A metaphor is a hidden, implicit or implied comparison between two seemingly unrelated things. It is a figure of speech in which two strikingly different concepts or things are compared to one another based off a single common characteristic.
Example: ” He that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail!” Romeo speaks these words just as he begins to make his way to the Capulet ball. In this metaphor, Romeo compares his fate to a ship. the common characteristic that binds them and brings us meaning is the fact that the ship can not control the path it takes, its captain does this. Romeos fate is similar here as he believes that someone/something is in control of it for him. This links to the larger notion of fate that is communicated in the play as it shows the acknowledgement from one of the main characters that a greater power rules their actions. this was a common belief of the people in Elizabeth England, who believed their life path was pre-determined by God.
Find your own example of a metaphor in Romeo and Juliet. Write your own analysis paragraph exploring the significance of your chosen metaphor.
“thou desperate pilot, now at once run on the dashing rocks thy seasick weary bark!” Romeo says these words just before he consumes the poisonous potion that kills him. In this metaphor, Romeo compares himself to a boat. The common characteristic that connects these two ideas is that the ship can not make its own path, instead the sailor decides where to go. It links to Romeo because he believes he has no control of his fate that it is left in the hands of God. When it says “run on the dashing rocks” this means that the sailor is steering his ship on to the rocks meaning Romeo is about to die. This was a common belief of the people in Elizabethan England, they believed their path was pre determind by god.