Simile Definition
A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things. Unlike a metaphor,
a simile draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”.
Therefore, it is a direct comparison.We can find simile examples in our
daily speech. We often hear comments
like “John is as slow as a snail.” Snails are notorious for their slow
pace and here the slowness of John is compared to that of a snail. The
use of “as” in the example helps to draw the resemblance. Some more
examples of common similes are given below.
Common Examples of Simile
- Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
- Her cheeks are red like a rose.
- He is as funny as a monkey.
- The water well was as dry as a bone.
- He is as cunning as a fox.
Function of Simile
From the above discussion, we can infer the function of similes both
in our everyday life as well as in literature. Using similes attracts
the attention and appeals directly to the senses of listeners or readers
encouraging their imagination to comprehend what is being communicated.
In addition, it inspires life-like quality in our daily talks and in
the characters of fiction
or poetry. Simile allows readers to relate the feelings of a writer or a
poet to their personal experiences. Therefore, the use of similes makes
it easier for the readers to understand the subject matter of a
literary text, which may have been otherwise too demanding to be
comprehended. Like metaphors, similes also offer variety in our ways of
thinking and offers new perspectives of viewing the world.
Metaphor Definition
Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison
between two things that are unrelated but share some common
characteristics. In other words, a resemblance of two contradictory or
different objects is made based on a single or some common
characteristics.
In simple English, when you portray a person, place, thing, or an action as being something else, even though it is not actually
that “something else,” you are speaking metaphorically. “He is the
black sheep of the family” is a metaphor because he is not a sheep and
is not even black. However, we can use this comparison to describe an
association of a black sheep with that person. A black sheep is an
unusual animal and typically stays away from the herd, and the person
you are describing shares similar characteristics.
Furthermore, a metaphor develops a comparison which is different from a simile
i.e. we do not use “like” or “as” to develop a comparison in a
metaphor. It actually makes an implicit or hidden comparison and not an
explicit one.
Common Speech Examples of Metaphors
Most of us think of a metaphor as a device used in songs or poems only, and that it has nothing to do with our everyday life. In fact, all of us in our routine life speak, write and think in metaphors. We cannot avoid them. Metaphors are sometimes constructed through our common language. They are called conventional metaphors. Calling a person a “night owl” or an “early bird” or saying “life is a journey” are common conventional metaphor examples commonly heard and understood by most of us. Below are some more conventional metaphors we often hear in our daily life:- 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)
Functions
From the above arguments, explanations and examples, we can easily infer the function of metaphors; both in our daily lives and in a piece of literature. Using appropriate metaphors appeals directly to the senses of listeners or readers, sharpening their imaginations to comprehend what is being communicated to them. Moreover, it gives a life-like quality to our conversations and to the characters of the fiction or poetry. Metaphors are also ways of thinking, offering the listeners and the readers fresh ways of examining ideas and viewing the world.
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is it okay if we use negative objects in metaphor or simile ?,
is there a resemblance between the function of simile and metaphore ?
what is different between metaphore and connotation ?