Metaphors and Similes

Two literary techniques that have become cornerstones in the foundation of writing are the simile and metaphor. Both draw comparisons between two unrelated objects; however, similes use like or as to compare two things, while metaphors do not. For example, a simile would be:

            Her voice was like a bell.

A metaphor, however, would be:

Her voice was a bell.

The effect of similes and metaphors also differs. In a metaphor, the qualities of a bell- tinkling, musical, beautiful- are transferred directly onto the girl’s voice. Thus, the comparison is more potent because it is more direct. The identity of the girl’s voice is tied up with the identity of a bell.

In a simile, the reader is alerted immediately to the fact that a comparison is being made. The girl’s voice is similar to a bell’s, but it is not like that of a bell; the identities are alike, but not the same.

In metaphors, the two comparisons are melded together, despite their apparent differences. In similes, the differences between two comparisons remain separate and retain their individuality.  Both similes and metaphors are effective and poetic, and both add flavor and interest to writing.

Entomology/ History 

Metaphor comes from the Greek word metaphora, which means “To transfer.”

Thus, it is an appropriate word for its meaning, as metaphors transfer different qualities onto something through a comparison.

Simile sounds like similar; one way to remember the differences between simile and metaphor is that simile sounds like similar, and like or as indicate things that are similar.

These techniques have been used since Ancient Greek writers, such as Homer.

Examples

Some famous examples of metaphors include:

“Juliet is the sun”

            -William Shakespeare

“No man is an island”

            -John Donne

Some famous examples of similes include:

“Oh, my luve is like a red, red rose”

            -Robert Burns

“…the bulb hangs in the hot dark/ like a white blood drop”

            -Michael Dennis Browne

Sources and Links for further information

            Mayes, Frances. The Discovery of Poetry. 2nd. New York: Harcourt Brace college Publishers, 1994

Metaphor. November 2008. Wikipedia. 30 Nov 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphors>.

Simile. November 2008. Wikipedia. 30 Nov 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Similes>.

Richard , Nordquist. “Using Similes and Metaphors to Enrich Our Writing (Part 1).” About.com: Grammar & Composition 30 Nov 2008 <http://grammar.about.com/od/words/a/similemetaphor1.htm>.

Richard , Nordquist. “Using Similes and Metaphors to Enrich Our Writing (Part 2).” About.com: Grammar & Composition 30 Nov 2008 <http://grammar.about.com/od/words/a/similemetaphor2.htm>.