This paper firstly treats the issue of metaphor and then proceeds with the discussion of the term symbol. To ensure consistency, the presentation of both terms follows the same structure:
First of all the definition and etymology of each term is given; their principal characteristics are mentioned and explicated. Additionally the related concept of "similes" is defined and compared to metaphors. Due to the fact that the definitions of the term "metaphor" vary depending on the theories they are based on, a supplementary outline of these theories is required.
Subsequently the terms are classified into categories in order to allow a more detailed analysis; examples are cited.
The paper ends with a comparison of the two concepts.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Structure of this paper
- Metaphor
- Definitions
- Dictionaries
- Specialists' definitions
- Etymology
- Theories on metaphor
- Linguistic interest
- The rhetorical tradition
- The "substitution theory"
- The "interactional theory"
- Similes
- Cognitive interest
- The contemporary theory of metaphor
- Classical vs. contemporary
- Linguistic interest
- Types of metaphor
- The "dead" metaphor
- The "active" metaphor
- The cliché
- Definitions
- Symbol
- Definitions
- Dictionaries
- Specialists' definitions
- Etymology
- Types of symbol
- Arbitrary conventional symbols
- Symbols motivated via analogy or synecdoche
- Literary symbols
- Definitions
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to provide a systematic distinction between metaphor and symbol, two central terms in literature. The paper aims to clarify the differences and similarities between these figures of speech, examining their definitions, etymologies, and various theoretical perspectives. It explores different types of metaphors and symbols and provides examples to illustrate the concepts.
- Definitions and etymologies of metaphor and symbol
- Different theoretical approaches to understanding metaphor
- Classification and categorization of metaphors and symbols
- Comparison of metaphor and symbol, highlighting their key distinctions
- The evolution and usage of metaphors and symbols in literature
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central theme of differentiating between metaphor and symbol in literature. It highlights the importance of a clear distinction due to the frequent conflation of these two concepts. The authors introduce the core differences between metaphor and symbol, noting that symbols, unlike metaphors, maintain and often grow in meaning through repetition, whereas metaphors can become "dead" metaphors. The chapter outlines the structure of the paper, which will follow a consistent framework for examining both metaphor and symbol: definition, etymology, characteristics, classification, and examples. The paper's reliance on a German bibliography, translated into English, is also acknowledged, signaling a potential need for contextual understanding of linguistic terminology.
Metaphor: This chapter delves into the concept of metaphor, beginning with an examination of its definitions across dictionaries and specialist literature. It contrasts layman's understanding with more nuanced scholarly interpretations, tracing the evolution of metaphorical theory from Aristotle to contemporary cognitive linguistics. The chapter explores diverse theoretical perspectives, including the rhetorical tradition, substitution theory, interactional theory, and the contemporary cognitive approach. Key features of metaphor, such as the role of similarity and analogy, are also explored, alongside the concept of "dead" versus "active" metaphors and the use of similes. The etymology of the term "metaphor" is also meticulously traced.
Symbol: This chapter mirrors the structure of the "Metaphor" chapter, providing a comprehensive analysis of the concept of "symbol." It begins by examining dictionary and specialist definitions, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of symbols and the ways in which their meaning transcends literal interpretations. The chapter analyzes different types of symbols, differentiating between arbitrary conventional symbols and those motivated by analogy or synecdoche, with a special focus on literary symbols. Similar to the metaphor chapter, the etymology of the word "symbol" is explored. The chapter establishes a clear framework for understanding the complex relationship between the literal and symbolic, paving the way for a comparative analysis with metaphors in the conclusion.
Keywords
Metaphor, symbol, figurative language, literary analysis, linguistic theory, cognitive linguistics, semantics, etymology, simile, analogy, arbitrary symbol, conventional symbol, literary symbol, dead metaphor, active metaphor, rhetorical tradition, substitution theory, interactional theory.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Metaphor and Symbol
What is the main objective of this paper?
The paper aims to systematically distinguish between metaphor and symbol, two crucial terms in literary analysis. It clarifies their differences and similarities by examining their definitions, etymologies, and theoretical perspectives, exploring various types and providing illustrative examples.
What topics are covered in the paper's Table of Contents?
The paper includes an introduction outlining its structure, a detailed section on metaphor (covering definitions, theories, and types), a similar section on symbol, and a concluding chapter. Each section on metaphor and symbol further breaks down into subsections covering definitions (including dictionary and specialist perspectives and etymology), theories, and types of each figure of speech.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definitions and etymologies of metaphor and symbol; different theoretical approaches to understanding metaphor (including rhetorical, substitution, interactional, and contemporary cognitive perspectives); classification and categorization of both metaphors and symbols; a comparison highlighting key distinctions between them; and the evolution and usage of metaphors and symbols in literature.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction establishes the need to differentiate between metaphor and symbol, highlighting their core differences. The "Metaphor" chapter explores definitions, theoretical perspectives (from classical to contemporary), and types of metaphors. The "Symbol" chapter mirrors this structure for symbols, focusing on different types, including arbitrary, conventional, and literary symbols. Each chapter meticulously traces the etymology of its respective term.
What are the key differences between metaphor and symbol as presented in the paper?
While both are figures of speech, the paper emphasizes that metaphors often rely on similarity or analogy and can become "dead" metaphors through repeated use. Symbols, however, often maintain and grow in meaning through repetition and often transcend literal interpretations, having multifaceted meanings that are less explicitly dependent on a direct comparison.
What theoretical perspectives on metaphor are discussed?
The paper discusses several theoretical perspectives on metaphor, including the rhetorical tradition, the substitution theory, the interactional theory, and the contemporary cognitive theory of metaphor. These perspectives offer different ways of understanding how metaphors function linguistically and cognitively.
What types of metaphors and symbols are identified?
The paper distinguishes between "dead" and "active" metaphors and explores different types of symbols including arbitrary conventional symbols and symbols motivated via analogy or synecdoche (with a focus on literary symbols).
What is the significance of etymology in the paper?
The paper meticulously traces the etymologies of both "metaphor" and "symbol," showing how understanding their historical development can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of their current usage and meanings in literary analysis.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Metaphor, symbol, figurative language, literary analysis, linguistic theory, cognitive linguistics, semantics, etymology, simile, analogy, arbitrary symbol, conventional symbol, literary symbol, dead metaphor, active metaphor, rhetorical tradition, substitution theory, interactional theory.
- Quote paper
- Ina-Eleftheria Sachariadis (Author), 2006, Metaphors and Symbols, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/64761
