Analogy, Metaphor, Simile - Adding that little extra to writing
Using Analogy, Metaphor, and Simile in Writing
I've found that using analogies, metaphors, and similes occasionally in my writing creates an interesting way to make a point or fact standout. They also allow a bit of spice to writing and keeps the reader interested.
What is an analogy?
One author on Medium wrote an article titled "Analogies are Like Drag-and-Drop Learning. And that might be a good way to represent them.
Dictionary.com states it as simply,
"a similarity between like features of two things, on which a comparison may be based"
In other words, it's a logical statement used to compare and explain.
Some examples are:
- Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer.
- Life is like a race
- He was as strong as an ox.
- Her baby was as good as gold.
Analogies are found in many types of writing, some more than others. They provide the writer with a means to paint the picture in a way that allows the reader to retain the facts given.
Metaphors create these images in a slightly different way.
"Metaphors are much more tenacious than facts." -- Paul de Man
Metaphors are slightly different in that they make a comparison between things but are not taken literally. Poets rely heavily on metaphors, but other writers use them, too.
Dictionary.com states it as, "a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”
Some examples of metaphors are:
- Time is a thief.
- It's raining cats and dogs.
- Sam is a pig.
Simile vs Metaphor
A simile is often confused with the metaphor. The difference is, the metaphor states that one is the other; the simile says one is like the other. They typically use the word "like" or "as" in the comparison.
According to Dictionary.com, a simile is defined as "a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.”
So, using the examples of our metaphors above, we can make them similes in this way.
Instead of the metaphor: Time is a thief.
The simile might be: Time is like a thief.
Instead of the metaphor: Same is a pig.
The simile is: Sam is as dirty as a pig.
Are you still with me? I hope you have not found this to be as boring as watching paint dry. (see what I did there?)
The point I'm trying to make is that occasionally adding a spattering of these literary techniques can really bring your writing to a new level. It can be the BAM! that I wrote about in a previous post.
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/dianek59/blog/bam-your-blog-...
Of course, these are just three of the many literary techniques you might choose to include in your writing. Each of these tools gives you more power and creativity in your writing.
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
—Ernest Hemingway
Recent Comments
32
Great though!
Never thought about it like that before. But doing the analogy, metaphor and simile brings creativity, more clarity plus gives us more word count
I like it.
Thankts.
Hi Diane,
An analogy is one of my favourite tools as a teacher.
In third world countries we often lack the relevant resources for teaching.
I find that using analogies often helps to get the point across much more clearly.
Candy Benn
That's interesting, Candy. I never thought of the need for it in countries with limited resources.
Well, it takes a while but, beating around the bush helps to reinforce ideas. Sometimes going straight to the point makes learning too easy and if it easy some don't learn. This is how the Disciples were taught.
Very interesting Caribbean Queen.
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Language is Power. The pen is a sword or is it the pen is mighty and a sword. I sometimes get these muddled up. "Segowa" (English - in Setswana) is not my first language but I do appreciate the aesthetics of the English language.
My son Phem (the one on my right) thought, he is efficient and enjoys this kind of writing he has been reading since he was three. I thought him at two and a half. he is now in grade 8, he is as sharp as a hot knife through the ice...Cream?
Boikanyo (the one on the left) just read me a fable he wrote for his schoolwork, he is in grade 5. I was in stitches as he read his fable to me. MmeDianeK59 you name means Proverbs in Setswana. It is fitting that you shared this with us.
Thank you for this I am inspired to make an effort in my content. I also appreciate Grammarly. Without it, I would not be able to share, in the discussions.
Thanks to all who share their views in the talk.
Ntlhane
Wow, thank you for all the information!
Proverbs is actually one of my favorite books, so I feel quite honored by that association.
I agree about Grammarly. I use the pro version and find it quite helpful.
Best wishes!
Diane