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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
Book 1, Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Waxwork and Skeleton:
In Chapter 8, Dickens uses two similar and layered metaphors of death and entombment to stress the impact of Miss Havisham's ghastly appearance. Pip, on seeing her for the first time, says:
Once I had been taken to see some ghastly waxwork at the Fair, representing I know not what impossible personage lying in state. Once, I had been taken to one of our old marsh churches to see a skeleton in the ashes of a rich dress, that had been dug out of a vault under the church pavement. Now, waxwork and skeleton seemed to have dark eyes that moved and looked at me.
Related Themes:
Book 1, Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Chains of Causation:
In Chapter 9 of Great Expectations, Pip returns to his modest home after leaving the magnificent Satis House. The narrator reflects on how the contrast between the two places changes the course of his life. Dickens uses a metaphor of chains illustrating predetermined fate to make the reader think about their own relationship to causation:
Unlock with LitCharts A+That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 27
Explanation and Analysis—The Spider:
Dickens introduces a direct metaphorical reference to arachnids when the "blotchy, sprawling, sulky" Bentley Drummle enters the story. The narrator, when describing how Drummle attacks problems in Chapter 27, makes the following quip:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Spider, as Mr. Jaggers had called him, was used to lying in wait, however, and had the patience of his tribe.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 29
Explanation and Analysis—Estella Has No Heart:
After it becomes clear to even the most casual observer that Pip is completely infatuated with Estella Havisham, Dickens employs a simple but powerful metaphor to illustrate her literal inability to access her emotions, or "use" her heart properly. She has, she says to Pip in Chapter 29, "no heart":
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Oh! I have a heart to be stabbed in or shot in, I have no doubt,” said Estella, “and, of course, if it ceased to beat I should cease to be. But you know what I mean. I have no softness there, no— sympathy—sentiment—nonsense.”
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 38
Explanation and Analysis—The Spider:
Dickens introduces a direct metaphorical reference to arachnids when the "blotchy, sprawling, sulky" Bentley Drummle enters the story. The narrator, when describing how Drummle attacks problems in Chapter 27, makes the following quip:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Spider, as Mr. Jaggers had called him, was used to lying in wait, however, and had the patience of his tribe.
Related Themes:
