METAPHOR

what is metaphor?

   A metaphor is a figure of speech that refers to something as being the same as another thing for rhetorical effect.a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to show or suggest that they are similar.an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else.

Common Speech Examples of Metaphors

examples :

• My brother was boiling mad. (This implies he was too angry.)
• The assignment was a breeze. (This implies that the assignment was not difficult.)
• It is going to be clear skies from now on. (This implies that clear skies are not a threat and life is going to be without hardships)
• The skies of his future began to darken. (Darkness is a threat; therefore, this implies that the coming times are going to be hard for him.)
• Her voice is music to his ears. (This implies that her voice makes him feel happy)

Literary Metaphor

   Metaphors are used in all type of literature but not often to the degree they are used in poetry because poems are meant to communicate complex images and feelings to the readers and metaphors often state the comparisons most emotively. Here are some examples of metaphor from famous poem

Examples:   She is all states, and all princes, I.”

      John Donne, a metaphysical poet, was well-known for his abundant use of metaphors throughout his poetical works. In his well-known work “The Sun Rising,” the speaker scolds the sun for waking him and his beloved. Among the most evocative metaphors in literature, he explains “she is all states, and all princes, I.” This line demonstrates the speaker’s belief that he and his beloved are richer than all states, kingdoms, and rulers in the entire world because of the love that they share.

The metaphor category also contains these specialised types:

• Allegory: An extended metaphor wherein a story illustrates an important attribute of the subject.
• Catachresis: A mixed metaphor used by design and accident (a rhetorical fault).
• Parable: An extended metaphor narrated as an anecdote illustrating and teaching such as in aesop'a fables, or Jesus' teaching method as told in the bible.
• Pun: Similar to a metaphor, a pun alludes to another term. However the main difference is that a pun is a frivolous allusion between two different things whereas a metaphor is a purposeful allusion between two different things.

reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor

http://literarydevices.net/metaphor/