The Metaphor
page 1

Question: What is this?

1…Definition of a Metaphor

A metaphor is a comparison not using like or as.

It is where a word or phrase is used instead of a description, to suggest a likeness or between two things. (Ex. The earth is a ball.)
 
 

2… Examples of metaphors in common speech.

What are they trying to say?

Janet is an angel.

Books are the souls of authors.

The melody was a breath of fresh air.

Peter is the work horse of the company.

In the first example, Janet is not actually a real angel. The writer could just as easily say that Janet is nice. The author could have used a simile and said she is like an angel, but it's more powerful to say she is an angel.

3…. The way Metaphors are used:

They are statements that transfer the qualities of one thing or person to another.


page 2

Exercise 1

Give three reasons why Lewis Carol may have showed that the people were "cards" in Alice in Wonderland.

1___________________________
2___________________________
3___________________________
 

Exercise 2
 
 

Try to improve these sentences by using a metaphor to replace the description. The first one is done for you. (Be nice!)
 
  1. Brian is very clever.
 Brian is fox waiting to make his next move.
  • Joliette High School is very hot in summer.
    		•  Joliette high school is ______________________

    _______________________________________
  • Christopher is strong and dangerous.
    		•  Christopher is a __________________________

    _______________________________________
  • History is the most difficult course in the school.
    		•  History is _______________________________

    _______________________________________
  • Joel can jump very high. 


    •  

    		 Joel is a _______________________________________
  • Natalie is a good speaker.
    		•  Natalie is a ______________________________

    ________________________________________



    page 3
    Exercise Number 3

    Identify the metaphors that are used in poems.

    In the space below the poem, identify 5 metaphors that are used in the poem b, then say what it is Sylvia Plath might be saying about herself by using that metaphor.

    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
    Metaphors

    by Sylvia Plath
     

    I'm a riddle in nine syllables,

    An elephant, a ponderous house,

    A melon strolling on two tendrils.

    0 red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!

    This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.

    Money's new-minted in this fat purse.

    I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.

    I've eaten a bag of green apples,

    Boarded the train there's no getting off.
     
     

    Exercise Number 4

    Write your own metaphor poem, describing "what you are", what your friends and home are, what your life is, etc.