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named metaphor

 

Definitions from the Web

Named Metaphor

Description

A named metaphor refers to a type of metaphor where the comparison between two unrelated things is clearly stated by using the word "like" or "as." It helps to create vivid imagery and enhance understanding by directly comparing two concepts.

Sense 1: Figure of Speech

In the realm of figure of speech, a named metaphor is used to convey a striking comparison between two different things. It enables the reader or listener to see the subject in a new light, often by drawing attention to shared characteristics. By explicitly stating the comparison, the named metaphor becomes a powerful linguistic tool.

Example:

One famous example of a named metaphor is from Shakespeare's play, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." Here, Shakespeare compares the world to a stage, emphasizing the transient nature of human life through a vivid image.

Sense 2: Literary Device

As a literary device, a named metaphor adds depth and creativity to written works. Authors and poets often use named metaphors to make their descriptions more engaging and thought-provoking. It allows the reader to connect abstract concepts with tangible objects, thus enhancing the overall meaning and impact of the text.

Example:

In Emily Dickinson's poem, "Hope is the thing with feathers," she compares hope to a bird, illustrating its ethereal and uplifting nature.

Sense 3: Rhetorical Effect

Within rhetoric, a named metaphor serves as a persuasive tool. By associating one concept with another, speakers or writers can appeal to the emotions and logic of their audience, making their arguments more convincing and memorable. Named metaphors add color and richness to persuasive speeches, essays, and advertisements.

Example:

In Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, he declares, "I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi... will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice." By comparing Mississippi to an oasis, King paints a powerful image of a better future while motivating his audience to take action.

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