Analogy
Analogies can be separated into two parts.
Target – the unknown idea or object; we’re trying to explain it, or at least make it clear Source – the familiar idea or object; we use sources to shed light on the more complicate ―The snow is a blanket on the earth.‖ Is the snow actually a blanket? No! However, the image the equation creates is a vividly descriptive one – and vivid images are excellent!
Synecdoche: Examples
It is hard to earn a dollar these days. His parents bought him a new set of wheels. Australia beat Canada at Cricket. She was dressed in silks and satins. Spring should vanish with the rose! What a despicable creature he is!
When a verb or phrase is compared to a verb or phrase, as is used:
They remained constantly attentive to their goal, as a sunflower always turns and stays focused on the sun.
Some analogies simply offer an explanation for clarification rather than a substitute argument: Knowledge always desires increase: it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some external agent, but which will afterwards propagate itself. --Samuel Johnson
More Examples
When you compare a noun to a noun, the simile is usually introduced by like:
After such long exposure to the direct sun, the leaves of the houseplant looked like pieces of overcooked bacon. The soul in the body is like a bird in a cage.
Metonymy
The thing chosen for the metaphorical image is closely associated with (but not an actual part of) the subject with which it is to be compared.
Rhetorical Questions
The question is not answered by the writer, because its answer is obvious or obviously desired, and usually just a yes or no. It is used for effect, emphasis, or provocation, or for drawing a conclusionary statement from the facts at hand.
The Hall applauded. He likes to play with the rosy cheeks. She means to marry money. The pen is mightier than the sword. Grey hair should be respected. Will you play me some Chopins? He is the admiration of the whole school.
How can we use a simile to compare the two?
The Finished Product!
The snow is like a thick blanket on the ground.
Notice the key presence of ―like‖.
Metaphors
Metaphor compares two different things by speaking of one in terms of the other. Metaphor asserts that one thing is another thing, not just that one is like another. Very frequently a metaphor is invoked by the to be verb.
What’s a Simile?
Similes compare two dissimilar objects, concepts, etc., in order to suggest an unexpected likeness between the two.
Similes can often be distinguished by the presence of one of two code words, ―like‖ and ―as‖.
Metaphors: More Examples
Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is sound, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound, your body is full of darkness. --Luke
Personification
Personification involves giving the qualities of animals or persons to inanimate objects – to animate the nonliving. Once again, figurative language is used to bring images, concepts, or objects to life! “England expects every man to do his duty." We bought this house instead of the one on Maple because this one is more friendly.
What is an Analogy?
Analogies allow writers to help readers understand difficult issues or concepts by comparing them to familiar ones.
As a result, similarity between the difficult concept and its familiar counterpart is crucial; if there is no similarity, the comparison is useless for rhetorical purposes.
Rhetorical Questions
How many times do I have to tell you to do your homework? But how can we expect to enjoy the scenery when the scenery consists entirely of garish billboards? . . . For if we lose the ability to perceive our faults, what is the good of living on? --Marcus Aurelius Is justice then to be considered merely a word? Or is it whatever results from the bartering between attorneys?
Rhetorical Devices
Major Simile Metaphor Personification Synecdoche Metonymy
Minor Analogy Rhetorical Questions Alliteration Antithesis Climax Euphemism Hyperbole Irony Oxymoron
Analogy: Examples
You may abuse a tragedy, though you cannot write one. You may scold a carpenter who has made you a bad table, though you cannot make a table. It is not your trade to make tables. --Samuel Johnson