A metaphor is an expression or word in a figurative sense, the basis of which is a phenomenon or object that has similarities with it. In simple words, one word is replaced by another having a similar attribute with it.
A metaphor in literature is one of the oldest
artistic techniques.What a metaphor consists of
The metaphor consists of 4 parts:
- Context - a complete passage of text that combines the meaning of the individual words or sentences included in it.
- An object.
- The process by which the function is executed.
- Application of this process or its intersection with any situations.
The concept of metaphor was discovered by Aristotle. Thanks to him, now a view has formed on her as a necessary language affiliation, which allows to achieve cognitive and other goals.
Ancient philosophers believed that the metaphor was given to us by nature itself and has become so firmly established in everyday speech that many concepts need not be called literally, and its use replenishes the lack of words. But after them, they laid on it the function of an additional application to the mechanism of the language, and not to its main form. It was believed that it was even harmful to science, since it leads to a dead end in the search for truth. Despite everything, a metaphor in literature continued to exist, since it was necessary for its development. To a greater extent, it was used in poetry.
It was only in the 20th century that the metaphor was finally recognized as an integral part of speech, and scientific research using it began to be carried out in new dimensions. This was facilitated by such a property as the ability to combine materials of different nature. What is a metaphor in literature, it became clear when they saw that the expanded use of this artistic device leads to the appearance of riddles, proverbs, allegories.
Building a metaphor
A metaphor is created from 4 components: two groups and the properties of each of them. Features of one group of objects are offered to another group. If a person is called a lion, then it is assumed that he is endowed with similar characteristics. Thus, a new image is created where the word “lion” in the figurative sense means “fearless and mighty”.
Metaphors are specific to different languages. If the Russian "donkey" symbolizes stupidity and obstinacy, then the Spaniards - hard work. A metaphor in literature is a concept that may differ among different peoples, which should be taken into account when translating from one language to another.
Metaphor Functions
The main function of the metaphor is a vivid emotional assessment and figuratively-expressive coloring of speech. At the same time, rich and capacious images are created from low-comparable objects.
Another nominative function, which consists in filling the tongue with phraseological and lexical constructions, for example: bottle neck, river bend, pansies .
In addition to the basic ones, the metaphor performs many other functions. This concept is much broader and richer than it seems at first glance.
What are the metaphors
Since ancient times, metaphors have been divided into the following types:
- Sharp - connecting concepts lying in different planes: "I am walking through the city, shot by eyes ...".
- The worn-out one has become so commonplace that the figurative character is no longer noticeable (“Already in the morning people were drawn to me”). It has become so familiar that the figurative meaning is difficult to grasp. It is detected when translating from one language to another.
- Metaphor-formula - its transformation into direct meaning is excluded (worm of doubt, wheel of fortune). She has long become a stereotype.
- Expanded - contains a large message in a logical sequence.
- Realized - it is used for its intended purpose ("I came to my senses , and there again a dead end").
What is a metaphor in literature?
It is difficult to imagine modern life without metaphorical images and comparisons. The most common metaphor in literature. This is necessary for the bright disclosure of the images and essence of phenomena. In poetry, a detailed metaphor is particularly effective, represented in the following ways:
- Indirect message using a figurative expression or story using comparison.
- Speech using words in a figurative sense, based on analogy, similarity and comparison.
The expanded metaphor is successively revealed in the text fragment: “The dawn is washed in the fine rain with dawn ”, “ The moon gives New Year's dreams ”.
Some classics believed that a metaphor in literature is a separate phenomenon that takes on a new meaning due to its occurrence. In this case, it becomes the goal of the author, where a metaphorical image leads the reader to a new meaning, an unexpected meaning. Such metaphors from fiction can be found in the works of classics. Take, for example, the Nose, which acquires a metaphorical meaning in Gogol’s story. Shakespeare's works are rich in metaphorical images , where they give heroes and events a new meaning. Based on this, it can be said that their widespread definition is far from complete. A metaphor in literature is a broader concept and not only decorates speech, but often gives it a new meaning.
Conclusion
What is a metaphor in literature? It more effectively affects consciousness due to emotional coloring and imagery. This is especially evident in poetry. The influence of the metaphor is so strong that psychologists use it to solve problems associated with the psyche of patients.
Metaphorical images are used when creating advertisements. They wake the imagination and help consumers make the right choice. Similar manipulation of man and society is also carried out in the political sphere.
The metaphor is increasingly entering everyday life, manifesting itself in language, thinking and action. Her study is expanding, covering new areas of knowledge. By the images created by metaphors, one can judge the effectiveness of a particular media.