Understanding Metaphors in IB English
In IB English, a metaphor is one of the most important literary devices used to create deeper meaning. A metaphor directly compares two unlike things, saying one is the other, to express abstract ideas, emotions, or relationships.
Metaphors are central to Paper 1 commentaries, Paper 2 comparative essays, and the Individual Oral (IO). Analyzing them effectively shows your ability to interpret authorial choices and conceptual symbolism — key for achieving top marks in the IB criteria.
Definition of a Metaphor | IB Literary Concept
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as being another to highlight shared qualities or reveal hidden connections.
Formula:
A = B (without using “like” or “as”).
Example:
- “Time is a thief.” — Suggests time takes away life’s moments as a thief would steal possessions.
- “All the world’s a stage.” — Shakespeare’s As You Like It metaphorically presents life as performance.
IB students should focus not only on identifying metaphors but also on interpreting their purpose — how they build tone, character, and theme.
Types of Metaphors | IB English Framework
1. Direct Metaphor
The simplest form — directly equates two things.
Example: “Her voice is music.”
2. Implied Metaphor
Suggests comparison without stating it explicitly.
Example: “He barked orders” implies a dog without naming it.
3. Extended Metaphor
Sustains a comparison across multiple lines or passages.
Example: In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare extends the metaphor of Juliet as the sun, symbolizing light, warmth, and life.
4. Conceptual or Allegorical Metaphor
An entire text may operate as a metaphor.
Example: Orwell’s Animal Farm serves as a metaphor for totalitarianism and corruption.
IB examiners value nuanced analysis — identifying what is being compared, why, and how it reinforces the text’s overall message.
Function of Metaphors in Literature | IB Analytical Focus
Metaphors deepen meaning by encouraging readers to interpret symbolically rather than literally. They serve multiple purposes:
- Revealing emotion: Express complex feelings succinctly (e.g., “a heart of stone”).
- Building imagery: Create vivid, sensory language that enhances tone and mood.
- Developing theme: Clarify abstract concepts like love, death, or identity.
- Defining character perspective: Show how characters perceive their world.
Example: In The Great Gatsby, the green light metaphor represents both hope and illusion, encapsulating Gatsby’s unattainable dream.
How to Analyze a Metaphor in IB English Essays
Follow this step-by-step approach in essays or oral analysis:
- Identify the metaphor and its literal components.
- Interpret what the metaphor suggests beyond its surface meaning.
- Link it to tone, theme, or character.
- Evaluate its broader effect — emotional, symbolic, or ideological.
Example analysis sentence:
“The recurring metaphor of entrapment in A Doll’s House underscores Nora’s psychological confinement, symbolizing the broader oppression of women in patriarchal society.”
This analytical method demonstrates control of both literary technique and conceptual understanding, as required by IB assessment rubrics.
Common IB Texts and Metaphor Examples
- “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Atwood): The red color motif operates as a metaphor for fertility, control, and surveillance.
- “Death of a Salesman” (Miller): Willy’s house becomes a metaphor for the collapsing American Dream.
- “Othello” (Shakespeare): Poison and disease metaphors expose how jealousy corrupts love and reason.
Recognizing metaphorical language across different genres — prose, drama, poetry — strengthens comparative essay skills for Paper 2.
Why Metaphors Matter in IB English
Metaphors are at the heart of literary expression. They transform simple language into layered meaning and invite critical interpretation — exactly what the IB expects.
Mastering metaphor analysis helps students:
- Identify authorial choices and stylistic devices.
- Connect textual detail to broader themes.
- Craft insightful, coherent arguments in essays and orals.
Through RevisionDojo’s IB English course, students can practice identifying and analyzing metaphors with annotated examples, guided essay plans, and examiner-style feedback.
FAQs
What is a metaphor in IB English?
A figure of speech comparing two unlike things directly to create meaning and emotional depth.
How is a metaphor different from a simile?
A simile uses “like” or “as,” while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without them.
Why are metaphors important in IB English analysis?
They reveal authorial purpose, strengthen thematic discussion, and show depth of interpretation in both written and oral work.
