What are Analogies

The comparison of an idea or a thing to another thing is known as an analogies. In other words, when one concept is compared to another concept in order to describe the true meaning is known as an analogy. The analogy is better explained with the help of metaphors and similes. However, the analogy is more extensive as compared to a metaphor or a simile. Let us understand first what is simile and metaphor.

Simile: A simile is a figure of speech that compares one thing with another thing of different kind with the help of different words, including like, so, as, than, etc.

For example:

•    She is cute as a doll.
•    Her voice is melodious like a nightingale’s

Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech which describes a thing is something, which is literally is not.

For example:

•    An apple of my eye.
•    Broken heart.

Role of Analogy in Literature

Analogy plays a significant role in literature. A writer uses analogies to connect an unfamiliar or an unusual idea with familiar objects. When a writer compares a new idea with a familiar thing, then it involves the readers and compels them to relate the unfamiliar ideas to familiar things. Analogies are tools to stimulate the interest of readers.

Examples of Analogy

•    I feel like a fish out of water. (This means that your are not comfortable in your surroundings)

•    Ambition without knowledge is like a boat on a dry land. (This means that you desire to achieve something in life, but don’t know where to start or how to start)

•    Life is like a roller coaster ride. (This means life is sometimes exciting and sometimes scary)

•    He is like a rock. (This means he is strong like a rock)

•    Sword is to warrior as pen is to writer. (This means a sword is the weapon of a warrior and a pen is the weapon of a writer)