An extended metaphor is a literary device that incorporates a lengthy comparison between two dissimilar things, extending over a series of sentences or paragraphs.
For Example, You’re a diamond, radiant and strong. Just like a diamond, you’ve got layers of resilience and toughness, formed through tough times. Each hurdle you conquer adds a new shine to your character, making you even more special. And just as a diamond becomes more valuable over time, you grow brighter with each experience, showing your true worth and inner glow.
Another Example found in literature: “In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ Jay Gatsby is like a green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He represents hope and dreams, just as the green light symbolizes the unattainable American Dream. Gatsby’s longing for Daisy is akin to chasing after the elusive dream, forever just out of reach. Like the green light, Daisy’s allure draws Gatsby in, but ultimately, he finds himself trapped in a cycle of longing and yearning, never quite grasping the happiness he seeks.”
| Synonyms | Sustained Metaphor | Conceit | Controlling Metaphor | Complex Metaphor | Elaborated Metaphor |
| Antonyms | Literal Language | Similes | Direct Description | Plain Statement | Objective Language |
In 17th-century extended metaphor are known as metaphysical poets extended the notion of the elaborate metaphor (“Carew, T. (2013). Metaphysical poets”). There are extended metaphors everywhere, in everything from Shakespearean dramas to fantasy novels and song lyrics in popular culture.
Extended metaphor is continues several sentences, paragraphs or the entire book, poem or other work while a metaphor is only when we compare two unlike things. Extended metaphor also known as overarching or sustained or controlling metaphor. So, for creating your own extended metaphor remember these 5 steps.
- Choose a main idea
- Think of a familiar object
- List the characteristics of your chosen object
- Use these related characteristics to describe your main idea
- Keep the metaphor consistent and connected by using words and phrases
Best 4 tips to use extended metaphor is:
- Understand Your Topic
- Find a Familiar Comparison
- Use clear Imagery
- Maintain Consistency
What is Extended Metaphor?
An extended metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things at length and in multiple ways throughout a text, such as a poem, story, or essay. It expands the textual landscape of the imaginative world.
In Simpler words, simple metaphor is one line, while in extended metaphor we expand these lines into paragraphs.
Metaphor word comes from Greek, which means “transfer” from Latin extendere ‘stretch out’, from ex- ‘out’ + tendere ‘stretch’.
What are The Examples of Extended Metaphor?
Simple metaphor: You are a diamond.
Extended metaphor: You are a diamond, formed under immense pressure and heat. Your inner brilliance shines through, even when faced with adversity. Just like a diamond, you are strong, resilient, and valuable, with many facets to your personality that make you unique and precious.
Simple metaphor: Life is a journey.
Extended metaphor: Life is a journey with many paths to choose from. Some roads are smooth and easy, while others are rocky and challenging. We may encounter detours, roadblocks, and unexpected turns along the way. Our experiences and decisions are like the luggage we carry, shaping our journey and our final destination.
What are the examples of extended metaphor in literature?
5 examples from famous poem and novels:
- In Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” the world is compared to a stage, and people are actors playing various roles throughout their lives.
- In Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” hope is personified as a bird that sings endlessly in the soul, even in the toughest times.
- In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the farm represents society, and the animals represent different groups of people, with the pigs symbolizing the ruling class.
- In the novel “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel, the ocean journey is a metaphor for the protagonist’s spiritual and psychological growth.
- In the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, the two roads in the forest symbolize the different choices and paths one can take in life.
What are the Extended metaphor synonym and antonym?
Synonyms and antonym of extended metaphor includes:
| Synonym | Antonym |
| Continued metaphor | Literal language |
| Prolonged metaphor | Direct language |
| Developed metaphor | Plain language |
| Elaborated metaphor | Straightforward language |
| Expended metaphor | Unembellished language |
Where Extended Metaphor come from?
extended metaphor also known as Metaphysical poets in the earlier times. A study by “Carew, T. (2013) on Metaphysical poets.” John Donne, one of the most famous metaphysical poets. The metaphysical poets is a term coined by the poet and critic Samuel Johnson to describe a loose group of British lyric poets of the 17th century, whose work was characterized by the inventive use of conceits.
Is extended metaphor makes a complex comparison?
Yes, an extended metaphor does make a complex comparison. An extended metaphor is a figure of speech where a comparison between two seemingly unrelated things is sustained throughout a piece of writing or speech. This literary device allows the writer or speaker to explore the nuances and depth of the comparison, creating a more intricate and thought-provoking connection between the two elements being compared.
