A metaphor is one of the literary devices writers use for various purposes in their work; we'll look at the purposes later on. Some writers have not embraced the use of metaphors that much, maybe because of the genre they deal with, or it’s just that their interaction with metaphors may be more shallow than a paddling pool. What? Did I hear you ask whether what I’ve just said back there is a metaphor? Yes, it is. Back to what I was saying, both suggestions are true and practical, except that they should not be the reasons you don't use metaphors as a literary device in your writing. My goal is to help you as a writer understand everything and anything about metaphors.

What is a metaphor

How about we first learn about the origin of the word “metaphor”. Great idea, right? The word metaphor has its origin from the French word in the sixteenth century; métaphore, which came from the Latin word metaphora which means “carrying over”. All these thanks to the Greek words metaphorá and metapherō which both mean “to transfer”.

A metaphor has several definitions. Some may say a metaphor is a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing to show or suggest that they are similar. Others may say a metaphor is an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else. I will define a metaphor as a figure of speech that directly compares one thing to another for rhetorical effect.

Types of metaphors

Depending on the purpose and style of use, there are different types of metaphors. The known types include implied metaphors, sustained metaphors, standard metaphors, mixed metaphors, dead metaphors.

Standard metaphors

These are the most common and most used metaphors. Standard metaphors compare two unalike things to strongly bring out a point. For standard metaphors, one object or idea is said to be another object or idea. Don’t worry if you didn’t get that. The most basic example is; they take the form “z is w or x is y”. An example of a standard metaphor is; he is the black sheep in his family.

Implied metaphors

Unlike standard metaphors, writers do not have to mention an object directly to make their comparison when using implied metaphors. There are several types of implied metaphors, depending on the context of use. Some of these metaphors compare people to animals, for example; his pregnant wife waddled to the kitchen. The wife is compared to a duck or goose. Another example is; In his disappointment, he barked insults at the waiter. This compares the man to an angry dog.

Some compare people to inanimate objects. For example: The news reporters orbited the spot. Now you don’t want to tell me you don’t know what that metaphor could be implying. Of course, planets orbit around the sun, and you are right if “planets” was your first guess.

Some compare two inanimate objects. An example is: He knew better than anyone that love is beautiful, yet has dangerous thorns. In this case, love is compared to a rose.

Some compare inanimate objects to animals. An example is: The car hissed past the petrol station. The car is compared to a snake.

Mixed metaphors

Mixed metaphors allow the writer to combine two or even more metaphors. For example: As much as she was having cold feet about the situation, nothing could soften her heart of stone.

Dead metaphors

These are metaphors that have been used for so long that they have lost meaning as metaphors because of over-usage. An example includes; the body of an essay. I wouldn’t be surprised that you didn’t know this very common statement is a metaphor.

Sustained metaphors

This type of metaphor is carried through multiple sentences and even paragraphs. A sustained metaphor provides more powerful and vivid imagery. It is mostly used in songs and poetry. An example is: "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief." (William Shakespeare).

The purpose of metaphors

Metaphors help readers to visualize unfamiliar concepts vividly.

Metaphors help to meaningfully explain unfamiliar situations.

Metaphors help to make your work as a writer interesting.

Metaphors are meant to impact the readers and leave a long-lasting impression.

You should understand that over usage of metaphors in your writing can also have the unintended or opposite effect on your readers, making them lose interest in your work. As a writer, you therefore should use them sparingly in your writing.

Sources

www.grammarly.com/blog/metaphor/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-metaphor
https://literarydevices.net/metaphor