Extended metaphor

Definition

An extended metaphor is a literary device that compares two unlike things in a way that continues throughout a piece of writing, rather than just at one point. It helps to create deeper meaning and connections by linking various elements together over the course of the narrative, enhancing themes and character development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extended metaphors can be found in various forms of storytelling, including film scripts, poetry, and prose, helping to deepen audience engagement.
2. This device can highlight a character's emotional journey or growth by paralleling their experiences with a broader theme expressed through the metaphor.
3. When using an extended metaphor, writers may introduce new comparisons or symbols throughout the narrative to reinforce the initial metaphor and expand its meaning.
4. Effective extended metaphors can create memorable moments in a story, leaving a lasting impression on viewers or readers.
5. In screenwriting, extended metaphors are especially useful for establishing tone and mood, guiding the audience's emotional response as the story unfolds.

Review Questions

• How does an extended metaphor enhance character development in screenwriting?
  • An extended metaphor can significantly enhance character development by aligning a character's emotional state with a larger theme reflected in the metaphor. For example, if a character is likened to a ship navigating stormy seas, this metaphor could illustrate their struggles and resilience throughout the narrative. By consistently tying the character's journey to the extended metaphor, it provides deeper insight into their internal conflicts and growth.
• Discuss the role of extended metaphors in creating thematic cohesion within a screenplay.
  • Extended metaphors serve as a unifying thread throughout a screenplay by weaving together various plot points and character arcs under a common theme. By employing an extended metaphor consistently, screenwriters can reinforce key messages and ideas, making the narrative feel more cohesive. This technique not only clarifies the underlying themes but also allows viewers to engage more deeply with the material, as they uncover connections between characters’ experiences and the overarching metaphor.
• Evaluate how effective use of extended metaphors can influence audience interpretation and emotional response in film.
  • Effective use of extended metaphors can profoundly influence audience interpretation by providing layers of meaning that invite deeper analysis of the film's themes. For instance, if a film uses an extended metaphor comparing life to a game of chess, it encourages viewers to consider concepts such as strategy, sacrifice, and unpredictability within human relationships. This layered storytelling not only enhances emotional resonance but also encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences in relation to the themes presented through the metaphor, fostering a more impactful connection to the film.

Related terms

metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one is the other, without using 'like' or 'as'.

symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, giving deeper meanings to objects, characters, or events within a story.

allegory: A narrative that uses characters and events to symbolize broader themes and messages, often conveying moral or political lessons.