Extended metaphor

Definition

An extended metaphor is a literary device that compares two unlike things in a detailed and sustained way, often throughout a passage or an entire work. This technique allows writers to explore complex ideas and themes, providing deeper meaning and insight into the text. In works like 'Hamlet', extended metaphors enrich the characters' motivations, emotions, and the overarching philosophical inquiries of the play.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Hamlet', the metaphor of Denmark as a sick body is used to reflect the moral and political corruption within the kingdom.
2. The theme of death in 'Hamlet' is explored through extended metaphors related to decay and the afterlife, enhancing the play's philosophical depth.
3. Extended metaphors in Hamlet often reveal the inner turmoil of characters, particularly Hamlet himself, as they grapple with existential questions.
4. Shakespeare uses extended metaphors to connect personal dilemmas with broader societal issues, creating a complex interplay between individual and state.
5. The use of extended metaphor in Hamlet contributes significantly to the play's overall tone, enriching its tragic elements and emotional resonance.

Review Questions

• How does Shakespeare use extended metaphors to enhance character development in 'Hamlet'?
  • Shakespeare employs extended metaphors in 'Hamlet' to provide deeper insight into characters' psyches. For example, the metaphor of Denmark as a sick body reflects Hamlet's perception of his corrupt environment and his own moral struggle. By maintaining this metaphor throughout various scenes, Shakespeare highlights Hamlet's internal conflict and his role as both a thinker and a man of action, enriching our understanding of his character.
• Analyze the impact of extended metaphors on the themes of mortality and decay in 'Hamlet'.
  • In 'Hamlet', extended metaphors such as those comparing death to decay powerfully underline the play's themes of mortality and the impermanence of life. These comparisons not only highlight the inevitability of death but also enhance the mood of despair that pervades the play. By consistently employing these metaphors, Shakespeare emphasizes how characters grapple with their own mortality and the consequences of their actions, leading to profound philosophical reflections on life.
• Evaluate how extended metaphors contribute to the philosophical depth of 'Hamlet' and its commentary on human existence.
  • Extended metaphors in 'Hamlet' are crucial in shaping the play's philosophical inquiries regarding human existence. Through rich comparisons, such as viewing life as a stage or Denmark as a decaying organism, Shakespeare invites audiences to ponder deeper questions about morality, purpose, and identity. These metaphors serve as vehicles for exploring complex ideas about fate and free will, allowing Hamlet's existential struggles to resonate with audiences on both personal and universal levels.

Related terms

metaphor: A figure of speech that directly compares one thing to another for rhetorical effect, without using 'like' or 'as'.

imagery: Visually descriptive or figurative language that evokes sensory experiences and helps convey deeper meanings.

symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often adding layers of meaning to a text.