Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Comparisons in literature involve drawing connections between two different things using similes, metaphors, or analogies. They help readers understand complex concepts by relating them to something more familiar.
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as." It helps create imagery by highlighting similarities between unrelated objects.
Metaphor is another figure of speech that directly equates one thing with another. It enhances descriptions by suggesting deeper meanings beyond literal interpretations.
An extended metaphor is when metaphoric language is sustained over several lines or throughout an entire piece of writing. It allows for more in-depth exploration of a comparison.