Writing About Similes/ Metaphors: Writing Lab
Overview: When a poet employs a simile or a metaphor, usually, she does so to make a point. In other words, if the idea weren’t important, the author wouldn’t draw attention to it with figurative language.
When interpreting a simile/ metaphor, it’s important to pay attention to image the author creates and fully explain it in your writing.
Take this example of a simile from Lorrie Moore’s “How”
“A slow, syrup sink into those arms like a hearth”
Think about what the author is trying to say. Without looking below, write your explanation:
Here is an example of an actual student response:
Moore writes, “a slow, syrup slink into those arms like a hearth,” explaining that the speaker feels comfortable in her relationship.
While this student correctly interprets the purpose of the simile, he fails explain the meaning.
For example, Moore could have written: “a slow, syrup slink into those arms like an old pair of slippers”
The purpose of this simile is the same – but its meaning is different. A reader must then ask herself, whya “hearth” and not slippers.
The student response below explains:
Moore writes, “a slow, syrup slink into those arms like a hearth,” explaining that the speaker feels comfortable in her relationship. A hearth is a part of a fireplace, sometimes considered the center of a home, implying a part of the man’s appeal is as a domestic partner. Likewise, fireplaces are traditionally considered romantic and their fire is warming, maybe even soothing. Through this simile, Moore portrays the speaker’s relationship as one of cozy comfort, more valuable because of its safety than its passion.
Review the poem by Lovelace below; select two metaphors to fully explain (like the example above); consider the images Lovelace chooses for his metaphors – how do they help characterize the relationship. Write two explanations, using the sample as a model.
Richard Lovelace.1618–1658343.To Lucasta, going to the Wars
TELL me not, Sweet, I am unkind,
That from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind
To war and arms I fly.
True, a new mistress now I chase, / 5
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.
Yet this inconstancy is such
As thou too shalt adore; / 10
I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not Honour more.