Metaphors

Definition

Metaphors are figures of speech that make implicit comparisons between two unrelated things, suggesting that one thing is another to highlight similarities in their qualities. In literature, especially in Middle English works like those of Chaucer, metaphors serve to create vivid imagery and enhance emotional resonance, helping to convey complex ideas and themes in a more relatable way.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer often used metaphors to convey complex social and moral issues, making his works relatable to a broad audience.
2. In 'The Canterbury Tales', metaphors enrich character descriptions, illustrating their personalities and social standings in a few vivid phrases.
3. Metaphors in Chaucer's works often reflect the cultural and historical context of the 14th century, linking characters' experiences with contemporary societal values.
4. Chaucer’s use of metaphors can evoke humor, irony, or satire, showcasing the intricacies of human behavior and societal norms.
5. The innovative use of metaphors by Chaucer influenced later writers, encouraging them to adopt similar techniques for expressing their thoughts.

Review Questions

• How do metaphors enhance the storytelling in Chaucer's works?
  • Metaphors enhance storytelling in Chaucer's works by providing deeper meaning and vivid imagery that resonates with readers. They allow for complex ideas and themes to be communicated in relatable terms. For example, when Chaucer describes characters using metaphors, he paints a clear picture of their traits and social roles, making it easier for the audience to understand their motivations and actions within the narrative.
• What role do metaphors play in revealing the social commentary found in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
  • Metaphors serve as a critical tool for revealing the social commentary in 'The Canterbury Tales'. By employing metaphorical language, Chaucer critiques societal norms, class structures, and human behaviors in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. This use of metaphor allows readers to reflect on the deeper implications of the tales, encouraging them to question the values of their own society while enjoying an entertaining story.
• Evaluate how Chaucer's use of metaphor contributes to the development of characters in his narratives.
  • Chaucer's use of metaphor plays a significant role in character development by illustrating key traits and motivations succinctly. For instance, when he describes a character with a specific metaphor, it not only conveys information about their personality but also places them within a broader social context. This technique invites readers to engage with the characters on multiple levels, allowing for a richer understanding of their complexities and relationships within the narrative framework.

Related terms

Simile: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Imagery: Descriptive language that creates mental images and appeals to the senses, often enhanced by the use of metaphors.

Allegory:

A narrative that uses metaphorical figures and events to convey a deeper moral or political meaning.