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This paper, centering on the application of metaphor in English writing, consists of five chapters. The first chapter is introduction, which mainly introduces the significance of metaphor and the structure of this thesis. The chapter two, I will talk about the definition and specific usages of metaphor. Next chapter, the creativity and characteristics of metaphor in English writing will be presented. Chapter Four, readers will have a brief viewpoint of the main problems in English writing and useful approaches to apply metaphor to English writing. The last part, I will conclude all details of my paper and encourage students to apply metaphor to their writings frequently.
Ⅱ. Metaphor
It is well-known that metaphor is common in everyday life. The study on metaphor has been for a long time. Metaphor helps readers know the content and central ideal of an article, deepen the understanding of article. Metaphor is not only a figure of speech but also a device that makes one’s article vivid and clear.
2.1 The Definition of Metaphor
Metaphor originated from Greek word: metaphor, which means a kind of meaning transfer. “Meta” means across; phor means carrying. According to some scholars, the usage of world metaphor means the transfer between two different field of references. And also there is a definition in Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, which explains it clearly.
According to Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary(Cambridge University Press, 2005).
Metaphor: an expression which describes a person or object in a literary way by referring to something that is considered to possess similar characteristics to the person or object you are trying to describe: “The mind is an ocean”and “the city is a jungle” are both metaphors. Metaphor and simile are the most commonly used figures of speech in everyday language.
Before understanding metaphor, we should get a clear understanding of the difference between metaphor and simile. Metaphor is another figure used to show resemblance of condensation of smile and because it is more condensed, it is naturally better adapted to produce a forcible and vivid impression. It is freely used where passion forms the domination of objects compassed; instead of comparing one thing with another; we can assume the attributes of the one for the other. The difference between similes and metaphors may be seen from the following illustrations:
Similes Metaphors
Her face is like an apple. Her face is an apple.
Happiness is like a sweet candy. Happiness is a sweet candy.
While simile is the simplest and most direct way of connoting an idea, a metaphor is the commonest and most natural all figures. Professor Jevons made this declaration abait metaphors, “we should often be at a loss how to describe a notion. Were we not at liberty to employ in a metaphorical sense the name of anything sufficiently resembling it.”
2.2 The Specific Usages of Metaphor
Metaphor can be used in various kinds of situations. The proper application of metaphor makes articles vivid and attractive. However, I want to list some aspects of metaphor applications to tell students the specific usages of metaphor.