We invent figurative substitutes like metaphors, similes, and symbols frequently without even consciously being aware of it. We use these devices to alter or change the direct denotation of a word or phrase to a language of comparison. This ability to transfer to the connotation serves as a bridge to a deeper, and richer quality to our understanding. Metaphorical language plows potential pathways to insight and even wisdom.
Meta is a Greek prefix - meaning between, with, after. When we use metaphors in speech or writing it's like a tadpole becoming a frog. The literal language goes through a metamorphosis, a "change" of "form." This capacity allows for us to be free of the restrictions of the literal and expand connections to deeper meaning.
Arguably, the three tomes of literacy that need be appreciated and studied for their beauty with metaphorical language are: Greek mythology/tragedy, the Bible, and the Works of Shakespeare. They are filled with personification, symbolism and figurative language in order that thought and lessons can be learned, absorbed,and understood.
Sophocles, an ancient Greek playwright, crafts an extended metaphor throughout the story of Oedipus the King with the metaphor of blindness. Having eyes, but still not "seeing" the truth before us is a humbling insight to acknowledge. Oedipus with breaking heart laments, "What good were eyes to me." In Hamlet, Hamlet in Act I says, "The dram of evil doth all the noble substance of a doubt to his own scandal" (I. sc. iv. 36-37). Like an infection, evil can spread and corrupt. The Bible uses metaphors to teach wisdom. In Peter 5:2, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care." Precious are the followers, and faithful are the leaders (shepherds) who care for the people (flock).
The neat thing about metaphors is that they help paint a picture, or image of life. It is the taking of ordinary language and pairing it with another 'figure' that creates a new idea all at the same time!
If any of my former students are reading this, and of course, my current students are, you were asked to write a "Names Poem." You took the first name of someone you know, added a vivid verb, a color word, and a concrete noun. Then wrote the last name of that person after the combination. An interesting metaphor is born! An image is forever fixed into a mental picture. Metaphors inject new blood into worn out ways of thinking and literal phrases.
So, discover the key to imagination and creative thinking. Play with words--change the ordinary and doggerel. Experience emotions altered with the different, with the vivid, with the life.
...This is Janice violet crashing peanuts Beavers signing off!