Communicating with Metaphors, page 6

Types of Metaphors

Academics have created a taxonomy of metaphors that categorizes metaphors into different types. In this section, I’ll define and explain some of the types of metaphors within this taxonomy using the vocabulary developed in “ Dissecting a Metaphor.” I’ll take a look at absolute, active, complex, compound, dead, implicit, mixed, root, and submerged metaphors.

If you are in doubt about what a particular type of metaphor is, you’ll probably find it helpful to look at the examples I provide.

Absolute Metaphor

An absolute metaphor is one in which there is no ground. In other words, the vehicle and the tenor seem to have nothing in common. For example: “The duck is an onion.”

So what’s the point of an absolute metaphor? Good question. Without a common ground of comparison, this kind of metaphor is unlikely to provide readers with the “Aha!” experience. You could almost say it isn’t really a metaphor at all.

If it is a metaphor, which is in doubt, it is a far out metaphor. The absolute metaphor is not making an obvious comparison. Indeed, there is no apparent connection between the things being compared. Which is just another way of saying that there is no common ground between the vehicle and the tenor.

Without this common ground, it only makes sense to use an absolute metaphor in a poetic way. At best, an absolute metaphor that resonates with some readers may feel like a non-sequitor, or just plain goofy, to other readers.

Click here to practice using an absolute metaphor.

Active Metaphor

An active metaphor is one that is not commonly used, and has therefore not become a cliché. An active metaphor is sometimes also called a live metaphor.

A metaphor has become a cliché because it is apt, and useful; therefore, over time, much used.

It’s hard to avoid clichés when creating metaphors. Sometimes it is even good to use a clichéd metaphor because your readers will know exactly what you mean.

But, hallelujah! If you can form a metaphor that conveys your meaning and is fresh, active, live, then that is the Holy Grail!

Click here to practice using an active metaphor.

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