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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
Introduction
Explanation and Analysis—Scientific Gold Rush:
The Introduction lays out some of the overarching ideas the novel aims to illustrate. The very first line contains a powerful economic metaphor that alludes to a prior moment in history:
The late twentieth century has witnessed a scientific gold rush of astonishing proportions: the headlong and furious haste to commercialize genetic engineering. This enterprise has proceeded so rapidly—with so little outside commentary—that its dimensions and implications are hardly understood at all.
Related Themes:
Second Iteration: Target of Opportunity
Explanation and Analysis—Forensic DNA:
In Second Iteration: Target of Opportunity, Lewis Dodgson presents the Biosyn board members with his proposal to steal dinosaur DNA from InGen. The passage is clearly a commentary on corporate espionage and the privatization of science, but Dodgson's dubious plan is also a metaphorical allusion to the use of forensic DNA in the justice system:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Of course, if we could obtain examples of their dinosaurs, we could reverse engineer them and make our own, with enough modifications in the DNA to evade their patents.”
“Can we obtain examples of their dinosaurs?”
Dodgson paused. “I believe we can, yes.”
Somebody cleared his throat. “There wouldn’t be anything illegal about it.…”
“Oh no,” Dodgson said quickly. “Nothing illegal. I’m talking about a legitimate source of their DNA. A disgruntled employee, or some trash improperly disposed of, something like that.”
Related Themes:
Seventh Iteration: Approaching Dark
Explanation and Analysis—In Charge:
In Seventh Iteration: Approaching Dark, the Costa Rican guards arrive to evacuate the remaining humans before bombing the island. When one of the officers asks Grant if he is in charge, his response is a metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Grant sat back in his seat. He thought of the dinosaurs standing on the beach, and he wondered where they would migrate if they could, and he realized he would never know, and he felt sad and relieved in the same moment.
The officer came forward again, bending close to his face. “Are you in charge?”
“No,” Grant said.
“Please, señor, who is in charge?”
“Nobody,” Grant said.
Related Themes:
