By the way, prizes in the 100 Followers Contest were mailed Saturday. Please let me know when they arrive, okay?
I found this photo in my files from this summer. A friend and I were visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art one Saturday. She was taking an online course in art appreciation, and asked me to go to the museum with her for a big project she had to do - a sort of detailed scavenger hunt for various paintings. Since I have spent quite a bit of time there, I acted as tour guide for the day. We had a lovely time, and on the way back I took this photo of City Hall viewed between a pair of skyscrapers. The way the past seemed squeezed between the two tall buildings and yet scattered brilliant reflections from its impersonal windows seems to me like a metaphor for modern American life.
We talked about metaphors in my writing class, too, and how they can be used not just to enhance the imagery in one's writing but to convey themes and symbolism. What powerful metaphors, similes or other images can you recall reading or seeing? Have you used any in your own work?
I did a post on metaphors a bit ago lol. This really is a great picture. I love how the old building can be seen on the glass of the new building, as if it was created out of the old. :)
ReplyDeleteI try to use whatever metaphore's reflect a character's perspective, to keep it consistant.In my day-to-day, I use them a lot, but I have yet to spot a theme. Now, I'll look for it. Often, they're off-color, going for the cheap laugh :)
ReplyDeleteI'm no good with metaphors, at least not yet. They don't come naturally to my writing, so I have to go through later drafts and attempt to insert some, hoping they won't be bad ones.
ReplyDeleteWriters write, Christine, that's the chief qualification, as far as I'm concerned. They write and persevere with their writing, even when it's tough. Clearly you are a writer, as evident in your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to use metaphor to bring out overall themes, though I tend to drift off into outlandish simile half the time for comic effect.
ReplyDeleteTed, I don't use metaphors much either. A few similes. I just tend to describe things very directly. So, like you, I try to go back and put some in.
ReplyDeleteMany times metaphors and similes are distracting for me as a reader. They feel like an intrusion by the author, trying to be clever. I guess that's why I don't use them much myself.
Our fair city! (BTW, you should check out Frankie Writes regarding a Philly writers get together planned for later this month.)
ReplyDeleteI like using metaphors to undergird theme. My MC is an artistic teen who's constantly sketching as a way of interpreting her world, problem is she mentally rearranges what she sees so she can draw it the way she wants. And that's her approach to everyone she meets, too.
i do indeed use metaphors to expand on themes in my writing. I think it's fun, like a reverse puzzle
ReplyDeleteSadly, I tank at metaphors. That picture is amazing though!! I love photography!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing the course and getting your certificate. I love, love, LOVE your picture. Great shot!
ReplyDelete~that rebel, Olivia
well done m passing yur coursex
ReplyDeleteThat picture is a great metaphor. As a very visual writer, I'm always impressed with good metaphors. But they must arrive from the context, and not be imposed upon it.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Damyanti.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing shot! And I love your take on its metaphoric value. I'm currently reading books in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and I think her metaphors rock--they are quite distinctive and often surprising.
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