Definition of Metaphor
Key Examples in Emma
During the climax of the novel, Emma realizes that she’s in love with Knightley, right after Harriet reveals that she is in love with Knightley and believes him to love her in return. As Emma’s thoughts swirl, she uses a metaphor to describe her experience:
A few minutes were sufficient for making her acquainted with her own heart. A mind like hers, once opening to suspicion, made rapid progress; she touched, she admitted, she acknowledged the whole truth. Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr. Knightley than with Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet’s having some hope of a return? It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself!