Furniss and Bath - Metaphor and Figurative Language

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts related to the analysis of metaphor and figurative language from Chapter 5 of 'Reading Poetry: An Introduction' by Tom Furniss and Michael Bath.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that works on the assumption that there are similarities between things, operating by transferring the connotations of one thing or idea to another.

Metonymy

A figure of speech that operates on the basis of association, rather than on similarity.

Dead metaphor

A metaphorical phrase that has become so familiar through overfamiliarity that its metaphorical status is hardly noticed.

Metaphorical effect

The reaction that occurs when a metaphor produces a new insight or pleasure by making the audience recognize an unexpected 'similarity in difference'.

Tenor

In I.A. Richards's method of analyzing metaphor, the literal term that represents what is actually being talked about.

Vehicle

In I.A. Richards's method of analyzing metaphor, the metaphorical or figurative term representing the way the tenor is talked about.

Ground

In I.A. Richards's framework, the relationship of similarity (or 'common ground') that links the tenor and the vehicle.

Simile

A figurative device closely related to metaphor whose ground is similarity, comparing one thing to another directly.

Explicit metaphor

A metaphor in which both parts of the equation—the tenor and the vehicle—are directly present in the text, generally following the formula where one noun or noun phrase is stated to be another.

Implicit metaphor

A metaphor where only the vehicle is stated in the text while the tenor is omitted or substituted, requiring the reader to infer what is literally being referred to.

Denotation

A word's primary significance, reference, or meaning.

Connotations

The secondary or associated significances and feelings that a word commonly suggests or implies.

Metaphora

The Greek root word from which 'metaphor' originates, meaning 'to transfer'.