1. Extended Metaphor

2. Review: What is a metaphor?
A comparison between two unlike things NOT using like or as.
Stating that something IS something else.
Examples:
The sea is a playful cat.
My handwriting is a spider’s crawl.
The building is a laughing face.

3. Extended Metaphor
An extended metaphor still compares two unlike things, but the comparison is drawn out (extended) through several lines OR throughout the entire poem.
Ask students to complete their notes for Extended Metaphors.

4. Metaphor Extended Metaphor The sea is a playful cat.
The sea is a playful cat. It licks and paws the beach. On sunny days it lies calmly with its belly to the sun.
My handwriting is a spider’s crawl.
My handwriting is a spider’s crawl. It moves with many legs over the page.
The building is a laughing face.
The building is a laughing face. The eyes blink merrily in the light. The open mouth invites all who pass to enter.
Ask students how the extended metaphor adds to the meaning of the original.

5. “The Toaster”
Our toaster is a Silver-scaled dragon With a winding black tail And an evil, red-glowing mouth That spits out breakfast with a fiery vengeance. - William Jay Smith
Example of Extended Metaphor. How does the extension add to the comparison of a toaster and dragon?

6. Mirror by Sylvia Plath
I am a mirror, silver and exact. I have no preconceptions. Whatever I see, I swallow immediately. Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike I am not cruel, only truthful – The eye of a little god, four cornered.
Example of Extended Metaphor. How does the extension add to the comparison of a person and a mirror?

7. Things to Do If You are a Subway Bobbi Katz
Pretend you are a dragon. Live in underground caves. Roar about underneath the city. Swallow piles of people. Spit them out at the next station. Zoom through the darkness. Be an express. Go fast. Make as much noise as you please.
Example of Extended Metaphor. How does the extension add to the comparison of a subway and dragon?

8. “Metaphor for a Family”
My family lives inside a medicine chest:
Dad is the super-size band aid, strong and powerful
But not always effective in a crisis.
Mom is the middle-size tweezers,
Which pick and poke and pinch.
David is the single small Asprin on the third shelf,
Sometimes ignored.
Muffin, the sheep dog, is a round cotton ball, stained and dirty,
That bounces out as I open the door.
And I am the wood and glue which hold us all together with my love.

9. Metaphor for YOUR Family!
Complete Your Chart
Write a metaphor for each member of your family.
Then you must describe WHY that metaphor accurately describes each family member.
THEN, draw a picture to represent each family member.
Example: My dad is a jack-in-the-box; most of the time he is a calm, peaceful guy; but then, without warning, he abruptly jumps out from nowhere to get you!
Pass out “Extended Metaphor” handout to students.

10. Family Member Metaphor Description Picture
Dad
My dad is a jack-in-the-box.
Most of the time he is a calm, peaceful guy; but then, without warning, he abruptly jumps out from nowhere to get you!
Mom
My mom is the talking broken doll that won’t turn off.
My mom is fabulous to play with, but she doesn’t EVER stop talking.
Brother
My brother is the favorite old toy.
No matter what else comes along or goes away, My brother Trevor is always there when you need him.
Example of chart students will need to complete.

11. Next Steps! Turn your “Metaphor for a Family” chart into a poem!
Rewrite your poem on a separate sheet of paper.
Include colored pictures to help your readers visualize your family.

12. My family lives in a toy room
My family lives in a toy room. My dad is the jack-in-the-box; most of the time he a quiet and peaceful guy; then, without warning, he abruptly jumps out to get you. My mom is the talking doll that won’t turn off; she never stops talking—even if no one else is around. Brian is the box that holds the sporting equipment; no matter what sport anyone wants to play, Brian is ready. Trevor is the old, worn, but favorite toy; no matter what else comes and goes, he is always there when you need him. Zach, the youngest, is the GI Joe that has fallen behind the dollhouse; often forgotten.
Example of finished poem.