simile Definition
A simile
is a figure of speech that makes a comparison,
showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor,
a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”.
Therefore, it is a direct comparison.
We can find simile examples in our
daily speech. We often hear comments like “John is as slow as a snail.” Snails
are notorious for their slow pace and here the slowness of John is compared to
that of a snail. The use of “as” in the example helps to draw the resemblance.
Some
more examples of common similes are given below.
- Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
- Her cheeks are red like a rose.
- He is as funny as a monkey.
- The water well was as dry as a bone.
- He is as cunning as a fox.
Symbolism
Symbolism Definition
Symbolism is the
use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings
that are different from their literal sense.
Symbolism can
take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to give
it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant.
Sometimes, however, an action, an event or a word spoken by someone may have a
symbolic value. For instance, “smile” is a symbol of friendship. Similarly, the
action of someone smiling at you may stand as a symbol of the feeling of
affection which that person has for you.
Symbols do
shift their meanings depending on the context they are used in. “A chain”, for
example, may stand for “union” as well as “imprisonment”. Thus, symbolic
meaning of an object or an action is understood by when, where and how it is
used. It also depends on who reads them.
In our daily
life, we can easily identify objects, which can be taken as examples of symbol
such as the following:
- The dove is a symbol of peace.
- A red rose or red color stands for love or romance.
- Black is a symbol that represents evil or death.
- A ladder may stand as a symbol for a connection between the heaven and the earth.
- A broken mirror may symbolize separation
References
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