What is Metaphor in Literature? Definition and Examples

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔍 Definition: A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.
• 💡 Purpose: Metaphors enhance writing by creating vivid imagery and deeper meaning.
• 📝 Key Feature: Transfers qualities from one thing to another, offering new perspectives.
• 🧠 Types: Common types include standard, implied, mixed, and extended metaphors.
• 🌍 Example 1: "The world is a stage." (Compares the world to a stage without using 'like' or 'as').
• 🧪 Example 2: "He is a lion in battle." (Compares someone's bravery to a lion's).

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best defines a metaphor?
   1. A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
   2. A direct comparison of two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.
   3. An exaggeration for emphasis.
   4. A statement that contradicts itself.
2. In the sentence, "Time is a thief," what is being compared to a thief?
   1. Money
   2. Opportunity
   3. Time
   4. Health
3. Which of the following is an example of a metaphor?
   1. She is as brave as a lion.
   2. The wind howled through the night.
   3. He is a shining star.
   4. The snow was white like cotton.
4. What is the main purpose of using metaphors in literature?
   1. To confuse the reader.
   2. To create vivid imagery and deeper meaning.
   3. To simplify the writing.
   4. To state literal facts.
5. Identify the metaphor in the following sentence: "Her words were a soothing balm."
   1. Her words
   2. A soothing balm
   3. Were
   4. Sentence
6. What type of metaphor is prolonged throughout a significant portion of a literary work?
   1. Implied Metaphor
   2. Standard Metaphor
   3. Extended Metaphor
   4. Mixed Metaphor
7. In the sentence, "The city is a jungle," what characteristic of a jungle is being attributed to the city?
   1. Its green spaces
   2. Its dense and chaotic nature
   3. Its animal population
   4. Its peaceful environment