1. Metaphor: Definition
A metaphor draws a comparison between 2 unlike things, in which the figurative term is substituted for or identified with the literal term.
A metaphor can never be literal. It always means something other than what it means.

2. Metaphors: Examples
Metaphors follow an “a = B” formula where A is the literal noun/idea and b is the figurative noun/idea substituted for A.
3 types:
Direct: Both A and B are named
indirect: one or both of a and B are not named
Extended: a metaphor that exists throughout an entire poem
“it’s raining cats and dogs!” (direct)
“What pig lives in this messy room?” (Literal is implied)
”Look at this mess! Does your brother oink around this room all day?!” (Figurative is implied)

3. Metaphors Does it ever literally rain cats and dogs? No!
Is a human being literally a pig? No!
Can love literally wind itself around and around you? NO!
Key Point: Metaphors differ from symbols in that metaphors can never function literally.

4. Metaphor: Function
Generally, metaphors elicit emotions by describing a concept in a richer way.
Sometimes, a metaphor is used to temper/soften a literal experience that is too difficult/uncomfortable to show.

5. Metaphors
Let’s practice identifying different metaphors as a class as you discuss.

6. Metaphors
Let’s practice identifying different metaphors as a class as you discuss.

7. Metaphor Examples Example 1: Taylor Mali poem
Example 5: Text handout
Example 6:
Example 7: Table discussion
Example 8: Socratic circle (literary analysis)