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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
Key Examples in Hope Leslie
Volume 1, Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Magawisca's Arm:
Several moments in Volume 1, Chapter 5 foreshadow the pivotal scene when Magawisca thrusts her arm under her father's hatchet to save Everell's life. Noticing that Magawisca seems sad and lonely, Mrs. Fletcher tries to tell her that she is part of the Fletcher family:
“Magawisca, you are neither a stranger, nor a servant, will you not share our joy? Do you not love us?”
“Love you!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands, “love you! I would give my life for you.”
Related Themes:
Volume 1, Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Spinners and Weavers:
In Volume 1, Chapter 12, the narrator uses a metaphor comparing the narrative to a thread that is spinning into the fabric that makes up Hope's "destiny." She also uses personification to flesh out the metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+After having favoured our readers with this long skipping-place, we resume the thread of our narrative. We have passed over eight days, which glided away without supplying any events to the historian of our heroine’s life; though even then the thread was spinning that was to form the woof of her destiny.
Related Themes:
Volume 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Bloodstreams:
Repeatedly, the novel uses an imagery-laden metaphor comparing biological bloodlines to waterways. One instance occurs in Volume 2, Chapter 2, when Hope meets with Magawisca in the cemetery, and Magawisca tells her that it might be difficult to reunite her with Faith:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I cannot send back [...] the stream that has mingled with other waters to its fountain.
Related Themes:
Volume 2, Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Rosa and Esther:
Rosa and Esther are foils: each young woman falls in love with a man who does not love her back, but they have very different experiences of unrequited love. For example, in Volume 2, Chapter 3, Rosa uses a metaphor comparing her relationship with Sir Philip to that between a baby and a murderer:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Ay, Sir Philip—and will not the innocent babe stretch its arms to the assassin if he does but smile on it? You told me you loved me, and I believed you. You promised always to love me, and I believed that too; and there was nobody else that loved me, but Mignonne [her canary]; and now I am all alone in the wide world, I do wish I were dead.” She sunk down at Sir Philip’s feet, laid her head on his knee, and sobbed as if her heart were breaking.
Related Themes:
Volume 2, Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis—Cup of Bitterness:
In Volume 2, Chapter 13, Mononotto learns that not only has Faith been kidnapped by the Puritans, but Magawisca has also been imprisoned and likely faces execution. The narrator uses a metaphor to describe what this news does to Mononotto:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mononotto was apprised of the imprisonment and probable fate of Magawisca. This was the last drop in his cup of bitterness; worse, far worse, than to have borne on his body the severest tortures ever devised by human cruelty.
Related Themes:
