Metaphor: A comparison between two things A metaphor is one kind of figurative language. It makes a direct comparison of two unlike things. It is meant to create an impact in the minds of readers. The aim of this literary tool is to convey a thought more forcefully than a plain statement would. Metaphors usually use a form of the verb “to be”. The verb can be in the past tense (was, were), he present tense (am, is, are), or future tense (will be). Consider the example.

He drowned in a sea of grief Imagine how bland a statement such as “he was sad” is, compared to a statement describing a sea of grief.” The metaphor is sure to give the reader a better idea of the depths of grief in this situation. We use them to magnify statements. Metaphors are exaggerated expressions no doubt, but they are exaggerated because they are supposed to paint a vivid picture, or become a profound statement or saying. ACTIVITIES Read these metaphors, write about what you think they mean and then discuss with your classmates. 1. Time is a rushing river. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Love is the dessert of life. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Her eyes are two emeralds. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. The classroom is a magic box full of tricks to discover. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. America is a melting pot. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Metaphors in Literature 1. “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.” – William Shakespeare 2 “Books are the mirrors of the soul.” (Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941); English writer and one of the foremost modernists of the twentieth century) Now, try to find your own example in one book you really like. Write the metaphor on the blackboard and explain it to your classmates. ______________________________________________________________________________ Metaphors in music Firework – by Katy Perry

‘Cause, baby, you‘re a firework Come on, show ’em what you‘re worth

Katy’s anthem of self-love is a great example of metaphors and similes. The overarching metaphor is that everyone is a firework: unique, special, and capable of doing great things. Titanium – by David Guetta

Ricochet, you take your aim Fire away, fire away You shoot me down but I won’t fall I am titanium

In this dance classic, she compares herself to one of the strongest metals. She is showing that no matter what you throw at her, or how much you try to knock her down, you won’t succeed Now, try to find your own example in one song you really like. Write the metaphor shown in the lyrics on the black board and explain it to your classmates. ______________________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE ACTIVITIES

Write 5 metaphors about one topic on the following list or any other you choose: how you feel, one part of your body, one person you admire/love, one game, one activity, one activity, one food, one place, one feeling (love, sadness,…), childhood, your parents, your school, your teacher(s), future, life, nature, friendship, secrets,… any other. Then share with your classmates and discuss about them. 1.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________