Metaphors are more than a literary device you learned about in high school English class. They can create instant and vivid images in your readers’ minds by directly comparing two unlike things (without using “like” or “as”). They state that something is something else and make surprising, insightful, and interesting connections.
For example, if you describe a person’s eyes as being cold steel, it means their gaze was as sharp, unyielding, and emotionless as cold steel.
Why use metaphors?
Metaphors paint vivid word pictures that help readers visualize and experience your story more intensely. They can also convey emotions in concise ways that make your reader think. Well-placed metaphors tend to say more in a few words than lengthy descriptions, so they are a way of showing and not telling. When using metaphors, the comparisons you make are yours as the author. This makes your writing voice original, bringing descriptions to your writing that represent your own unique take on the scene.
Metaphors vs. similes
Don’t confuse metaphors with similes. While both draw comparisons between two unlike things, the key difference is that similes use “like” or “as” to make the comparison (and metaphors do not). Take the example of a metaphor above:
Their eyes were cold steel.
Rephrased as a simile, this would be:
Their eyes were cold like steel.
Both similes and metaphors draw the same comparison, but the metaphors tend to create a more direct, descriptive, and, therefore, more effective connection.
Tips for making effective comparisons
When writing, try to avoid clichés like “time is a thief.” Try to construct fresh, unexpected comparisons. Like all literary and stylistic devices, metaphors tend to lose their effectiveness if overused. Using too many metaphors can make your writing feel cluttered and confusing. Use them sparingly and strategically so they will have the most impact.
Make sure they fit the tone and mood of your story. A lighthearted story should have lighthearted images. Heavy, dramatic ones would seem out of place. Lastly, try to avoid mixing metaphors, as this can be confusing and humorous (unless it is intentional). Here’s an example of a mixed metaphor:
He was drowning in a sea of red tape, but he kept his head above water by burning the midnight oil.
This example mixes four metaphors into one (comparing his situation to drowning, comparing water to an abundance of red tape, the way he won’t give up on keeping his head above water and staying up into the wee hours of the morning to burning oil at midnight) to create an awkward image.
Examples
- Her laughter was a melody that filled the room. (comparing her laughter to something musical)
- The city was a concrete jungle. (comparing the abundance of concrete to an abundance of trees in the jungle)
- Fear was a cold hand gripping his heart. (comparing the feeling of the tightness of muscles and the chill one might feel when scared to a cold grip)
Practice makes perfect
The best way to improve your use of unlikely comparisons is to practice. Read like a writer: pay attention to the metaphors you encounter when reading and ask yourself why they work. Experiment with creating your own metaphors to see how they enhance your storytelling.
By mastering the art of the metaphor, you can add depth, beauty, and power to your fiction, creating truly unforgettable reading experiences for your audience.
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