Denis Donoghue’s slim book on metaphor explores the different types of metaphor and their uses. Along the way, Donoghue includes plenty of great examples from his favorite writers. “What should such fellows as I do crawling between/earth and heaven?” from Hamlet sets the mood. Donoghue presents a history of metaphor and suggests the best use of this literary device. If you’re interested in writing and rhetoric, you’ll enjoy Medtaphor. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
iNTRODUCTION
Figure
After Aristotle
No Resemblance
“It Ensures That Nothing Goes Without a Name”
Not Quite Against Metaphor
The Motive for Metaphor
Notes
Acknowledgements
Index
I sometimes feel that Life itself is a metaphor. Or to put it another way: Life is like a Simile.
Dan, when Life is a metaphor or a simile what really matters is that Life should be Fun!
George, you sound like a Hedonist. I thought life was supposed to be work, struggle, faith and pain. That’s the Calvinist POV or something. Personally, I like to just relax.
Rick, relaxing can be fun! And yes, I admit to being a Hedonist.