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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
Key Examples in Le Morte d’Arthur
Book 5
Explanation and Analysis—Christian Salvation:
The book uses Christian conversion and salvation narratives as a metaphor for English ethnic identity and belonging. For example, in Volume 1, Book 5, Chapter 10, Priamus injures Gawaine with a magically enhanced weapon, then promises to heal him if only Gawaine will "christen" him:
‘That may I do,’ said the knight, ‘if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, that I may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thy manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul.’
Related Themes:
Book 12
Explanation and Analysis—Christian Salvation:
The book uses Christian conversion and salvation narratives as a metaphor for English ethnic identity and belonging. For example, in Volume 1, Book 5, Chapter 10, Priamus injures Gawaine with a magically enhanced weapon, then promises to heal him if only Gawaine will "christen" him:
Unlock with LitCharts A+‘That may I do,’ said the knight, ‘if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, that I may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thy manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul.’
Related Themes:
Book 14
Explanation and Analysis—Sangreal Prophecy:
In Volume 2, Book 14, Chapter 2, the Queen of the Waste Lands tells Percivale about how Merlin made the Round Table and informed the men about the future of the Grail quest. Merlin's prophecy reportedly involved a great deal of figurative language, including a metaphor and a pair of similes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And men asked him how men might know them that should best do and to achieve the Sangrail. Then he said there should be three white bulls that should achieve it, and the two should be maidens, and the third should be chaste. And that one of the three should pass his father as much as the lion passeth the leopard, both of strength and hardiness.
Related Themes:
Book 17
Explanation and Analysis—Ship of Faith:
In Volume 2, Book 17, Chapter 2, Galahad, Sir Bors, Percivale, and a woman who turns out to be Percivale's sister all find an empty ship. Letters they find at the back of the ship use a metaphor to personify the concept of faith:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Thou man, which shall enter into this ship, beware thou be in steadfast belief, for I am Faith, and therefore beware how thou enterest, for and thou fail I shall not help thee.
Related Themes:
Book 20
Explanation and Analysis—Arthur's Burning Anger:
In Volume 2, Book 20, Chapter 5, Launcelot explains to several of his supporters that he has accidentally killed Agravaine and at least 12 other knights. He uses a metaphor to describe the dire circumstances they are all in:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...]these knights were sent and ordained by King Arthur to betray me. And therefore the king will in this heat and malice judge the queen to the fire, and that may not I suffer, that she should be burnt for my sake [...]
Related Themes:
