All writers, must be readers....

As I was reading one of my favorite novels I came across some metaphors that I thought would further illustrate a my post on Metaphors.

Read this!

"High Fist," he said at last, aware that both men had been waiting for him to speak, "there's still a few Bridgeburners left. Fewer hands on the sword. But the sword's still sharp. It's not our style to make life easy for those who oppose us--whoever they happen to be. To just quietly walk away..."

P. 127 Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

 "He'd come into her  room, a place where the noble brats drooling at her heels couldn't enter, a place where she might talk to the ragged dolls of her childhood, when innocence didn't just mean a flower not yet plucked. Her sanctuary."

P. 190 Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

 The second example is slightly different. When you read 'flower not yet plucked' the speaker is referring to the virginity of a woman.

Both illustrate how metaphors are used within fantasy fiction.

More examples:

"Her soft voice carries across the road, still shrouded in the mist laid down before dawn."
--P.289, Magic of Recluse, L.E. Modesitt Jr.  

The metaphor is another method for comparing things. Similar to the simile but less direct. The metaphor is an indirect comparison.

For a definition of metaphor:

A figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two things or objects that are poles apart from each other but have some characteristics common between them.

As an author you must have an understanding of the relationship between the idea or thing that you are wanting to compare.

For instance: you could compare the abilities of a fighter and a dancer.

As with the simile the list of examples could be endless. It is for the author to decide what the important elements and relationships are.

For some examples: Young Writers has listed a few that should help you out.

Related Posts

• Think Backward to Write Meaningful Metaphors
• How to Use the Persuasive Power of Metaphors
• 25 Things You Should Know About Metaphor

The art of the metaphor - Jane Hirshfield