Previous
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
Act 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Stamped Metal:
When invited by Duke Vincentio to assume leadership of Vienna during his feigned absence, Angelo metaphorically compares himself as a lump of metal being shaped into the form of a coin:
Now, good my lord,
Let there be some more test made of my metal,
Before so noble and so great a figure
Be stamp'd upon it.
Act 1, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Feel the Spur:
Claudio uses a metaphor to explain the policies of the new leader of Vienna, Angelo, to his acquaintance Lucio:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And the new deputy now for the Duke—
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness,
Or whether that the body public be
A horse whereon the governor doth ride,
Who, newly in the seat, that it may know
He can command, lets it straight feel the spur
Related Themes:
Act 1, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Snow-Broth:
Lucio uses a series of closely related metaphors to describe the unsympathetic nature of Vienna’s new leader, Angelo:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Upon his place,
And with full line of his authority,
Governs Lord Angelo, a man whose blood
Is very snow-broth; one who never feels
The wanton stings and motions of the sense,
But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge
With profits of the mind: study and fast.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—A Scarecrow of the Law:
Rejecting pleas to offer clemency to Claudio, Angelo uses a metaphor that compares a lenient state to a “scarecrow”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We must not make a scarecrow of the law,
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
And let it keep one shape till custom make it
Their perch and not their terror.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Mercy as a Bawd:
Outraged at her brother’s request that she save his life by yielding to Angelo’s demands, Isabella uses a metaphor that compares mercy to a “bawd” or pimp:
Unlock with LitCharts A+O, fie, fie, fie!
Thy sin’s not accidental, but a trade.
Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd.
’Tis best that thou diest quickly.
Related Themes:
