by Jane Allyson

Created on: May 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 16, 2007

A metaphor is a figure of speech. It is used when a more descriptive style is needed to describe something or in which a word or phrase is used to stand for something else.

Examples of metaphors are:

Couch potato
Road Hog
Bottom Feeder
You are the sunshine of my life
A weighty subject
Half-baked idea
Keep your eyes peeled
Food for thought

A static metaphor is an easily recognized metaphor whose meaning is a basic one, for example like using the word red to signify rage. It usually shows one characteristic and one character. It isn't used to embroider other elements of the story. When static, its usefulness is limited.

Extended or dynamic metaphors are used to run in conjunction with a character or account and can carry a great deal of the structure of the plot. They can be mapped out like a storyline in that they can have a beginning, middle and an end. They have a versatility that lets the writer add layer upon layer of pictures in the mind's eye in that can be compared to reading a score of visual music.

The dynamic metaphor can pull a story together by giving it depth and meaning. It can convey an abstract idea and can show various changes within the story without the need for a descriptive account. In this case it can be useful when the writer needs to keep a flow of narrative going and will rely on the metaphor to give an idea of what is, instead of explaining it through wording.

And so metaphors can be seen to be vitally important to the writer. They are the tool with which can be used to bring emotion and meaning. They are woven cleverly between the levels of narrative to help bring characters alive and to help make the plot believable.

Learn more about this author, Jane Allyson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.