Sustained comparison

Definition

Sustained comparison is a literary technique that involves maintaining a consistent and extended parallel between two or more ideas, concepts, or characters throughout a piece of writing. This technique is often used to deepen understanding and create richer meanings, allowing readers to see the intricate connections and contrasts that can exist between seemingly different subjects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustained comparison is often found in poetry and prose where the author consistently draws parallels between elements, enhancing thematic depth.
2. This technique can be used to highlight contrasts as well as similarities, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of complex topics.
3. In allegorical works, sustained comparisons help convey moral or philosophical messages through a continuous relationship between the narrative and its themes.
4. Readers can benefit from sustained comparisons as they encourage active engagement with the text, prompting them to uncover hidden meanings.
5. Effective use of sustained comparison often enriches character development, making them more relatable by linking their experiences to broader human conditions.

Review Questions

• How does sustained comparison enhance the reader's understanding of themes in a literary work?
  • Sustained comparison enhances the reader's understanding of themes by continuously linking different elements throughout the text. This technique encourages readers to draw connections between characters, situations, or ideas, revealing deeper insights into the overarching message. By maintaining this parallel, authors can illuminate complex relationships and invite readers to think critically about the material presented.
• In what ways can sustained comparisons be identified within allegorical literature, and what purpose do they serve?
  • In allegorical literature, sustained comparisons can be identified through the consistent use of characters, events, or symbols that represent broader themes. These comparisons serve to convey moral lessons or philosophical ideas by creating a parallel narrative that allows readers to grasp complex concepts more easily. By weaving these comparisons throughout the story, authors reinforce their intended messages and invite reflection on the deeper significance behind the surface-level plot.
• Evaluate how effective use of sustained comparison could transform a simple narrative into a profound exploration of human experience.
  • Effective use of sustained comparison can transform a simple narrative into a profound exploration of human experience by revealing interconnected themes that resonate on multiple levels. When an author skillfully maintains parallels throughout their writing, they encourage readers to engage with the text in a meaningful way. This engagement allows for deeper reflections on life’s complexities, relationships, and moral dilemmas. As readers recognize these connections, they gain insights into their own experiences and understandings, making the narrative not just a story but a rich tapestry of shared human conditions.

Related terms

Extended Metaphor: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things in a way that extends beyond just a single phrase or sentence, elaborating on the comparison over several lines or throughout an entire work.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing for deeper layers of meaning in a text.

Allegory: A narrative that uses characters and events to symbolize broader themes and moral lessons, often involving a sustained comparison between the story and its underlying message.