Extended Metaphor

Definition

An extended metaphor is a literary device that compares two unlike things in various ways throughout a text, rather than just in a single phrase or sentence. This technique deepens the meaning and adds layers of significance, allowing writers to convey complex ideas, emotions, or themes in a more relatable way. It often creates a vivid image or idea that resonates with readers and can reveal deeper connections between the compared elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extended metaphors can span entire sections of a work, such as stanzas in poetry or acts in plays, effectively weaving a consistent theme throughout.
2. Shakespeare often employed extended metaphors to illuminate character emotions and conflicts, helping audiences understand deeper motivations.
3. Milton’s use of extended metaphors enhances the epic quality of his works, often drawing on classical themes to elevate the narrative.
4. This device allows for more nuanced storytelling, as it invites readers to explore the connections between different concepts over time.
5. Extended metaphors can create a stronger emotional impact by connecting abstract ideas with tangible images, making complex themes more accessible.

Review Questions

• How does an extended metaphor enhance character development in Shakespeare's plays?
  • In Shakespeare's plays, extended metaphors serve as tools to deepen character development by linking their emotions and situations to larger themes. For instance, when characters are compared to animals or natural phenomena, it reveals their inner struggles and motivations. This layered comparison allows the audience to gain insight into the characters' psychological states and the broader implications of their actions within the story.
• Discuss how Milton utilizes extended metaphors to elevate themes in his major works.
  • Milton uses extended metaphors extensively in his major works, such as 'Paradise Lost,' to elevate significant themes like redemption, free will, and the human condition. For example, he often compares the fall of man to cosmic battles or grand landscapes, making abstract ideas tangible for readers. This technique not only enriches the text but also encourages readers to reflect on their own moral dilemmas and the nature of good versus evil.
• Evaluate the impact of extended metaphors on the overall narrative structure and reader engagement in both Shakespeare's and Milton's works.
  • Extended metaphors significantly impact the narrative structure and reader engagement in both Shakespeare's and Milton's works by creating cohesion and thematic depth. They draw readers into a more immersive experience as they follow intricate comparisons across various passages. This engagement is crucial for understanding complex themes, as it prompts readers to actively seek connections between the metaphorical comparisons and the narrative events. The result is a richer reading experience that encourages deeper contemplation of the text's meaning.

Related terms

Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things, suggesting they are alike in some way.

Simile: A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as' to highlight similarities.

Imagery: Descriptive language used to create vivid mental pictures for the reader, appealing to the senses and enhancing the meaning of a text.