An introduction to figurative language

First, you’ll need to know some basics Both metaphors and similes are types of

figures of speech called “tropes” (more on that in a year or two)

Both metaphors and similes are used to compare seemingly unlike things or ideas

Both metaphors and similes should be distinguished from analogies

Both metaphors and similes contain two elements: the vehicle and the tenor

“Seemingly unlike things” This class is like that other class I took:

boring and pointless and completely useless to my life.

Listening to this teacher is like listening to the History Channel: boring material but without the cool pictures and videos.

English class is like Spanish class because I don’t understand how to speak either.

“Seemingly unlike things” Attending this class is like attending a circus

with no elephants, jugglers, trapeze artists, or tents.

Listening to this teacher is as productive as listening to an opera performed at the Met while being ripped apart by sharks in Australia.

English class is like a salmon-flavored cookie: sure, some people might like it, but they’re idiots.

Metaphor/Simile vs Analogy Metaphor: The comparison of two

seemingly unlike things without using like, as, or any other connecting word.

Simile: The comparison of two seemingly unlike things using like, as, or some other connecting word.

Analogy: A comparison of items that show a more obvious similarity.

“Seemingly unlike things”: Analogy or not? This class is like that other class I took:

boring and pointless and completely useless to my life.

Listening to this teacher is like listening to the History Channel: boring material but without the cool pictures and videos.

English class is like Spanish class because I don’t understand how to speak either.

Attending this class is like attending a circus with no elephants, jugglers, trapeze artists, or tents.

Listening to this teacher is as productive as listening to an opera performed at the Met while being ripped apart by sharks in Australia.

English class is like a salmon-flavored cookie: sure, some people might like it, but they’re idiots.

“Seemingly unlike things”: Analogy or not?

Tenors and Vehicles Tenor = the subject of a figure of speech

(the thing being explained) Vehicle = the image, concept, or action

being used to illustrate or represent the tenor

Tenors and Vehicles: e.g.

“Megan is an absolute angel.”

Vehicle =

Tenor =

angel

Megan’s personality and character traits

Tenors and Vehicles: e.g.

“Last night I plowed through Great Expectations…again.”

Vehicle =

Tenor =

plowed

read

Metaphors and Similes Metaphors can be direct or implied. Direct metaphors state both tenor and

vehicle. With indirect metaphors, only the vehicle

is mentioned; the tenor is inferred through context.