…Analysis of “A Pig in a Poke” in Literature The proverb “a pig in a poke” is more than a folksy saying; it is a powerful metaphor that writers use…
500 search results for "metaphor"
Back to the Drawing Board
…in the world of cartooning during World War II. Cartoonists, particularly those working for publications such as The New Yorker, would often use the “drawing board” as a visual metaphor…
Club Sandwich
…into quarters or triangles and served with a side. However, within literature, the “club sandwich” transcends this simple definition. It’s become a versatile metaphor representing a variety of concepts, from…
Clutch At A Straw
…surprisingly ancient and deeply embedded in religious and literary tradition. While the exact phrasing emerged in the nineteenth century, the concept itself dates back much further. A biblical metaphor used…
Cold Turkey
…turmoil, and psychological challenges that accompany it. Authors use “cold turkey” to signal a moment of crisis, a turning point, or a character’s desperate attempt at self‑redemption. Symbolism and Metaphor…
Zig Zag
…its literal meaning, “zig zag” has permeated literature and everyday language as a potent metaphor for complexity, unpredictability, and the often circuitous paths we take toward our goals. Origin of…
Dead Cat Bounce
…a metaphor for fleeting hope, false promises, or temporary respites from deeper troubles. Its literary power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of inevitability and disillusionment. When used…
Emily Dickinson
…flowers in her garden, the birdsong, provided a constant source of inspiration and metaphor. Her experiences with friendship and perhaps even romantic interest, though often veiled and ambiguous, informed her…
When I am Dead, My Dearest
…a timeless, liminal state between life and death, an eternal peace. These symbols enrich the poem’s meaning and invite deeper interpretation. Metaphor: The poem uses the metaphor of returning to…
A Former Life
…figurative language to deepen its meaning: Metaphor: The comparison of “mighty pillars” to “basaltic caves” is a striking metaphor. It transforms the architectural elements into natural formations, suggesting an ancient,…
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
…us of our vermin!” contains a bitter irony, as their leaders’ perceived foolishness in handling rats is later overshadowed by their actual foolishness in breaking a promise. Metaphor: A direct…
For The Time Being
…the abstract spiritual reflections in concrete, relatable experiences. Metaphor: Auden uses metaphors to draw insightful comparisons. The “Aristotelian city” is a powerful metaphor for the rational, predictable, and often limiting…
To Toussaint Louverture
…“deep dungeon’s earless den.” These images effectively contrast freedom with confinement and highlight Louverture’s isolation. Metaphor The poem employs powerful metaphors to convey Louverture’s lasting influence. The lines “Thou hast…
Sonnet 139
…appreciation for its enduring power. Metaphor and Imagery The poem is rich with metaphors that transform emotional pain into physical wounds and battles. The “unkindness” is not just a feeling…
The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd
…the decay of beauty and the end of youthful exuberance. The phrase “fancy’s spring, but sorrow’s fall” serves as a metaphor for how initial infatuation and romantic ideals (“fancy’s spring”)…
Poetry of Departures
…life. The description of “It’s specially chosen junk, / The good books, the good bed” paints a clear picture of the speaker’s domestic environment, which he paradoxically detests. Metaphor: The…
I Dreaded That First Robin
…speaker evokes a tactile and emotional response. The “pines in the woods” also contribute to the soundscape of spring, even if initially unwanted. Metaphor and Extended Metaphor: The entire poem…
Icarus
…internal despair. These images effectively convey the chasm between who Icarus was and who he has become. Metaphor: The Everyday Hero The entire poem can be seen as an extended…
Sonnet 112
…in the beloved’s gaze. The Beloved as the Universe The central metaphor of the poem solidifies the beloved’s supreme importance: You are my all the world, and I must strive…
Sonnet 40
…accusation. Metaphor: Shakespeare uses powerful metaphors to convey the speaker’s feelings. The beloved is described as a “gentle thief” (line 9), transforming the act of betrayal into a form of…