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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Chapter 3: Knights of the Table Round
Explanation and Analysis—Sonorous Snores:
In Chapter 3, Hank uses a simile and metaphor to describe the sight and sound of a group of knights sleeping:
The droning voice droned on; a soft snoring arose on all sides and supported it like a deep and subdued accompaniment of wind instruments. Some heads were bowed upon folded arms, some lay back with open mouths that issued unconscious music.
Chapter 6: The Eclipse
Explanation and Analysis—A Man's Mercury :
In Chapter 6, Hank uses a metaphor to describe his growing sense of confidence once he realizes he can use his knowledge of the impending eclipse to his advantage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I said to myself that my eclipse would be sure to save me, and make me the greatest man in the kingdom besides; and straightway my mercury went up to the top of the tube, and my solicitudes all vanished.
Chapter 8: The Boss
Explanation and Analysis—Just a Crab:
In Chapter 8, Hank uses a metaphor when describing his reason for setting up a patent office in Camelot:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A country without a patent office and good patent laws was just a crab, and couldn’t travel any way but sideways or backwards.
Related Themes:
Chapter 11: The Yankee in Search of Adventure
Explanation and Analysis—A Packed Nut:
In Chapter 11, Hank uses a humorous metaphor to describe his displeasure with the custom of men wearing armored suits:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Well, a man that is packed away like that, is a nut that isn’t worth the cracking, there is so little of the meat, when you get down to it, by comparison with the shell.
Related Themes:
Chapter 12: Slow Torture
Explanation and Analysis—Sandy's Words:
In Chapter 12, Hank uses a humorous metaphor to describe Sandy's manner of speaking:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She never had to slack up for words. She could grind, and pump, and churn and buzz by the week, and never stop to oil up or blow out. And yet the result was just nothing but wind.
Chapter 28: Drilling the King
Explanation and Analysis—Hourglass of a Brain:
In Chapter 28, Hank insults King Arthur's intelligence using a metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His head was an hourglass; it could stow an idea, but it had to do it a grain at a time, not the whole idea at once.
Related Themes:
