Clue 6

Figuratively Speaking...

1) Define a metaphor and a simile.

Metaphor: Comparison of two things or idea's without using 'like', 'than' or 'as'.

Simile: Comparison that uses 'like' 'than' or 'as'.

"My love is like a red, red rose

That's newly sprung in June:

My love is like the melody

That's sweetly played in tune."

-Robert Burns

What is beautiful about figurative language?

1) Why do authors use figurative language?

Authors use figurative language to add beauty to their writing. Figurative language also adds interest for the reader into what they are reading. For example, a hyperbolic comment may grab the reader’s attention and get them more 'into' the story. The figurative language in a story, particularly fiction, enhances the communication of an idea or concept. Using imagery, such as figurative language, is an alternative method of conveying a specific thought that the author has and wants to communicate to the reader. Figurative language is specifically used for demonstrating particularly abstract or unrealistic concepts. In this context, it is very useful to have figurative language, as otherwise authors may be stuck for words. Readers benefit from figurative language too. They sometimes rely on figurative language to help them too imagine a concept or an idea. Overall, writers mainly use figurative language as a tool to spark emotion, hook, or demonstrate what they have to convey their audience.

2) List 3 metaphors that you think are really beautiful or interesting.

1) "I'll be the phonograph that plays your favourite albums back as you're lying there drifting off to sleep..."

-"Brand New Colony", The Postal Service (song)

2) "Cell phones are global warming"

- "William Gordon"

3) "A comfortable sofa is fertile soil for the couch potato"

- "J.D. Casnig

3) Find a metaphor for Jesus in the Bible and list the Bible verse

~John 14:6

"I am the way, the truth and the life"

4) What does this metaphor reveal about God's world and your understanding of it?

In John 14:6, Jesus tells us that he is the 'way' the 'truth' and the 'life'. And not only is He a 'way', a 'truth' and a 'life', but He is 'the' way, 'the' truth and 'the' life. This metaphor reveals a lot about God's plans for our lives. He obviously cares about us, and loves us enough that He has thought out, and created a plan to fulfill all our needs. He, through Jesus, provided for us a way to Himself, a way for us to draw closer to Him, to love Him, and to get to know Him better. He also gave us a 'truth' which helps and instructs us both in our lives, and also in our journey towards Him. Lastly, He gave us 'life' through Jesus; both in our everyday experiences, but also the ability to love Him, and be forgiven for our sins. If we want to know the 'truth' about God, the only 'way' is through Jesus. Jesus came so that we could be born again out of sin and have new 'life'. It is particularly mind boggling that God would make such a sacrifice for us; sending His only son just so that we can have these things. This metaphor demonstrates God’s beauty; the beauty of what Jesus is, and should be for us, as well as the beauty of God’s love for us.