WHAT IS A METAPHOR?

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WHAT IS A METAPHOR?
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A METAPHOR compares two usually dissimilar things
without using like or as
students.cs.byu.edu
www.pbs.org

• My mind is a spider web

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We can sometimes better describe how we feel
about various things by comparing them to other
things.

• He is easy to read,
• or figure out.

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When we say he is an open book, how are we
using metaphor to convey meaning?
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How can we use the art of metaphor to describe
how we feel about the various characters in
Arthur Millers The Crucible?
Thtrgallery.usc.edu/archive
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Lets use what we know about each of the major
characters in the play to compare them to various
flowers and plants
From ourfunlife.typepad.com
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Venus Fly-Trap
Abigail Williams is a

• Lures its prey in with its scent and appearance
  then eats it alive.

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tulip
Mary Warrenis a

• starts with tightly closed petals
• Once it opens, it falls over easily
• is a delicate flower that does not hold up well

www.webkin.co.uk/gallery/photos/tulip
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meadow of lavender
Rebecca Nurse is a
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• Lavender is a purple flower prized because of its
  delicate scent and soothing properties

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rose
John Proctor is a
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• known for its strong fragrance, sturdiness, and
  classic beauty
• red roses are often used to represent passion
• stems are covered with thorns that cause pain

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LILY
ELIZABETH PROCTOR IS A

• The lily remains closed until ready to open
  then lasts
• Its pollen is noticeable
• The Easter lily is often seen as a Christian
  symbol of rebirth

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Prickly Pear Cactus
Giles Corey is a

• Is hearty
• a survivor in the desert
• Can prick and irritate, but is not seriously
  dangerous
• Its juice is drinkable some claim it has
  medicinal benefits

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Narcissus flower
Reverend Parris is a
www.judithkmcmillan.com
www.biblio.org

• In Greek mythology, the proud and unfeeling
  Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection
  in Echos pond and wastes his days staring at
  himself. After he dies, all that remains is a
  white flower.

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sunflower
Reverend Hale is a

• always reaching for the light of the sun
• very tall
• big-headed

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bougainvillea bush
Judge Danforth is a

• its flowers are much smaller than they appear
  the leaves are not actually the flowers, but
  instead hide them
• is a thorned bush that often takes over its
  surroundings
• grows quickly in rainy weather, blooms in dry
  weather

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Now its YOUR turn to make magic.Create your OWN
metaphors to describe these nine characters.
Rather than using flowers, however, use one of
the following categories

• animals
• food
• fabric
• weather conditions