Have you ever noticed how some writers don’t just mention a comparison, but build an entire world around it? That’s often the work of an extended metaphor, a powerful tool that breathes life and depth into writing. It’s more than just saying something is like something else; it’s a sustained exploration of that likeness. Let’s unravel this fascinating literary device.
What is an Extended Metaphor?
At its heart, a metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” An extended metaphor takes that basic comparison and develops it over several lines, stanzas, or even an entire work. It’s not a one-time connection; it’s a continuous parallel explored in detail. Think of it as a tapestry woven with a single, repeating motif.
Simple Examples of Extended Metaphor
To get started, let’s look at some concise examples:
- Life is a journey. An extended metaphor might then detail the various stages of life as different parts of a journey: childhood as the initial planning, adulthood as the long road, and old age as reaching the destination.
- Time is a thief. This could be expanded to describe how time steals youth, opportunities, and memories.
- Her voice was velvet. An extended version might describe how her voice smoothed over rough edges, soothed troubled hearts, or created a luxurious atmosphere.
Notice how each of these starts with a simple comparison, but has the potential to be developed much further.
The Anatomy of an Extended Metaphor
Understanding how an extended metaphor functions can help you both identify and create them. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Tenor: The subject being described.
- Vehicle: The object the subject is being compared to.
- Ground: The shared characteristics between the tenor and the vehicle. This is the foundation of the comparison.
For example, in the phrase “Life is a journey,” ‘life’ is the tenor, ‘journey’ is the vehicle, and the ground is the shared idea of having stages, challenges, and a destination. The more aspects of the tenor that can be mapped onto the vehicle, the richer and more effective the extended metaphor will be.
In-Depth Examples of Extended Metaphor
Now, let’s dive into how extended metaphors play out in longer works and poems.
Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the thing with feathers”
This famous poem uses the extended metaphor of hope as a bird. Throughout the poem, Dickinson consistently refers to hope using avian imagery, its “feathers,” its ability to “perch,” and its resilience in the face of storms. The vehicle (a bird) allows Dickinson to explore the abstract concept of hope—its fragility, its persistence, and its ability to offer comfort even in the most difficult circumstances. The ground lies in the shared characteristics of being delicate yet strong, freely available, and a source of joy.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”)
Shakespeare launches with a direct comparison, and then spends the rest of the sonnet elaborating on it. He acknowledges the flaws of summer, its brevity and susceptibility to harsh weather, and contrasts them with the eternal beauty of the subject of the poem. Summer is the vehicle; the beloved is the tenor. The ground is the beauty and vibrancy associated with both, and the poem’s extended exploration demonstrates how the beloved’s beauty transcends the limitations of nature. The poet isn’t just saying the person is pretty; he’s arguing that their beauty is lasting and immutable, unlike the fleeting beauty of summer.
Langston Hughes’ “Harlem” (also known as “A Dream Deferred”)
Hughes uses a series of similes, which are closely related to metaphors, to explore the consequences of dreams postponed. The dream deferred is the tenor, and the various similes, such as a raisin in the sun and a sore that festers, act as vehicles. The ground is the idea of something precious decaying or becoming painful due to neglect. Hughes doesn’t simply state that dreams can be lost; he explores the way they are lost, through gradual decay, festering resentment, or explosive frustration. Each simile adds another layer to the extended metaphor, creating a powerful and haunting image of the destructive consequences of unfulfilled aspirations.
Sylvia Plath’s Use of Bees in “Wintering”
In many of Plath’s poems, particularly those surrounding the breakdown of her marriage, bees function as an extended metaphor for her emotional state. The hive represents her internal world, the bees her thoughts and feelings, and the queen bee a symbol of her own sense of self. When the hive is disrupted or the bees are agitated, it reflects her inner turmoil. The honey, a symbol of sweetness and fulfillment, becomes scarce or tainted, reflecting her growing disillusionment. This isn’t a one-off image; the bee imagery permeates her work, building a complex and resonant exploration of her psychological state.
How to Craft Your Own Extended Metaphors
Creating a compelling extended metaphor takes careful thought and execution. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a Strong Vehicle: Select an object or concept that has enough depth and complexity to support a sustained comparison.
- Identify the Ground: What are the shared characteristics between your tenor and vehicle? Make a list.
- Explore the Connections: Don’t just state the comparison; show it. Develop the metaphor through vivid imagery, detailed descriptions, and consistent application of the vehicle’s characteristics to the tenor.
- Maintain Consistency: Once you establish the metaphor, stick with it. Avoid introducing conflicting images or comparisons.
- Subtlety is Key: Don’t beat your reader over the head with the metaphor. Allow them to discover the connections for themselves.
The Power of Extended Metaphor
Extended metaphors aren’t just decorative flourishes; they’re powerful tools for enhancing meaning, creating emotional resonance, and engaging your audience. By building a sustained comparison, you can deepen your readers’ understanding of complex ideas, evoke strong emotions, and create a truly memorable reading experience. They allow you to see the familiar in a new light, revealing hidden connections and offering fresh perspectives. When used effectively, an extended metaphor can elevate your writing from good to exceptional.
So, the next time you encounter a striking comparison in literature, take a moment to appreciate the artistry of the extended metaphor and consider how you might weave one into your own writing.