Metaphor

"All the world's a stage." 

-William Shakeapeare.

What two items are being compared in this metaphor?

Being an actor on a stage and being an actor/player in the world.

What is the effect of comparing these two items? Hint: Think about more than just what is offered in Shakespeare's metaphor. Push the comparison further.

Most people play a character when they are on the stage. Often times the same thing happens in the world. People behave a certain way based on the situation and circumstances. Costumes (the clothes we wear) and masks (personalities) vary depending on the show (situation).

The river of life.

What type of metaphor is this? 

Indirect metaphor.

What two items are being compared?

Life and a river.

What is the effect of comparing these two items?

The reader can see how long, winding, and ever changing a river is and can see that life has the same characteristics.

It's all water under the bridge.

What type of metaphor is this? 

Direct metaphor.

What two items are being compared? (Try to think of specific examples.)

Water and the past. Water and an event. Water and an argument.

What is the effect of comparing these two items?

In all of these comparisons the metaphor shows the reader the connection between water (change and movement) flowing under a bridge (a constant, unmoving point).

Personification

The tree snarled.

What is the non-human object in this comparison?

A tree.

What human characteristics are being given to that object?

The tree is angry. It is snarling.

What is the effect of this use of personification?

There is more description than simply saying that the tree looks angry, or that it looks like it has a face. By saying that the tree is snarling, the reader begins to picture an angry tree. This may then attribute to the mood of the writing, casting a gloomy or scary feeling on the writing.

The idea flew from her mind.

 
What is the non-human object in this comparison?

An idea.

What human characteristics are being given to that object?

It flew. The idea was able to move.

What is the effect of this use of personification?

Giving an idea the ability to move, or fly, makes it seem like something that can't be grasped. The reader begins to see how fleeting and temporary something like an idea can be.
 
 

Time slipped away from me. 

What is the non-human object in this comparison?

Time.

What human characteristics are being given to that object?

It is able to move. It slipped.

What is the effect of this use of personification?

While time can not literally slip, most people have experienced a moment when time seemed to just get away from them. Time isn't going anywhere; however, since there is no way to hold onto the concept of time, a person may feel powerless and unable to hold onto a moment.