The use of an extended metaphor requires the audience to actively engage with the text, drawing parallels and exploring the underlying meanings and associations. This complexity can enhance the overall impact and effectiveness of the comparison, as the reader or listener is challenged to delve deeper into the layers of meaning.
In summary, the extended nature of the metaphor, where the comparison is developed and expanded upon over a longer passage, contributes to the complexity of the comparison being made. This literary technique allows for a more nuanced and multifaceted exploration of the relationship between the two elements being compared.
How Do Metaphors And Extended Metaphors Differ?
Metaphors and extended metaphors differ in the following ways:
| Difference | Metaphor | Extended Metaphor |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unrelated things. | A metaphor that is expanded upon and developed over multiple sentences or paragraphs. |
| Scope | Typically a single, concise comparison. | Explores the comparison in greater depth, using multiple related metaphors. |
| Purpose | To highlight a specific similarity between two concepts. | To provide a more comprehensive, in-depth exploration of a central idea or theme. |
| Example | “Time is money.” | “Life is a journey. We start off on a path, encountering obstacles and challenges along the way. Sometimes the road is smooth, other times it is rough and winding. We must choose which direction to take, and whether to go it alone or with companions. The destination may be unclear, but we must keep moving forward, one step at a time.” |
In summary, while a metaphor makes a direct comparison, an extended metaphor expands upon that comparison in a more detailed and comprehensive manner, using multiple related metaphors to explore a central idea or theme.
How is an extended metaphor different from an implied metaphor?
An extended metaphor and an implied metaphor are two distinct literary devices that differ in their approach to using metaphorical language.
| Characteristic | Extended Metaphor | Implied Metaphor |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An extended metaphor is a metaphor that is developed and expanded upon throughout a piece of writing, often spanning multiple sentences or even paragraphs. | An implied metaphor is a metaphor where the comparison is not explicitly stated, but rather suggested or implied through the use of language and context. |
| Explicitness | In an extended metaphor, the comparison is made explicit and is sustained throughout the passage. | In an implied metaphor, the comparison is not directly stated, but the reader must infer the metaphorical connection based on the context and language used. |
| Length | An extended metaphor is typically longer, spanning multiple sentences or paragraphs. | An implied metaphor is usually more concise, with the metaphorical connection being suggested within a single sentence or phrase. |
| Purpose | The purpose of an extended metaphor is to develop a complex, multi-layered comparison that enhances the overall meaning and impact of the text. | The purpose of an implied metaphor is to create a more subtle, nuanced comparison that allows the reader to engage more actively with the text and draw their own conclusions. |
| Examples | “Life is a highway, and we are all just travelers on it, navigating the twists and turns, the hills and valleys, the smooth stretches and the bumpy roads.” | “The sun was a golden orb, sinking slowly into the horizon.” (The sun is compared to a golden orb, but the comparison is not explicitly stated.) |
In summary, the key difference between an extended metaphor and an implied metaphor is the level of explicitness and the sustained development of the metaphorical comparison. An extended metaphor is a more overt and prolonged use of metaphorical language, while an implied metaphor is a more subtle and concise use of metaphorical language.
What is difference between extended metaphor and Extended simile?
The main difference between an extended metaphor and an extended simile lies in the way they make comparisons:
Extended Metaphor:
– An extended metaphor is a comparison that continues throughout a piece of writing, often spanning multiple sentences or even paragraphs.
– It directly equates two unlike things, stating that one thing “is” another.
– The comparison is implied rather than explicitly stated using “like” or “as.”
– Extended metaphors allow the writer to explore the similarities between the two things in depth.
Extended Simile:
– An extended simile is a comparison that uses “like” or “as” to explicitly liken two unlike things, and this comparison is sustained over multiple sentences or a passage.
– The comparison is directly stated using comparative words like “like” or “as.”
– Extended similes allow the writer to explore the similarities between the two things in depth, but the comparison is not as direct as in an extended metaphor.
| Extended Metaphor | Extended Simile |
|---|---|
| Direct comparison without “like” or “as” | Explicit comparison using “like” or “as” |
| Implies the comparison | States the comparison directly |
| Equates two unlike things | Likens two unlike things |
| Explores similarities in depth | Explores similarities in depth |
Why Extended Metaphor are called overarching metaphor?
Extended Metaphors are called “overarching metaphors” because they encompass and govern the overall meaning and structure of a literary work. These metaphors serve as the dominant, unifying theme that permeates the entire piece, providing a cohesive framework for the author’s ideas and imagery.
Why Extended Metaphor are called sustained metaphor?
