Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

extended metaphor

noun

/ɪkˈstɛndɪd ˈmɛtəfɔːr/

Definition

An extended metaphor is a literary device used to compare two unlike things in a more elaborate or extended way, providing a deeper meaning and insight into the context.

Examples

In Shakespeare’s ‘The Flea’, the flea serves as an extended metaphor for love and intimacy.
In ‘Moby Dick’, Herman Melville uses the whale as an extended metaphor for the unattainable and nature’s power.

Meaning

While a regular metaphor makes a comparison briefly, an extended metaphor continues that comparison over several lines or even throughout an entire work, engaging the reader with a richer imagery and understanding.