Delve Into the Metaphorical Mind

We usually discuss metaphors in our English classes during a poetry unit or as a persuasive technique. When we teach metaphors, we explain that their purpose is to make a comparison between two unlike things in order to bring clarity. When covering how to use metaphors as persuasive techniques, it is basically for the same reason; to make something more clear or understandable to one’s audience. Our teaching of metaphors tends to center around how to use a metaphor and how to explain one. These are both excellent lessons that are helpful in expanding the communication capabilities of our future poets, writers, and public speakers.

Expanding on Metaphor

In a course I took a couple of years ago, one of our texts was a book by Daniel Pink called A Whole New Mind: Why Right-brainers Will Rule the Future. Pink has some interesting thoughts on metaphor. He suggests that most of our thoughts are metaphorical in nature and therefore, central to how we reason (Pink 2005). He also suggests that in this crazy, mixed-up world, it is important to master the art of the metaphor. Currently, creating a metaphor is one of the only things a computer cannot do. It cannot think metaphorically, nor can it detect the unique relationships that metaphors provide. In other words, our metaphoric abilities could make us more marketable. It can also help us to understand, and be understood, by more people. Since the world is becoming smaller every day, broadening our understanding of creative communication is not just a good idea; it is practically a necessity.

The Idea

I am hooked on the study of metaphor and, no matter what subject I am teaching, I will continue to encourage my classes to consider how our culture uses metaphors. With this in mind, I recently had my Advanced Multimedia Applications class create some visual metaphors. Instead of creating images with words, I wanted them to use images to create words in the viewer's mind. They had a wonderful time. Each person produced one slide that combined two images (two unlike things) in order to make a statement. Then they made a second slide that explained the metaphor. I put all of their slides together into a single PowerPoint and discussed them in class. Some ideas were better than others, but it gave us discussion fodder that expanded everyone's understanding.

Even if you don't have photo editing software available to you, you could easily have your class cut two pictures from a magazine, or simply combine two pictures from an online source that conveys a metaphor. It will be fun, and it gives you a chance to broaden their understanding of metaphor.

A Creative Story of Metaphor

This short animation narrated by Jane Hirshfield is a wonderful explanation of a typical metaphor lesson found in an English class. I think sometimes though, that our young people half-listen to our metaphoric ramblings because the majority of them do not see themselves as future poets or public speakers. However, metaphors are important, in more ways than they can imagine.

A Deeper Look

James Geary, in his TED Talk "Metaphorically Speaking," goes even further in his assertion that one needs to be able to understand and use metaphors. He believes that "Metaphor is a way of thought before it is a way with words." Steven Gilman, in his book Beyond Mental Slavery suggests metaphor is "inherent in how we understand almost everything, whether we see it or not" (Gilman 2010).

Common Core Connections

Common Core Standard: RI.11-12.4

Common Core Standard: RI.11-12.7

Other Ideas Found Lesson Planet

Labyrinths

Art or history classes might find this lesson as enjoyable as an English class would. The labyrinth is the subject of many a metaphor. Labyrinths also hold importance in many cultures. A study of art or history would include the metaphorical meaning of labyrinths to different cultures. This resource includes examples of how your class could create different labyrinths. It has ideas for several grade levels.

Mixing Metaphors Across Current Events and Literature

The Denver Art Museum has provided a wonderful lesson that can also be used in many different course settings. After discussing and analyzing a work of art, pupils will also analyze the political themes encased in it.  For a creative twist, your classes will create collages that show the connection between a piece of literature and a current event.

About Life: The  Photographs of Dorthea Lange

After studying the work of art Indonesia by Dorothea Lange, this resource helps you to guide your class into defining metaphor and how it is used both visually and in writing. After writing about what they have discovered in their discussions and observations, your deep thinkers will choose an object to become their own personal metaphor.

Resources:

• Gilman, Steven. Beyond Mental Slavery. WebhikerLLC, 2010.
• Pink, Daniel. A Whole New Mind: Why Right-brainers Will Rule the Future. New York: Penguin, 2005.