For Authors: September 06, 2023 Issue [#12124]
<< August 30, 2023For Authors Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueSeptember 13, 2023 >>




 This week: Metaphor, Simile, and Analogy
  Edited by: NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

"Every religion is true one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you are in trouble." - Joseph Campbell


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Letter from the editor

Metaphor, Simile, and Analogy


The literary devices metaphor, simile, and analogy can appear to be the same thing, but they are each used in a different way. We can make our use of figurative language stronger by knowing the differences between the three.

Metaphor:
A figure of speech used to compare, symbolize, or describe something.

An implied metaphor compares two things without naming one of the things.
A visual metaphor uses a a visual image that suggests an association.
An extended metaphor combines simple metaphors and figurative language over several lines.

Example of a metaphor:
The wind screamed in his face while he was riding the bike.
Meaning: The wind is compared with a scream to emphasize on how furiously it blew.

Simile:
A subcategory of metaphor. This means that every simile is a metaphor, but not every metaphor is a simile.
The words "like" and "as" are used to create a simile.

Example of a simile:
Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
Readers will easily see the direct comparison, so use them sparingly to keep them effective.

Analogy:
Serves to show how two things are alike while making a point about the comparison at the same time. An analogy doesn't just show something, it also explains it. This makes an analogy more complex than a metaphor.

Example of an analogy:
“What you’re doing is as useful as rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.”
The goal with this analogy is not so much to think of the Titanic, but to think of the task as pointless. The sentences compares two things, but also explains one of those without explicitly saying telling someone that they are wasting their time.

Use metaphors, similes, and analogies when they enhance your writing. Try to be culturally sensible to your audience as some phrases sound very alien to others and they will not know what you're writing.

What are your thoughts on using metaphors, similes, and analogies in fiction writing?


Editor's Picks

 The Convention of Colors Open in new Window. (E)
A metaphoric story using colors as characters.
#1864790 by Thomas Seeker Author IconMail Icon

 A Fairy Tale Open in new Window. (E)
The Big Bad Wolf vs Three Little Pigs vs Goldilocks vs Cindarella in metaphorical verse.
#2236829 by Dr Gonzo Author IconMail Icon

 
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Beach Digs Open in new Window. (13+)
A Metaphorical Look Back at Crafts I Have Given My Hands To, or Ruined My Hands For
#2275007 by Nobody’s Home Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2262668 by Not Available.

 
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Simile vs. Metaphor Open in new Window. (E)
A brief description/example of the difference.
#2040023 by Ben Langhinrichs Author IconMail Icon

 
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How To Make Your Writing Stand Out Open in new Window. (E)
The use of voice, diction and figures of speech in fiction writing.
#1901144 by A E Willcox Author IconMail Icon

 
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Where There Is a Metaphor Open in new Window. (13+)
My take on metaphors
#1217985 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

 
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The Sower Open in new Window. (E)
A real life lesson of the Sower and the Seed
#1917846 by Quick-Quill Author IconMail Icon

 A cotton candy analogy Open in new Window. (E)
This is about finding immortality at WDC
#1759220 by Moarzjasac Author IconMail Icon

 Dry Food For Dogs Open in new Window. (ASR)
I was fired for circulating this analogy comparing a food brokerage to a dog pound.
#906824 by winklett Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

Replies to my last For Authors newsletter "Jungian ArchetypesOpen in new Window. that asked: Do you think archetypes are useful in writing?

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