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Table of Contents
Metaphors are an essential tool for writers because by using such, they convey more emotions and color to their readers. Moreover, it creates an impact and interest on the readers, making them want to read more.
See the fact file below for more information on Metaphor or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Metaphor worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
Introduction
- The word metaphor can be traced from the Greek word metaphorá, meaning to transfer.
- A metaphor is a figure of speech used to describe or creatively compare different things that are not the same but has similarity.
- Sometimes, a sentence may sound awkward using metaphors, but it is a unique way of comparing things.
- Metaphors intend to mean differently than their literal meaning; therefore, they should not be translated literally.
- It helps open the imagination and create a new understanding of various things.
- They are often in creative writing such as poems, novels, lyrics, and other literature.
- Metaphors can activate different emotions, making the reading material more engaging and exciting.
- At times, metaphors are unintentionally used in everyday conversations.
- Unlike similes, metaphors do not use words such as like and as, but they use a more indirect comparison.
Common Examples of Metaphors:
- Laughter is the best medicine.
- It means that being happy, laughing, or humor is good for the health
- The world is a stage.
- It means that the world or life is like a stage show where people are actors who enters (given birth) and exits (dies) the show.
- Life is a rollercoaster.
- Life is compared to a rollercoaster which has its ups and downs.
Common Types of Metaphors
Absolute Metaphor
- It is also called as paralogical metaphor or anti-metaphors.
- It is a kind of metaphor where the compared objects are not related.
- Due to this, absolute metaphors may be difficult for the readers to understand.
Example:
- I should not make any mistakes because I am walking on a tightrope due to the layoff.
(walking on a tightrope – being in a difficult situation)
Dead Metaphor
- Dead metaphor is also called as frozen metaphor or historical metaphor.
- These are cliche metaphors or those that are already overused.
- They are frequently used that it already lost its imagery or the impact it had.
- Dead metaphors can be easily understood without analyzing their earlier connections because they already established a conventional meaning.
- To effectively use a dead metaphor, one must think of a unique and creative way to capture the reader’s interest.
Example:
- I have to make it fast because my time is running out.
(time is running out – limited time left)
Implied Metaphor
- This type of metaphor is used by comparing different things without directly mentioning them.
Example:
- Annie barked several rants due to her boss.
(Annie was compared to a dog by using the word “barked”)
Sustained Metaphor
- Sustained metaphor is usually found in poetry, songs, and other forms of literature.
- It is often long as it extends throughout the text.
- It creates a strong and influential impact on the readers.
Example:
- “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” (Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare)
(In here, Juliet was compared to the sun.)
Mixed Metaphor
- They are usually used for comedic purposes.
- Two or more metaphors are combined to create a single metaphor.
Example:
- Let’s get all our ducks on the same page.
(Two metaphors, “get your ducks in a row” and “get on the same page” combined, which means get things or tasks prepared or organized.)
Root Metaphor
- These are metaphors that have already become a part of culture or language, thus, becoming hard to distinguish that it is a metaphor.
- It became a part of a person’s perception of life or identity.
Example:
- Time is money.
(It means that like money, time has a value too.)
More Examples of Metaphors
- Metaphors from songs:
- “You shoot me down but I won’t fall I am titanium.”
(Titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia) - “You’re my tylenol when I am in pain.”
(Lemonade by Jeremy Passion)
- “You shoot me down but I won’t fall I am titanium.”
- Metaphors from novels:
- “My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.” (Fault In Our Stars by John Green)
- “Memories are bullets. Some whiz by and only spook you. Others tear you open and leave you in pieces.”
(Kill the Dead by Richard Kadrey)
- Metaphors using taste:
- She seems bitter about the situation.
- You look sour.
- Metaphors using nature:
- You are the sunshine of my life.
- They are shining stars in the stage.
- Metaphors using animals:
- She was a swan in that ballet performance.
- Ben’s eagle eyes helped them solved the case.
- Metaphors using temperature:
- My sister is an ice queen.
- She gave me a cold shoulder.
- Metaphors that can be used in daily life:
- My boss is such a busy bee.
- Thank you so much, you’re an angel!
Things to Remember When Using Metaphors
- When writing metaphors:
- Identify your topic
- Describe its characteristics.
- Choose an object you can compare it to and make attributes.
- Metaphors can be created with anything or any idea.
- Make sure that the metaphors created are vivid and clear to the readers.
- Remember that metaphors are used to create an image for the readers and not to impress them with complicated statements.
- Avoid using metaphors excessively because they may exhaust and confuse the readers.
Metaphor Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Metaphor across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Metaphors which are literary devices used to convey emotions in colorful ways.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Metaphors Facts
- Kinds of Metaphors
- Don’t Be Confused
- Our Song
- Scenario One
- Link It
- In Other Words…
- Twin Words
- Blending Words
- Express That Metaphor
- Poems
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Link will appear as Metaphors Facts and Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 18, 2022
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.