What Is a Controlling Metaphor?
Last Updated Mar 25, 2020 8:59:46 AM ET
A controlling metaphor is one that dominates or controls an entire literary piece. This literary device is frequently seen in poetry. It is similar to an extended metaphor, which extends over a large portion, but not all, of a literary piece.
A metaphor is a term for two dissimilar things being compared implicitly without using like or as. For instance, "the cloud is a bunny." A simile is similar to a metaphor, but it does use like or as. For instance, "love is like a rose." Mixed metaphors are formed when two metaphors that are incompatible are combined and become unclear and sometimes humorous, although the humor may be unintentional.
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