September 8, 2009Father in “Luann” comics uses brilliant metaphor
Today’s Luann strip has the father using metaphor in a brilliant way with Luann’s brother Brad. He says,
- Remember when you were little you so wanted to ride the roller coaster but you were terrified? Love’s exactly like that.
Do you suppose Brad understood what he was saying? His father’s words painted a vibrant picture for him. How can you paint more pictures when you write and speak?
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I saw that comic too, and thought that imagery was nearly perfect.
The great thing about using things like this is that they can help your listener or reader connect what you’re saying with a real experience that you share with them, with all of the physical and emotional resonance that recalling that experience will evoke. It makes your message that much more effective.
I have a teensy nit to pick regarding terminology: Strictly speaking, that was a simile, not a metaphor. A simile is where you explicitly compare two things, usually using the words “like” or “as.” In the comic, Brad’s dad said that love is LIKE a roller coaster ride.
A metaphor is when you say that one thing IS another thing. So if Brad’s dad had used a metaphor, he would have said “Remember when you were little you so wanted to ride the roller coaster but you were terrified? Love is exactly that.”
Anyway, whether you want to use a metaphor or a simile, the important thing is to not fall back on tired old clichés. Exercise your creativity and try some new and fresh imagery.
For what it’s worth, I just wrote a blog post about creating “savory similes:” http://rmjacobsen.squarespace.com/notebook/2009/9/11/savory-similes.html. I hope it helps.
Comment by Roy Jacobsen — September 14, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Thanks, Ray! I checked your site and do find your article useful. And your site in general.
And thanks for the clarification! Even though most people would still get my point, there are others who wouldn’t make it past the inaccurate reference. Plus it is always good to know technique. So thanks. I’m honored that you are posting to my blog.
Comment by merylrunion — September 14, 2009 @ 9:55 am
You’re welcome, Meryl! I’ve enjoyed and learned from your newsletter and blog for some time now, and thought it was high time that I try to contribute.
Comment by Roy Jacobsen — September 14, 2009 @ 10:09 am