Communicating with Metaphors, page 10

Figures of Speech, continued

Metaphors are only one of the kinds of figures of speech. We’ve already encountered a simile or two, which are metaphors with the comparison (or vehicle) made explicit, usually through the use of the words “like” or “as.” In addition, there are many other kinds of figures of speech, some of which I’ll describe in this section.

As the wag said, “Everything in moderation, even moderation.” Figures of speech, including metaphors, can easily be overused or used incorrectly. (See the discussion of mixed metaphors in the previous section for an example).

However, when they are used sparingly, figures of speech can add power, grace, and clarity to your writing.

Be aware that Strunk and White in The Elements of Style devoted a whole rule to this: “18. Use figures of speech sparingly.”

With this warning firmly in mind, let’s have a look at a few of the figures of speech that are related to the metaphor.

Allegory

An allegory is a long narrative which is a metaphor in its entirety. In other words, in addition to its literal meaning, an allegory has an alternative meaning that is its real content.

For example, in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the surface story involves farm animals who revolt against tyranny in the farmyard, and how that revolution goes bad. This, of course, is an allegory for the Russian revolution, which started full of good hope and the best socialist ideals, and quickly went downhill from there.

Some other well-known narratives that are completely, or in great part, allegorical are The Faerie Queen, Moby Dick, The Pilgrim’s Progress, and The Scarlet Letter.

Modern readers detest allegory when it is obvious. But some readers like hunting for allegory when the details of the vehicle used to compare the surface allegory with its inner meaning are less than clear.

This is an attitude full of contradiction. On the one hand, we detest allegory; on the other hand, we hunt diligently for it.

Continued next page

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