What is Metaphor in Literature? (Definition)
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. Unlike a simile, which uses 'like' or 'as' to signal the comparison, a metaphor asserts identity: 'Juliet is the sun' does not say she resembles the sun but declares she is the sun.
Metaphors are fundamental to how humans think and communicate. They allow writers to express abstract ideas through concrete images, creating connections that enrich meaning. An extended metaphor—one that develops across multiple lines or an entire work—is sometimes called a conceit.
Examples of Metaphor
Example 1: Metaphor in Romeo and Juliet
Romeo does not merely compare Juliet to the sun—he declares she is the sun. This metaphor elevates her from a person to a cosmic force that governs his world, defines his direction (the east), and replaces all other light sources.
Example 2: Metaphor in The Great Gatsby
The metaphor of 'turning over' advice in the mind compares thought to a physical act—examining an object by rotating it. This subtle metaphor suggests Nick approaches life contemplatively, weighing ideas before acting.
Example 3: Metaphor in Macbeth
Macbeth's metaphor compares life to a bad actor who performs briefly then vanishes. The 'walking shadow' suggests life has no substance, while the theatrical metaphor reduces human existence to performance—meaningless sound and fury.