Extended Metaphors are also referred to as “sustained metaphors” because they are developed and maintained throughout the literary work, rather than being a brief, isolated comparison. The extended metaphor is consistently woven into the narrative, allowing the author to explore a concept in-depth and create a rich, multi-layered interpretation.
Why Extended Metaphor are called controlling metaphor?
Extended Metaphors are known as “controlling metaphors” because they exert a strong influence over the work’s content, form, and overall direction. These metaphors act as the guiding principle that shapes the writer’s choices, from the selection of language and imagery to the development of the plot and characters. The controlling metaphor becomes the central organizing principle that directs the entire literary piece.
How to create own extended metaphors?
To create your own extended metaphors, you can start by identifying a concept or idea that you want to explore. Think of a tangible object or experience that could serve as a metaphor for that concept. Begin by making a simple comparison, such as “life is a journey.” Then, expand on that metaphor by adding more details and layers of meaning.
For example, if your initial metaphor is “life is a journey,” you could extend it by saying, “the path is winding, with unexpected obstacles and scenic vistas along the way. Sometimes the terrain is smooth, and other times it’s rocky and treacherous. We pack our bags, filled with the tools and experiences we’ll need for the journey, and we set out, not knowing what lies ahead, but determined to reach our destination.”
By adding more specific imagery and details, you can create a rich, extended metaphor that helps to convey your message or idea in a more vivid and impactful way.
How to Generate more extended metaphor ideas?
To generate more extended metaphor ideas, you can try the following strategies:
- Brainstorm a list of potential metaphors: Think of common experiences, objects, or concepts that could serve as metaphors for the idea you want to explore.
- Explore different domains: Look for metaphors that draw from different domains, such as nature, technology, sports, or the arts. This can help you come up with more unique and unexpected comparisons.
- Use analogies and similes: Start with simple analogies or similes, and then build upon them to create more extended metaphors.
- Experiment with different perspectives: Try looking at the same concept from different angles or points of view to generate new metaphor ideas.
- Consult reference materials: Use dictionaries, thesauruses, or online resources to find related words, phrases, or concepts that could inspire new metaphor ideas.
- Practice and refine: As you generate ideas, experiment with different ways of extending the metaphor. Refine and revise your metaphors to make them more compelling and effective.
What Are most important tips for using Extended Metaphor?
The most important tips for using an extended metaphor are to ensure that the comparison is consistent throughout the piece, to choose a metaphor that is meaningful and relevant to the topic, and to use vivid and descriptive language to bring the metaphor to life.
Can you use extended metaphor in songs?
Yes, extended metaphors can be used effectively in songs, as they can help to convey complex ideas and emotions in a memorable and impactful way.
Why would an author use an extended metaphor?
An author may use an extended metaphor to explore a complex idea or theme in depth, to create a vivid and memorable image, or to draw connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.
How Extended Metaphor use in poems?
In poems, extended metaphors can be used to create a rich and layered exploration of a theme or idea, with the metaphor serving as a unifying thread throughout the poem.
What are the necessary steps to take when using an extended metaphor in a poem?
.When using an extended metaphor in a poem, it’s important to carefully plan the metaphor, ensure that it is consistently developed throughout the poem, and use vivid and descriptive language to bring the metaphor to life.
How we find extended metaphor in poem?
To find an extended metaphor in a poem, look for a comparison that is sustained and developed over multiple lines or stanzas, rather than a single, isolated metaphor.
how does the figurative language in this stanza work as part of the extended metaphor?
The figurative language in this stanza works as part of the extended metaphor by using vivid and descriptive language to compare the subject to a specific object or concept, and by developing this comparison over multiple lines.
What is the extended metaphor in the poem “I, Too, Sing America”?
The extended metaphor in the poem “I, Too, Sing America” is the comparison of the speaker to America itself, with the speaker asserting their right to be included and represented in the national identity.
Explain how Whitman use extended metaphor in his poem.
In his poem, Whitman uses an extended metaphor to compare the self to a vast and complex landscape, with the speaker exploring the various aspects and facets of their own identity and experience.
how to write an extended metaphor poem
.To write an extended metaphor poem, start by choosing a meaningful and relevant metaphor, then develop and explore this metaphor throughout the poem, using vivid and descriptive language to bring the comparison to life.
Is extended metaphor is the one line or they can extend through a longer section of text?
An extended metaphor is a metaphor that continues through multiple lines or a longer section of text. It is not limited to a single line.
The extended metaphor allows the writer to explore the comparison in greater depth, drawing out the similarities between the two things being compared over a more extended passage. This can create a more vivid and impactful image for the reader.
So, in summary, an extended metaphor is not confined to a single line, but can flow through a longer section of the text, longer sentences or paragraph.